International Psychiatrists - New Zealand roles

Psychiatrists are in high demand across New Zealand, serving a multicultural population with diverse mental health needs. At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join multidisciplinary teams delivering high-quality psychiatric care, making a real difference in the lives of patients and their families.

About the role

Psychiatrists in New Zealand provide specialist assessment, diagnosis, and management across a wide range of mental health conditions. You'll work in collaborative environments, supported by multidisciplinary teams, with opportunities to develop your skills, take leadership roles, and contribute to service improvement.

Opportunities across Health New Zealand

Clinical roles for Psychiatrists include:

• Addiction Psychiatry
• Adult Psychiatry
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Consultation-liaison Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Psychiatry of old age
• Psychotherapies

Depending on location, you may also participate in teaching, supervision, research, quality improvement initiatives, and service development projects.

What it's like to work here

Psychiatrists are respected clinical leaders working alongside nurses, allied health professionals, and other specialists in hospitals and community mental health services. You'll benefit from:

• Supportive, multidisciplinary teams
• Opportunities to teach, mentor, and contribute to research
• Protected non-clinical time and flexible work options
• Engagement in service development and quality improvement initiatives

Call New Zealand home

Health New Zealand can support you and your whānau with relocation advice through the Health Immigration Service. Psychiatrists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa and allowing residency applications before arrival.

New Zealand offers safe, welcoming communities, vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and a high standard of living. Families benefit from free public schooling and access to public healthcare.

Competitive Remuneration and Benefits:

• The average salary for Psychiatrists in New Zealand is NZD $343,500 (comprised of base salary based on experience, plus allowances, and superannuation per the ASMS collective agreement).

• supplemented by a $16,000 annual CME allowance,

• 6 weeks of annual leave,

• 12 public holidays, paid T1.5 + time in lieu if worked,

• generous discretionary sick leave,

• 14 weeks paid parental leave alongside the government's 26-weeks,

• and a fully paid 3-month sabbatical every 6 years.

Please note that actual packages are negotiated to reflect your specific clinical specialty, experience level, and geographic location.

What you need to work here

To practise as a Psychiatrist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate. You will typically require an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) or equivalent and meet MCNZ requirements for vocational registration.

International Psychiatrists with approved qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and Australia can apply for fast-track Medical Council registration, often processed within 20 working days, allowing you to start working in Aotearoa sooner.

Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Te Whatu Ora means “the weaving of wellness.” We are building a unified health system delivering equitable, high-quality care across New Zealand. Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all people—including Māori, Pacific Peoples, ethnic communities, disabled people, and the Rainbow community.

Our values are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our commitment to health equity for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Ready to make a difference?

Our international recruitment team can support you through application, registration, and immigration processes—and help you find the right place to work in New Zealand.

Apply now—and make a difference somewhere different.