The Ultimate Guide to Working in New Zealand as a Junior Doctor 🇳🇿
Messly's mission is to help doctors like you enjoy a happy and rewarding medical career.
If you're considering moving to New Zealand, whether you're an experienced doctor looking for a break from the NHS, or an F3 looking to have an amazing 'working holiday', you might be daunted by the many decisions you'll have to take along the way.
We've put together a comprehensive set of detailed guides to living and working as a doctor in New Zealand, to help make your move Down Under as easy as possible. This includes everything from researching and planning the move, finding work, settling into a new work environment, where to live, how to succeed long-term, and much more!
Start Here
❓ Is NZ right for me and my career?
This article will help you make the crucial initial decision of whether a move to Australia is right for you, looking at both the professional and personal areas you should consider.
🤔 Your F3 Year in New Zealand
Moving abroad as a junior doctor can be scary, so knowing what to expect before you make the move is really important. Here, we’ll take a closer look at New Zealand to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your F3 year abroad.
🩺 Understanding the Kiwi Healthcare System (Coming Soon)
Here we provide a breakdown of all the various healthcare bodies in New Zealand compared to the UK, to help you understand how the system works down under, including the state-based healthcare systems, public vs private systems, rural vs city-based, and more.
🤔 Understanding Your Options
🌊 Life of an F3 Doctor in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Discover the beauty of Bay of Plenty in this in-depth guide of things you can get up to on your days off!
🏔 Life of an F3 Doctor in Canterbury, New Zealand
Considering working in Canterbury? Beware — this guide will definitely convince you to!
🌤 Life of an F3 Doctor in Dunedin, New Zealand
Dunedin, New Zealand is waiting for you! See why Dunedin should be your next adventure in this ultimate living guide.
🐑 Life of an F3 Doctor in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Enjoy an almost Mediterranean lifestyle in the lovely area of Hawkes Bay — see why you should work here!
🍷 Life of an F3 Doctor in Napier, New Zealand
Live a life of class and adventure in the picturesque area of Napier. Discover all its good things here!
⛵️ Life of an F3 Doctor in Otago, New Zealand
Learn why the most diverse region in New Zealand should be your next F3 adventure!
🌃 Life of an F3 Doctor in Wellington, New Zealand
If the city life is calling you, then Wellington, New Zealand may become your new home!
🦋 Life of an F3 Doctor in Waikato, New Zealand
Calling all nature-lovers! Waikato, New Zealand is the place for your next F3 adventure! Talk about a work/life balance!
🏄 Life of an F3 Doctor in Northland, New Zealand
If you're in need of a little rest and relaxation, Northland is the place to find your zen again.
⛰️ Life of an F3 Doctor in Palmerston North, New Zealand
Looking for a relaxed city life? Palmerston North is the perfect choice! The Manawatū region offers an ideal balance between vibrant city life with great cycleways, gorgeous parks and river pathways on your doorstep!
🏞️ Life of an F3 Doctor in Christchurch, New Zealand
Looking for a city lifestyle where you won't get lost in the chaos? Christchurch offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, a thriving economy, and a welcoming and friendly community.
📆 Timelines (Coming Soon)
The key milestones in the New Zealand training year, helping you decide when is best to move and when to start looking for jobs.
📝 How to Apply for Jobs in New Zealand (Coming Soon)
How to apply for jobs, whether to use an agency or not, tips on getting your CV in shape and how to prepare for interviews.
🏥 Getting Ready to Start Work in New Zealand
🩺 How to Get Your License to Practise Medicine in New Zealand
Before you land in New Zealand, make sure you have your license! Find out how to do that right here.
🏡 Getting Ready to Live in New Zealand (Coming Soon)
We’ll help you prepare to get your finances in order, including savings, expenses for relocation, setting up an Australian bank account, and all the other things you’ll need to consider before you arrive in New Zealand.
👩⚕️ Our Guide to Working Life in New Zealand (Coming Soon)
This article will cover everything from your pay and taxes, rotas in your new hospital, annual leave, study leave, and much more, so you’re well prepared before you arrive.
👍 Building a Long-Term Career in New Zealand (Coming Soon)
Whether you already know you want to stay for good, or you simply fall in love with the place when you get there and decide not to leave, we’ll provide guidance to help you build a successful long-term career in New Zealand with an aim of permanent residency.
🎤 Doctor Interviews
💬 F3 in New Zealand with Dr. Ed Matthews
Catch up with Ed Matthews as he gives us the inside scoop on what it's like to work and live in Greymouth, New Zealand!
💬 My Journey into Emergency Medicine Training with Dr. Fionnghaile Nixon
Dr. Nixon discusses her decision to go into training in New Zealand, and offers some valuable advice for any young doctors looking to follow a similar path!
💬 F3 in New Zealand with Dr. David Hughes
David shares his experiences moving from the UK to practice medicine in New Zealand, discusses the similarities and differences between the two healthcare systems, and offers his advice for young doctors looking to follow a similar path!
💬 Working in Urgent Care with Dr. Liam Atkins
Thinking of working in Urgent Care in New Zealand? Dr. Atkins shares his experience while working in Auckland!
👉 Facebook Groups
🙏 British Doctors in Australia
🙏 F3 in Australia and New Zealand
🏆 Other
👉 Glossary
👉 Tips and tricks
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