• Permanent, full-time position
• Opportunity to work across different Whakatāne mental health services
• Opportunity to make a difference

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the role

Health New Zealand – Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty has an exciting and rare opportunity for a consultant psychiatrist to work in the beautiful Eastern Bay of Plenty.

In this role, you will be working within the community mental health and addictions multidisciplinary clinical team, the acute inpatient unit at Whakatāne Hospital, and with NGO and primary care providers. You will be part of a team of three senior medical officers supporting two registrars and a house officer, caring for a diverse population.

You will also work with our Whakatāne and Tauranga clinicians in several cross-district service relationships that include addiction services and mental health services for older people.

We are a teaching hospital with psychiatric registrar training through the Upper Central North Island (UCNI) training scheme and fifth- and sixth-year medical students through the University of Auckland.

While this is a permanent, full-time position, we are happy to consider part-time hours for the right candidate.

About you

• You need to be a vocationally registered psychiatrist with the Medical Council of New Zealand, or eligible for this
• Fellowship with RANZCP or an equivalent is essential
• A desire to work collaboratively to improve outcomes for our community, while supporting and educating others to do the same

If you like to work in a team that puts the patient at the centre, and is collaborative, creative and collegial, this could be your next role.

Applying from overseas? You can complete the self-assessment tool on the Medical Council of New Zealand website to determine which pathway to registration (as a medical practitioner in New Zealand) you might be eligible for.

About the location

Situated on the sunny eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the Bay of Plenty really is just that – offering vast golden sand beaches, bush-clad mountains, lush farmlands and more. Its pleasant climate makes the area a favourite for holidaymakers, retirees and those looking for a lifestyle outside the main cities.

The Whakatāne community is vibrant and engaged, while being close to Tauranga – New Zealand’s fastest-growing city. There is a wide range of schooling options throughout the area, and the stunning region offers New Zealand’s recently voted favourite beach, ancient forests, and breathtaking landscapes enriched with Māori culture. The Coromandel and Auckland are an easy drive away, and there is nearby access to the ski fields in winter. It’s the perfect place to explore nature-based pursuits – all while enhancing your career with a better work–life balance.

Click here to read more about living and working in Whakatāne.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities.

How to apply

To apply, please click ‘apply now’. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by Sunday, 10 August 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Katrina Hughes: BP-Careers@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.