About the role
Haematologists at Health New Zealand maintain both advanced tertiary capabilities and comprehensive general practice — a distinctive model that preserves subspecialty expertise while supporting clinical breadth.
Our centres provide care across:
- autologous stem cell transplantation
- allogeneic stem cell transplantation
- acute leukaemia and lymphoma
- haemostasis and thrombosis
- plasma exchange
- bleeding disorders
- general clinical and laboratory haematology.
You'll manage inpatient and outpatient services, contribute to multidisciplinary tumour boards, participate in active clinical trials programmes, and provide clinical supervision to trainees.
Many centres hold Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) training accreditation, integrating teaching and mentorship naturally into clinical practice.
For internationally trained haematologists, this represents a return to comprehensive medicine without the pressure to hyper-specialise.
Salary
Senior Medical Officers receive a base salary relative to their level of experience. This is agreed upon at the time of the job offer. There is a 15-step pay scale that SMOs continue to progress through on a yearly basis.
In New Zealand, the salaries and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers.
Employment agreements — Health New Zealandexternal link
Additional allowances are paid on top of base salary and vary due to location and service, and are often not specified in the collective agreement.
Allowances
There is a range of additional allowances for:
- on-call
- evening, night and weekend work
- call back
- job size
- recruitment and retention
- special contribution.
Leave
Leave entitlements include:
- 6 weeks of paid annual leave
- a minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year
- 10 days of paid continuing medical education leave (CME), plus the ability to use annual leave tacked onto the end of your CME travel
- 6 to 12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service, including 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave
- 12 paid public holidays and time in lieu or alternative holiday if rostered on
- long service leave and sabbatical opportunities.
Additional benefits
Additional benefits include:
- an annual continuing medical education (CME) allowance of NZD $16,000 (pro-rated for part-time employees)
- membership subscriptions of medical professional bodies are reimbursed by Health NZ
- your professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ
- if eligible, up to a 6% matching superannuation contribution from Health NZ as your employer
- a relocation package for international candidates.
About KiwiSaver (superannuation savings scheme)
Leadership and career development opportunities
Health NZ encourages Senior Medical Officers to be involved in the design, implementation and performance of facilities and technology involved in the delivery of healthcare services to ensure an effective, efficient and safe workplace.
Specific opportunities vary by location and service; however, they can include:
- support and encouragement for research and publications
- mentorship opportunities for apprentice Junior Doctors/Registrars
- regional and national networks allowing for subspeciality research and practice.
- ongoing development and support for career growth with on-the-job coaching and a variety of in-house training programmes.
Essential qualifications
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or equivalent international medical degree
- Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) with advanced training in Clinical and Laboratory Haematology, or equivalent international specialist qualification
Medical Council of New Zealand registration
To practice as a Haematologist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
Eligibility for registration
The Medical Council of New Zealand assesses international qualifications for comparability with New Zealand and Australian standards. Haematologists trained in countries with comparable training programmes may be eligible for streamlined registration pathways.
For detailed information about registration requirements and the application process, visit the Medical Council website
Registration — Medical Council of New Zealandexternal link
Professional requirements
Once registered, Haematologists must:
- maintain current Annual Practising Certificate
- participate in continuing professional development programmes
- meet recertification requirements as specified by RACP or equivalent college
- maintain professional indemnity insurance (covered by Health New Zealand)
- comply with the Medical Council of New Zealand professional standards.
As a Haematologist with Health New Zealand, depending on location and service, your roles and responsibilities may include:
Clinical care delivery
Haematologists in New Zealand provide comprehensive care across inpatient and outpatient settings, managing both malignant and non-malignant haematological conditions. Clinical responsibilities include conducting ward rounds and consultations, performing procedures such as bone marrow biopsies, responding to acute referrals, and providing specialist opinions to colleagues across multiple departments.
Laboratory expertise
Many roles incorporate clinical laboratory haematology, providing essential diagnostic expertise and interpretation. This dual clinical-laboratory engagement maintains the breadth of haematological practice and ensures a direct connection between diagnostic findings and patient care.
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Active participation in multidisciplinary tumour boards, departmental meetings, and regional case conferences is integral to practice. Haematologists work closely with oncologists, pathologists, nursing staff, and allied health professionals to deliver coordinated, patient-centred care.
Emergency and on-call services
Haematologists participate in equitable on-call rosters providing 24-hour coverage for acute haematology services. On-call responsibilities encompass comprehensive haematological care, including urgent consultations, emergency procedures, and telephone advice to colleagues.
Teaching and supervision
Clinical supervision and teaching of resident medical officers, registrars, and medical students form valued components of consultant practice. Many centres maintain affiliations with medical schools and serve as accredited training sites for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Fellowship programmes.
Quality assurance and service development
Participation in regular peer review, clinical audit activities, and departmental quality improvement programmes supports continuous enhancement of clinical services. Haematologists contribute to the development of clinical guidelines, protocols, and service planning initiatives.
Research and clinical trials
Opportunities exist to engage with active clinical trials programmes and conduct research aligned with organisational ethics standards. Research activities may include drug and treatment reviews, quality improvement projects, and collaborative studies with academic institutions.
Registering to work as a Senior Medical Officer in New Zealand
To work as a Senior Medical Officer in New Zealand, you will need to obtain vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
Pathways to vocational registration
Direct pathway to vocational registration
- If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) with specialist qualifications from countries with medical systems deemed equivalent to New Zealand's (such as Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada and some European countries), you may be eligible to apply directly for vocational registration without needing first to obtain general registration.
- In this pathway, MCNZ will assess your specialist qualifications, clinical experience, and the medical system where you trained. If these are deemed equivalent, you can apply directly for vocational registration in your specialty.
- This pathway allows experienced specialists to bypass general registration and the provisional general phase, which is typically required for doctors without a recognised specialist qualification.
Provisional vocational registration pathway
- If MCNZ determines that your qualifications and experience are largely equivalent but that you need some orientation or assessment within the New Zealand healthcare system, you may be granted provisional vocational registration.
- This means you will practice in your specialty under supervision for a period, typically between 6 to 12 months, before being granted full vocational registration.
- During this provisional vocational registration period, a specialist who practises in the same area of medicine as you will supervise you.
General registration pathway
- If you do not meet the criteria for direct vocational registration, you may need to obtain general registration first if your qualifications and experience are not recognised as equivalent.
- This process to gain vocational registration includes:
- a period of provisional general registration (with supervised practice) if necessary
- after obtaining general registration, you can later apply for vocational registration once you have completed any further assessments or additional supervised practice required by the MCNZ.
Self-assessment
The Medical Council of New Zealand have a self-assessment tool to help you easily determine which registration pathway you should take.
Registration self-assessment tool — Medical Council of New Zealandexternal link
Find out more about life in New Zealand
We have a page dedicated to providing information to candidates about our recruitment process, what you need to work in New Zealand and key details about moving here.
Living in New Zealand — Information for international candidates
What makes Haematology in New Zealand different?
Enhanced patient engagement
New Zealand's healthcare structure enables extended consultations and genuine continuity of care. Key differences include:
- significantly more time per patient compared to large international centres
- thorough assessment without time pressure
- meaningful involvement of patients and families/whānau in treatment decisions
- stronger therapeutic relationships that support improved outcomes.
Comprehensive scope of practice
Unlike highly subspecialised international roles, you'll maintain your complete clinical repertoire:
- manage complex tertiary cases (transplantation, acute leukaemia)
- stay engaged with general haematology and outpatient services
- contribute to laboratory medicine
- On-call responsibilities cover comprehensive haematology care, not narrow subspecialty consultation
- this breadth is particularly valued by North American-trained specialists seeking holistic clinical medicine.
Collegial clinical culture
New Zealand's haematology departments operate with collaborative, non-hierarchical structures:
- open communication and shared decision-making
- regular peer review and departmental audit activities
- quality assurance programmes within supportive environments
- clinical teaching and supervision are valued as core consultant work.
Professional development support
- you'll receive a generous CME (continuing medical education) allowance of NZD $16,000 annually (pro-rata) for courses, conferences, and professional development,
- you'll also get 10 days of CME leave per year, separate from annual leave
- and your professional costs are covered, including registration, practising certificates, RACP membership, and indemnity insurance, fully funded.
More oxygen, more space, more opportunity in New Zealand
Discover what it means to practise haematology where patient impact and quality of life go hand in hand.
Health NZ Haematologist Dr. Philip George shares how a close-knit, collegiate system supports excellent outcomes.
Add genuine work-life balance, inspiring landscapes and time for family, and it is clear why New Zealand offers real opportunities to grow your career while enjoying a life outdoors.
More oxygen, more space, more opportunity in New Zealand
Discover what it means to practise haematology where patient impact and quality of life go hand in hand.
Health NZ Haematologist Dr. Philip George shares how a close-knit, collegiate system supports excellent outcomes.
Add genuine work-life balance, inspiring landscapes and time for family, and it is clear why New Zealand offers real opportunities to grow your career while enjoying a life outdoors.
How to apply for a Haematologist role
To work with us, you must be eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
Registration pathway options differ based on where you completed your training, and this determines our application pathways.
Application pathways: where did you complete your specialist training?
Select where you trained to get started.
Our application and recruitment process
For international candidates
The process below outlines the process for applying for a role as an international candidate.
Register your interest
Choose an application pathway from the above options based on your country of study, and register your details.
Register your interest
Choose an application pathway from the above options based on your country of study, and register your details.
Review and contact
Our International Recruitment team will review your details and reach out to you for an initial conversation.
Review and contact
Our International Recruitment team will review your details and reach out to you for an initial conversation.
Referral to local teams
Our team will refer you to a recruitment team in your preferred location(s) for further assessment.
Referral to local teams
Our team will refer you to a recruitment team in your preferred location(s) for further assessment.
Progress to placement
One of our local recruitment teams will be in touch with you to continue the process of placing you in a role.
Progress to placement
One of our local recruitment teams will be in touch with you to continue the process of placing you in a role.
Next steps
Once offered a role, you will also need to apply for:
1. An immigration visa to work in New Zealand
Senior Medical Officers sit on Tier 1 of the Immigration Green List, meaning you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa. This is the fastest residency pathway, designed to settle highly skilled professionals and their families permanently from the outset.
Health NZ has a complimentary in-house immigration support service to help you with this process.
Find out more on our international candidates page
2. Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
Pathways to registration are listed by country of study below:
1. The Australasian Specialist Route (VOC1 & VOC2)
Best for: Doctors who hold a Fellowship from an Australasian College (e.g., FRACP, FRACS, RANZCP, RANZCOG).
VOC1: If you already hold NZ General registration.
VOC2: If you do not yet hold NZ General registration.
Eligibility: You must hold an approved Australasian postgraduate qualification.
Application process: Apply via the myMCNZ portal. Because your qualification is already recognised as "local," there is no "equivalence assessment" needed.
Supervision requirements: None for VOC1. For VOC2, a brief orientation or oversight period may be required if you haven't practised in NZ before, but it is typically minimal compared to other IMGs.
Benefits: You are registered as a specialist within 10–20 working days. You are eligible for the highest pay scales immediately.
Outcome: Full Vocational Registration.
2. The Australian General Registrant Route
Best for: Doctors who hold General Registration with AHPRA in Australia but do not have a specialist Fellowship.
Eligibility: Must hold full (non-provisional) General Registration with the Medical Board of Australia (Ahpra).
Application process: This is a streamlined pathway under the "Australian General Registrant" category. MCNZ typically processes these in 20 working days.
Supervision requirements: Typically 6 months of supervised practice in New Zealand to ensure familiarisation with the local health system and cultural safety (Te Tiriti o Waitangi).
Benefits: Bypasses the need for clinical exams (NZREX) or the more complex "Comparable Health System" paperwork.
Outcome: Full General Registration in New Zealand.
This is the most common route for doctors who hold a primary medical degree from the UK or Ireland and have completed their internship there.
1. The Fast-Track Specialist Route (VOC4 Pathway)
Eligibility: Must hold an approved specialist qualification (CCT/CCST) and have at least 24 months of clinical experience in that specialty within the last 5 years (including 12 months in the last 18).
Application process: Apply online via the myMCNZ portal with a job offer in hand. MCNZ typically processes these in 20 working days.
Supervision requirements: You will work under a Provisional Vocational scope. Supervision usually involves an orientation to the NZ system and 6–12 months of peer oversight.
Benefits: Rapid recognition of your consultant status; eligibility for senior medical officer (SMO) pay scales from day one.
Outcome: Full Vocational Registration as a specialist.
2. The 6-Month General Route (Competent Authority Pathway)
Eligibility: UK/Irish primary degree and completion of a recognised internship (Foundation Year 1 or equivalent).
Application process: Online application via myMCNZ. Requires EPIC verification of your degree and internship.
Supervision requirements: 6 months of full-time equivalent (FTE) supervised practice with two satisfactory reports.
Benefits: The fastest way to gain general registration; lower initial fees and reduced administrative burden compared to specialist pathways.
Outcome: Full General Registration (unlimited scope).
This is the standardised pathway for doctors from 29 recognised countries:
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands
Americas: Canada, Chile and the United States of America.
Asia: Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
1. The 12-Month General Route
Eligibility: Must have worked in a recognised comparable health system for at least 33 out of the last 48 months prior to applying.
Application process: Secure a job offer from Health New Zealand first. We can then support you with the application process.
Supervision requirements: 12 months of FTE supervised practice. You must submit three satisfactory supervision reports during this period.
Benefits: Provides a structured entry into the NZ health system for those without UK/Irish specific credentials.
Outcome: Full General Registration upon completion.
2. Standard Vocational Assessment (VOC3 Pathway)
Eligibility: For specialists whose qualifications are not on the "Fast-Track" list but are from comparable systems.
Application process: Your training and experience are assessed by the relevant NZ Specialist College. This is a detailed review that can take 3–4 months.
Supervision requirements: Usually 12 to 18 months of practice under a Provisional Vocational scope with regular college-specific reports.
Benefits: Allows for eventual full specialist recognition for those with high-level international training.
Outcome: Full Vocational Registration in your specialty.
If you did not train in a recognised comparable system, your path depends on whether you have a postgraduate specialist qualification that can be assessed for equivalency.
1. The Specialist Assessment Route (VOC3)
Best for: Experienced specialists from any country (e.g., India, Pakistan, Egypt, Philippines, Brazil) who hold a postgraduate qualification.
Eligibility: You must hold a primary medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and a postgraduate specialist qualification awarded after a formal training program.
Application process: This is a "paper-based" assessment. Your entire training history, exams, and logbooks are sent to the relevant New Zealand Specialist College (e.g., RACP for physicians) to determine if your training is "equivalent to" or "as satisfactory as" the New Zealand standard.
Supervision Requirements: If approved, you are granted Provisional Vocational registration. You must complete 12 to 18 months of supervised practice and may need to pass a Vocational Practice Assessment (VPA)—a one-day workplace clinical assessment.
Benefits: This allows you to avoid retraining from scratch and recognises your senior status.
Outcome: Full Vocational Registration as a specialist.
2. The NZREX Clinical Examination Route
Best for: Doctors without a recognised specialist qualification or those not eligible for any other pathway.
Eligibility: You must first pass a prerequisite exam (such as PLAB 1, AMC MCQ, USMLE Step 1 & 2, or MCCQE Part I) within the last five years and meet English language requirements (OET/IELTS).
Application process: You must sit and pass the NZREX Clinical, a high-stakes OSCE-style exam held in New Zealand. After passing, you must secure a PGY1 (intern) or PGY2 position.
Supervision requirements: You will work in a Provisional General scope for 12 months, typically at the intern/resident level, regardless of your previous seniority.
Benefits: This provides a "fresh start" and a guaranteed path to General registration for those who do not fit into the streamlined "comparable" categories.
Outcome: Full General Registration after 12 months of successful hospital-based practice.
Webinar: Registration for SMOs
Watch the webinar for Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) on emigrating to New Zealand to live and work.
Our Health Immigration Service, Immigration New Zealand, and the Medical Council of New Zealand ran this webinar to take you through the different steps towards starting a new adventure in New Zealand.
Learn more about moving to our beautiful country, directly from the people who process your applications.
Explore New Zealand
Whether you prefer the vibrant urban centres of Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, the scenic landscapes of Otago and Nelson, or the close-knit community atmosphere in areas like Hawke's Bay and Taranaki, there’s a location to suit your lifestyle.
Explore New Zealand
Whether you prefer the vibrant urban centres of Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, the scenic landscapes of Otago and Nelson, or the close-knit community atmosphere in areas like Hawke's Bay and Taranaki, there’s a location to suit your lifestyle.