With a more affordable cost of living and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, Tairāwhiti Gisborne offers the ideal setting for those seeking a balance between work and life.
Enjoy a strong sense of community and easy access to beaches, rivers, and walking trails, all without the pressure of a major city.
Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the region is renowned for its natural beauty, sunny climate, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a place where you can slow down, reconnect with what matters, and thrive in both your career and your lifestyle.
Life here is slower-paced, grounded, and full of heart, offering space to grow, contribute and feel at home. Rediscover the reason you chose medicine, where your work has a visible impact, and your contribution is deeply valued.
Life here is slower-paced, grounded, and full of heart, offering space to grow, contribute and feel at home. Rediscover the reason you chose medicine, where your work has a visible impact, and your contribution is deeply valued.
Working in Tairāwhiti Gisborne is more than a clinical role — it’s a chance to practise with purpose in a region where relationships, equity, and cultural understanding are central to care.
With strong iwi partnerships and a deep commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, health professionals here work across diverse settings, from rural communities to urban clinics, supported by collaborative, close-knit teams.
Services span acute and elective care, mental health, maternity, community outreach, and surgical specialties, all delivered with a strong focus on equity, cultural safety, and family-centred practice.
You will be part of a workforce that values connection and contribution, with the added benefit of a lifestyle that allows you time, space, and balance beyond the hospital walls.
This is the main hospital for the region, and a secondary-referal hospital. It provides emergency and inpatient care, maternity services, surgery, outpatient clinics, and a range of community health services.
Positioned alongside Gisborne Hospital, this inpatient unit provides adult mental health and addiction services. It plays a key role in the district and works closely with community providers.
There is a network of rural health clinics in Ruatoria, Te Puia Springs and Tolaga Bay, providing local access to primary and some secondary care, with referrals made to Gisborne Hospital when needed.
Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island Tairāwhiti Gisborne is a coastal city of approximately 50,000 residents, with around 56% of Māori descent. The main hospital in the region is in Gisborne, and local clinics and services support rural towns like Tolaga Bay, Ruatoria, and Te Puia Springs.
Gisborne is the largest centre in the Tairāwhiti region. It is a coastal city known for its relaxed pace, sunny climate, and friendly local atmosphere. The city offers a wide range of schooling options, healthcare facilities, and essential services to support residents. Gisborne is known for its surf beaches, rivers, cycle trails, and surrounding vineyards, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The city is served by a regional airport and is well connected by highway to the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay regions.
Ruatoria is a small rural town located approximately 2.5 hours north of Gisborne. It offers a quiet, slower-paced lifestyle within a close-knit community that has a strong local identity. The town includes local schools, a public library, and community health services. Ruatoria is surrounded by rugged landscapes, rivers, and scenic backcountry areas, ideal for exploring and outdoor recreation. It is accessed via State Highway 35 and, while remote, remains connected to Gisborne and neighbouring settlements.
Tolaga Bay is a coastal town located about 45 minutes north of Gisborne. The town is known for its relaxed seaside atmosphere and an active, engaged local community. Tolaga Bay is home to Uawa School and has local medical services, including a general practice clinic. It features the historic Tolaga Bay Wharf, sandy beaches, and several scenic walking tracks. The town is easily accessible by road and is close enough for regular travel to and from Gisborne.
Te Puia Springs is a small township situated about 2 hours northeast of Gisborne along State Highway 35. It offers rural, peaceful living with access to essential services. The area includes a local primary school and is home to Te Puia Springs Hospital, which provides inpatient care, aged care, and general medical services. Te Puia Springs is known for its natural hot springs and proximity to the scenic East Coast landscapes. The township is connected via SH35 and is primarily accessed by private vehicle, with limited public transport options.
