Our Physiotherapists use techniques that help restore movement and function, working to help people regain their ability to have a quality life and maintain movement following an injury, manage pain, and manage ongoing disease. Whether this is to prevent hospital admissions or to prevent ongoing deterioration, our teams provide support to people of all ages affected by injury, illness or disability.
The health system recognises the value physiotherapy adds to health and is actively investing in developing the profession.
Being a comparatively small nation, our Physiotherapists can drive change and be at the forefront of innovation of services that influence their local communities. Digital health is just one way we support our communities.
Physiotherapists have a multi-step progression salary scale based on experience and role responsibilities.
Designated or Senior Physiotherapists, such as Clinical Leaders or Professional Advisors, may earn above this scale depending on the scope and location of the role.
Additional payments may apply for penal rates, call-backs and higher duties where relevant.
Visas and settling in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the salary and working conditions of most public sector Physiotherapists are covered by a collective agreement between Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and the Public Service Association (PSA).
You can view the full Physiotherapists’ collective agreement on the Health New Zealand website.
Employment agreements — Health NZexternal link
Some Physiotherapists may be eligible to work in expanded or advanced scopes of practice, such as:
Expanded scopes may require postgraduate study and approval from the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.
Visit Physiotherapy New Zealand for resources, networking and professional support.
Physiotherapy New Zealandexternal link
You must hold an approved qualification in physiotherapy. Common pathways include:
All Physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand to practise legally.
Applicants must submit evidence of qualifications, identification and fitness to practise. International applicants may be required to complete an assessment process, including supervised practice.
To practise as a Physiotherapist in New Zealand, you must hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC), which is renewed annually.
To maintain your APC, you must:
Physiotherapy Board of New Zealandexternal link
Physiotherapy New Zealandexternal link
Internationally qualified Physiotherapists include practitioners who hold recognised physiotherapy qualifications from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and South Africa, and:
Applicants with less than 2 years’ experience can still apply and will be individually assessed by the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. This assessment may include a period of supervised practice or additional evaluations.
Qualifications from other countries are assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if they meet New Zealand registration requirements. The Physiotherapy Board uses a standard set of criteria for this assessment. Learn more about how to register.
Physiotherapists with different or overlapping scopes of practice may be eligible to apply to work within the boundaries of their approved scope as defined by the Board.
We have pages dedicated to providing candidates with information about the recruitment process, requirements to work in New Zealand, and key details about relocating.
Visas and settling in 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.
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.
