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Resident Medical Officers
Ready to take the next step in your medical career?
Whether you're a House Officer, Senior House Officer, Registrar or Fellow, you'll gain hands-on experience, expert supervision, and access to accredited training pathways — while living in one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world.
Start your journey with us and discover what it's like to make a real impact, grow your skills, and find balance in a role designed to support your future in medicine.
RMOs benefit from protected teaching time and the chance to work directly under the supervision of experienced senior clinicians. You’ll actively participate in patient care, surgeries, and medical procedures while developing core clinical skills. This hands-on approach ensures you’re learning in real-time while contributing meaningfully to the healthcare team.
Career progression and accredited training
RMO roles are an essential stepping stone for doctors aiming to specialise. You'll work in accredited training sites, gain exposure to a range of clinical situations, and meet the requirements needed for advanced training programmes and specialties. This is a career-building environment designed to support your long-term goals.
Professional support, mentorship and ongoing education
Throughout your time as an RMO, you’ll be supported by senior doctors and healthcare professionals offering guidance and mentorship. You’ll also have access to continuing medical education (CME), conferences, and other professional development activities aligned with your training pathway, helping you grow your knowledge and stay current with best practice.
Discover diverse clinical exposure
Unique exposure to clinical and cultural settings, with the opportunity to gain experience working in different departments and with a diverse patient base and population. A variety of clinical presentations and pathologies will build valuable clinical skills, crucial for career progression and specialisation.
Meaningful impact on patients
As an RMO, you are often the first point of contact for patients in our hospitals. From the start, you play a crucial role in delivering care and improving health outcomes, making a real difference in people’s lives from early in your career.
Bay of Islands, Northland
Adventure HQ
Discover a fresh take on balance
RMO roles offer competitive salaries, benefits, and structured working hours that allow you to balance income with valuable experience.
While shift patterns and intensity vary by location and service, rosters are designed to ensure you are safe, rested, and able to make the most of life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Discover a fresh take on balance
RMO roles offer competitive salaries, benefits, and structured working hours that allow you to balance income with valuable experience.
While shift patterns and intensity vary by location and service, rosters are designed to ensure you are safe, rested, and able to make the most of life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
About the role
Being a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in New Zealand provides an opportunity to work, train, and live in a beautiful location where you can explore the country and do what you love.
RMOs are paid according to their level of experience and responsibilities.
Salaries range between NZD$70,000 and NZD$145,000 depending on your year of work, for example PGY1 to Registrar, roster pattern and allowances.
Higher salary steps apply for:
registrars
night shifts
weekends
rostered duties.
RMOs also receive additional payments for working in after-hours or acute rosters.
Allowances
Rostered after-hours and weekend allowances.
Penal rates for night shifts and public holidays.
Higher duties allowance — if acting in a more senior role.
Meal and travel allowances where applicable.
Relocation support may be offered for some roles.
Leave
5 weeks of paid annual leave per year.
12 paid public holidays per year — plus time in lieu if rostered on.
Minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per year.
Paid and unpaid parental leave in line with national legislation and MECA entitlements.
Access to study leave, exam leave and training-related leave for eligible RMOs.
Additional benefits
Professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ.
Access to continuing medical education, supervision and career development.
New Zealand-based relocation support and immigration advice for international applicants.
Superannuation contributions of at least 6% if eligible.
To work as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in New Zealand, certain qualifications and experience are required. These requirements ensure that doctors are well-prepared for their roles in New Zealand’s healthcare system.
Required qualifications
You must hold a recognised medical degree from an accredited medical school, either from New Zealand or overseas. Medical degrees from the UK, Australia, Canada, and Ireland are typically recognised.
General or provisional registration
You must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). There are several pathways for registration depending on where you obtained your medical qualifications.
General Scope of Practice — For those who have completed an internship (equivalent to PGY1) and meet MCNZ’s competency requirements.
Provisional General Registration — For those who have completed their medical degree but are required to undergo a year of supervised practice in New Zealand.
English language proficiency
Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate English proficiency by achieving specific scores in English language tests such as the IELTS or OET.
Internship completion (PGY1)
If applying for an RMO position as a House Officer (PGY2 or above), completion of an internship or its equivalent is essential. This ensures competency in basic clinical skills and experience in multiple specialties.
Required experience
Clinical experience — RMOs, especially those applying for positions as registrars, are expected to have prior clinical experience in a hospital setting. At least 1 to 2 years of post-graduation clinical experience is often necessary.
Specialty experience (Registrars) — For those applying for registrar roles, experience in the relevant specialty is required. This often includes having worked as a Senior House Officer or having completed rotations in that specialty.
Professional development and training — RMOs are encouraged to engage in continuous professional development and training. Many RMOs may also be in the process of completing or preparing for advanced postgraduate qualifications, such as a Fellowship or Specialist College exams.
These qualifications and experiences ensure that RMOs are equipped to provide quality care and are prepared for the demands of New Zealand’s health system.
For specific registration pathways and requirements, you can consult the Medical Council of New Zealand or use the Registration Self-Assessment Tool (MCNZ).
Pathways for registration to practise medicine in New Zealand
If you are an overseas-trained doctor, you will need to check your eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) to practise medicine here.
Under the General Scope of Practice, there are 3 eligible pathways
The New Zealand and Australian Graduates' Pathways.
The Competent Pathway, applicable to countries such as the UK and Ireland.
The Comparable Health System Pathway.
The registration process is unique to every applicant, so we encourage you to visit the MCNZ website to learn about the registration pathways available to you.
Requirements for International Doctors wanting to work in New Zealand
International doctors wanting to work in New Zealand must pass the NZREX Clinical exam, which is administered by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
The NZREX Clinical exam tests both clinical skills and medical knowledge and covers:
communication
professionalism
cultural safety
history taking
physical examination
investigations and clinical reasoning
management.
Apply for a Resident Medical Officer role
These positions are available to apply for anytime, without a fixed start date.
Each district offers different experiences for Resident Medical Officers, with a range of runs, unique facilities and opportunities for development and education. Explore your options below.
Whangārei Hospital is a 309-bed general hospital offering a full range of secondary care. Small team sizes allow RMOs the opportunity to do procedures and manage complex cases, such as rheumatic fever, tuberculosis, and meningococcal disease. Most consultants are generalists, providing a wide range of clinical exposure.
Great training
We provide twice-weekly House Officer education sessions, including radiology. Training is hands-on and well-supervised. We have close links with Auckland City Hospital and other tertiary centres for specialist outreach clinics and educational support. College-accredited Registrar training roles are available in most specialties.
Friendly working conditions
Our environment is friendly and supportive, with strong camaraderie among RMOs. You will work closely with supervising Consultants and Registrars and be well-supported throughout your training.
Wonderful facilities
Enjoy our RMO lounge, equipped with two PCs, internet access, TV, and study resources.
Additional staff benefits include:
2 large secure staff car parks
free on-site 20-metre outdoor pool
free on-site staff gym
2 on-site cafeterias
staff discounts at participating businesses
an experienced recruitment team to assist with registration
affordable rental accommodation and coastal lifestyle options within 20 to 40 minutes of the hospital
a large, modern staff library with extensive print and digital resources, including e-journals, textbooks, and databases such as UpToDate, Ovid Medline
24-hour library access with quiet and group study rooms, PCs, and printing and scanning facilities.
Auckland City Hospital is a major tertiary referral centre offering a wide range of specialties, including complex surgical and medical services. Affiliated with the University of Auckland.
Greenlane Clinical Centre
Greenlane Clinical Centre is a centre for outpatient services and day stay surgery, located in Epsom.
Starship Children's Hospital
Starship Children's Hospital is a specialist children's hospital treating ~100,000 children annually with complex conditions. Connected to Auckland City Hospital.
RMO specialties
Anaesthesia
Cardiology
CTSU
Dermatology
Emergency medicine
Endocrinology and diabetes
Gastroenterology
General medicine
General surgery
Geriatrics
Haematology
Hepatology
Immunology
Infectious disease
Intensive care medicine
Medical administration (RACMA)
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Obstetric medicine
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Oral health
ORL
Orthopaedics
Palliative care
Pathology
Psychiatry
Public health
Radiation oncology
Radiology
Rehabilitation medicine
Renal
Respiratory and sleep medicine
Rheumatology
Sexual health
Vascular surgery
Paediatric RMO specialties
Child liaison psychiatry
Children's emergency
Clinical genetics
General paediatrics
Outpatient clinics
Paediatric cardiology
Paediatric dermatology
Paediatric endocrinology
Paediatric gastroenterology
Paediatric immunology/infectious diseases
Paediatric intensive care unit (PICU)
Paediatric neurology
Paediatric oncology/haematology
Paediatric rehabilitation
Paediatric renal
Paediatric respiratory
Contact
Visit Auckland Doctors for all contact information.
Hospitals in Auckland (North and West) — Waitematā
North Shore Hospital
North Shore Hospital is a 663-bed secondary and sub-specialty hospital in Takapuna, offering wide RMO exposure in general medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, and geriatrics.
Waitakere Hospital
Waitakere Hospital is a 159-bed secondary hospital in Henderson providing acute and elective services including paediatrics, rehab, ED, and maternity care.
Community Mental Health Services
Regional mental health services offering acute assessments, short-term treatment, and specialised care in the northern and western Auckland region.
RMO specialties
Anaesthesia
Cardiology
Emergency medicine
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
General medicine
General surgery
Geriatrics
Haematology
Immunology
Intensive care medicine
Medical administration (RACMA)
Neurology
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Orthopaedics
ORL
Paediatrics
Palliative care
Pathology
Psychiatry
Public health
Radiology
Renal
Respiratory
Rheumatology
Contact
Visit Auckland Doctors for all contact information.
Middlemore Hospital in Ōtāhuhu, Auckland is a major tertiary hospital with approximately 800 beds. It serves as the primary training site for RMOs in the region, offering a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services, including emergency, maternity, mental health, oncology, and specialist outpatient services.
Manukau Surgery Centre
Manukau Surgery Centre provides day surgery services and elective and acute arranged surgery for patients. It has 10 operating theatres, 2 procedure rooms, and 78 inpatient beds. RMOs may rotate here for surgical experience.
Kidz First Children's Hospital
Kidz First Children's Hospital offers medical care, developmental, emotional, and social support for children, young people, and their families. RMOs interested in paediatrics can gain valuable experience here.
Manukau SuperClinic and Botany SuperClinic
Manukau SuperClinic and Botany SuperClinic provide specialist outpatient appointments and day procedures across various modules, including orthopaedics, anaesthetics, ENT, paediatrics, ophthalmology, neurology, general medicine, oncology, and women's health. RMOs may have outpatient rotations in these facilities.
Tiaho Mai
Tiaho Mai offers residential care supporting people with mental health problems during a crisis. RMOs in psychiatry rotations may be placed here.
Birthing and Maternity Services
Birthing and Maternity Services provide birthing facilities, pregnancy education classes, antenatal care, outpatient care and postnatal care. RMOs in obstetrics and gynaecology rotations will gain experience in these services.
RMO specialties
Anaesthesia
Cardiology
Dermatology
Emergency medicine
Endocrinology and diabetes
Gastroenterology
General medicine
General surgery
Geriatrics
Haematology
Immunology
Infectious disease
Intensive care medicine
Medical administration (RACMA)
Neurology
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Ophthalmology
ORL
Orthopaedics
Paediatrics and NICU
Palliative care
Pathology
Plastics
Psychiatry
Public health
Radiology
Rehabilitation medicine
Renal
Respiratory and sleep medicine
Rheumatology
Contact
Visit Auckland Doctors for all contact information.
Waikato Hospital is a major tertiary hospital with over 700 beds, providing a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services. It serves as the primary training site for RMOs in Waikato.
Thames Hospital
Thames Hospital is a 30-bed secondary hospital offering general medical, surgical, maternity, and emergency care services. RMOs may rotate to Thames Hospital for various specialties.
Hands-on learning — get involved from day one. This is not a place where you will just observe.
Supportive teaching — excellent formal teaching and mentorship from approachable senior staff.
Diverse clinical exposure — wide variety of clinical runs with a strong emphasis on Māori health and serving a multicultural community.
Enjoy the perks
Modern facilities with a short, stress-free commute.
Free parking and secure bike storage.
Grand Rounds held every Friday to keep you connected and learning.
RMO lounge to relax or connect with colleagues through our active social club.
Full support from our dedicated medical management unit (MMU) — we are with you every step of the way.
Hospitals in Rotorua and Taupō
Rotorua Hospital
Rotorua Hospital is a truly unique regional training hub nestled in the heart of the Central North Island. Here, world-class medical learning meets an unforgettable lifestyle. It is a 233-bed secondary hospital providing a wide range of medical and surgical services, including emergency, maternity, mental health, oncology, and specialist outpatient services. It serves as the primary training site for RMOs in the region.
Taupō Hospital
Nestled on the shores of the stunning Lake Taupō, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and endless adventure, Taupō Hospital offers a rare blend of professional fulfilment and lifestyle bliss. Here is why our team loves it here — and why you will too: whether you are early in your training or looking to broaden your skills in a rural setting, Taupō Hospital offers a truly unique learning environment where your contributions have a real impact.
Work in a supportive, close-knit hospital
Feel valued — as a smaller rural hospital, you will be a vital part of the team.
Broaden your skills — with varied presentations and a hands-on environment, you will gain exceptional rural generalist experience.
Strong team spirit — our culture is warm, collegial, and inclusive. Everyone knows your name and has your back.
Great teaching — you will have access to structured learning, ongoing professional development, and guidance from experienced clinicians.
Taupō life — work and wellness
Here, you can have both a rewarding medical career and an incredible life outside of work. Whether you are into trail running, mountain biking, photography, or just a good coffee with a view, Taupō is the perfect base.
We are currently seeking passionate and adventurous clinicians for the following positions:
Tauranga Hospital is a 349-bed regional hospital providing a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services, including emergency, maternity, mental health, oncology, and specialist outpatient services. It serves as the primary training site for RMOs in the region.
House Officer rotations
Cardiology and oncology
Emergency
ENT/dental
General medicine
General surgery
Health in aging
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedics
Paediatrics
Psychiatry
Relief
Urology
Whakatāne Hospital
Whakatāne is a 110-bed facility offering inpatient, outpatient, and community-based services. Some RMOs may rotate to Whakatāne depending on their specialty and training pathway.
House Officer rotations
Emergency – accredited for rural medicine trainees
General medicine
General surgery
Obstetrics and gynaecology – accredited for rural medicine trainees
Orthopaedics
Paediatrics – accredited for rural medicine trainees
Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth is the largest hospital in the region, providing a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services, including emergency, maternity, mental health, oncology, and specialist outpatient services. It serves as the primary training site for RMOs in the region.
Hāwera Hospital
Hāwera Hospital offers inpatient beds with private en-suites, 4 maternity beds, a fully equipped birthing room, and a 24-hour emergency department. It also provides outpatient and community services, including mental health, district, allied health, and public health services.
MidCentral District offers excellent training and non-training opportunities for house officers, senior house officers, and registrars across a wide range of specialty services. Each run includes dedicated SMO support to maximise learning opportunities, with plenty of hands-on clinical experience.
Teaching is a priority at every level, with regular departmental and general education sessions including intern teaching, Medicine Grand Rounds, and surgical meetings. As a medium-sized hospital on a compact campus, RMOs quickly get to know colleagues across departments and describe the environment as highly collegial.
Hospitals in the region
Palmerston North Hospital
Palmerston North Hospital has 354 beds. It offers most clinical services, except neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and plastics. It also hosts the regional cancer treatment service for Manawatū-Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay, and Taranaki.
Levin and Dannevirke have smaller hospitals that do not currently employ RMOs.
RMO specialties available
We have training and non-training positions across the following clinical areas:
Anaesthesia
Emergency medicine
Intensive care medicine
Internal medicine and subspecialties — this includes advanced training in general medicine, respiratory, cardiology, gastroenterology, geriatric medicine, medical oncology, haematology, and palliative care
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Paediatrics
Psychiatry
Radiation oncology
Radiology
Surgical specialties — general surgery, ENT (otorhinolaryngology), ophthalmology, orthopaedic surgery and urology.
Whanganui is a unique and vibrant part of New Zealand, known for its natural beauty, rich history, and thriving arts scene. With affordable housing, low living costs, and a strong sense of community, it is a great place to live, train, and work.
Whanganui Hospital has 138 beds and offers a range of RMO specialties. We support a healthy work-life balance and pride ourselves on providing hands-on clinical exposure in a smaller, supportive team environment. RMOs benefit from close supervision and excellent access to senior medical staff, making Whanganui an ideal place to begin or continue your medical career.
You will gain broad clinical exposure to a variety of interesting and challenging cases, and enjoy 2 hours of protected teaching time each week, delivered by clinicians passionate about their specialties.
RMO specialties available
We have training and non-training positions in the following areas:
Hawke's Bay offers a dynamic and collegial work environment with a strong focus on staff wellbeing and support. RMOs benefit from comprehensive teaching programmes including Grand Rounds, specialty-specific clinical meetings, pathology and radiology discussions, and weekly teaching sessions.
Why choose Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital is a 364-bed regional hospital located in Hastings on the east coast of the North Island. As one of New Zealand's largest provincial hospitals, it provides a wide range of acute and elective services and serves a regional population of over 180,000 across Hawke's Bay. Most specialties are available on-site, with the exception of cardiothoracic surgery, plastics and neurosurgery.
We are large enough to offer variety, clinical challenge, and high-quality learning opportunities, yet small enough to foster strong collegial relationships and a healthy work-life balance. With short commutes and over 200km of cycle trails connecting Napier, Hastings and Clive, getting around is easy and enjoyable.
The region is known for its outstanding weather, scenic landscapes, beaches, and outdoor recreational opportunities. With a thriving food and wine culture, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming communities, Hawke's Bay is a fantastic place to live, work and train.
RMO specialties available
We have training and non-training positions across the following clinical areas:
Anaesthesia
Community runs — urgent care, general practice, rural, public health, palliative care (PGY2+ only)
Hospitals in Wellington, Hutt Valley and Kapiti Coast
Wellington Regional Hospital
Wellington Regional Hospital in Newtown is a 484-bed tertiary-level hospital providing advanced and specialist services, including trauma, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and comprehensive adult and paediatric care.
Hutt Hospital
Hutt Hospital in Lower Hutt is a 322-bed secondary hospital providing general medical, surgical, maternity, paediatric, and mental health services.
Kenepuru Community Hospital
Kenepuru Community Hospital in Porirua is a 131-bed public community hospital providing maternity, medical, surgical, psychogeriatric, and mental health services.
Wairarapa Hospital in Masterton is a 92-bed secondary hospital providing 24-hour emergency services and a full range of medical, surgical, obstetric, paediatric, and mental health care to the Wairarapa region.
Nelson Hospital is a 158-bed secondary hospital providing a wide range of medical and surgical services. It is the primary training site for RMOs in the region, with positions for 46 House Officers and 32 Registrars.
RMO specialties
Anaesthetics
Cardiology
Community – urgent care, hospice, GP and community psychiatry + GP Rural Tākaka
Emergency
General medicine
General surgery + one run of general surgery/vascular
Geriatrics
Gynaecology/ophthalmology
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Orthopaedics
Orthopaedics/dental
Paediatric
Psychiatry
Psychogeriatrics
Relief
Urology/ENT
Wairau Hospital
Wairau Hospital in Blenheim is a smaller 65-bed facility that offers inpatient, outpatient, and community-based services. Some RMOs may rotate to Wairau depending on their specialty and training pathway. There are 28 House Officer and Generalist Registrar positions.
RMO specialties
Assessment, treatment and rehabilitation
Community – orgent care and GP (possibly hospice)
Emergency
General medicine
General surgery/ENT
General surgery/urology
Obstetrics and gynaecology/paediatrics
Orthopaedics
Relief
Teaching
Tuesdays — Grand Round.
Wednesdays – 12pm to 12.45pm and 12.45pm to 1.30pm, protected teaching for PGY1s. Nelson and Wairau teaching.
The West Coast of the South Island is a rugged, isolated, and breathtakingly beautiful part of New Zealand. Stretching from Karamea in the north to Haast in the south, it is the largest geographical Health New Zealand locality, yet home to a close-knit population of just 32,500. Providing healthcare in this unique environment is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Our team has fully embraced the rural generalist model, ensuring equitable, high-quality care across our community. The rural generalist team is dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and highly skilled — offering you an unparalleled breadth of experience across our rural hospital and community-based services.
Outside of work, the West Coast will inspire you. Whether it is tramping through ancient rainforests, surfing wild coastlines, mountain biking rugged trails, or kayaking pristine rivers, adventure is just outside your doorstep. Bring your boots, board, bike, and paddle — you will need them all.
What you will be part of
A truly generalist experience
Work across primary care, urgent care, emergency medicine, general medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and obstetrics and gynaecology.
We are accredited for rural hospital medicine and general practice training, with recognised terms for emergency medicine (ED) training and ACRRM. Our small team of 13 RMO placements includes RHM registrars, senior house officers, and PGY2 community-based attachments from Canterbury.
Supportive training and supervision
Learn from experienced SMOs, RHM Fellows, GPs, and FACEMs committed to developing your clinical confidence, practical skills and autonomy.
A multi-disciplinary approach
Work with in-house specialists, such as obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, and benefit from trans-alpine partnerships with tertiary specialists for additional support and training.
Hands-on learning
Encounter varied clinical presentations and participate in weekly tutorials, regular simulation sessions, and emergency responses, including 111 calls, trauma team calls, and work as part of the resuscitation team.
Tailored career development
We offer flexible exposure to anaesthetics, specialist clinics, primary care, and transalpine services to support your individual goals. Negotiable housing options are available.
Why choose the West Coast?
Be part of a close-knit, community-focused team — your work will have a direct impact on the lives of our community members.
Train in one of the most unique rural settings in New Zealand — gain skills that will set you apart as a future leader in rural health.
Shape the future of rural healthcare — join us as we continue to innovate and deliver high-quality care directly into patients' homes and communities.
Timaru Hospital is a 131-bed secondary hospital providing a range of acute and elective services, including medical, surgical, maternity, paediatric and mental health care.
What we are proud of
Timaru Hospital has a reputation for being a highly rated place to work with a very supportive management approach. Our positions require individuals with sound, broad-based clinical ability, a highly cooperative team approach, enthusiasm, excellent interpersonal skills, plus the confidence to accept a substantial degree of clinical responsibility.
In return, we offer the opportunity for significant professional experience and development, aided largely by the size of Timaru Hospital. The absence of Registrars affords close contact between Consultants and House Officers, increasing the potential for teaching as well as providing greater levels of responsibility and exposure to a broader range of clinical experiences, such as attending theatre sessions to assist Consultants.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to providing RMOs with an excellent training environment across a wide variety of specialties and settings.
You could be part of our team of professionals providing world-class healthcare services across the Canterbury district. We are fortunate to have the support of both a METU (medical education training unit) and a RDST (Resident Doctor Support Team), who will assist you with orientation, training, Medical Council requirements, rostering, and day to day queries. They are co-located in Waipapa Christchurch Hospital and are more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
With the completion of our new facilities, such as Manawa and Waipapa, our RMOs now have access to state-of-the-art education and training facilities.
We understand the importance of your RMO years and strive to provide you with the necessary support and advice to help further your career with us.
What we are proud of
As a RMO at Health NZ in Canterbury, you will have the support of a dedicated SMO, whether or not you are enrolled in a formal training programme.
There is a comprehensive weekly teaching programme that all RMOs are welcome to participate in.
RMO wellbeing is supported through various initiatives.
There are multiple avenues for RMOs to provide feedback, and all feedback is collated and fed forward.
Is Canterbury Waitaha a good fit for you?
Are you excited about working in the largest tertiary hospital in the South Island of New Zealand? We can offer not only state-of-the-art education facilities for your use, but also a great support system to make sure you have the best experience during your training years with us.
We offer great orientation, supervision and training support.
We also encourage the development of your speciality interest, supporting research and projects undertaken as part of your training.
Dunedin Hospital is a tertiary-level teaching hospital with 388 beds, serving as the main academic centre for the University of Otago Medical School.
Southland Hospital
Southland Hospital in Invercargill is a secondary-level facility with 165 beds, offering acute medical, surgical, paediatric, maternity, and mental health services.
Lakes District Hospital
Lakes District Hospital consists of 20 beds and is located in the popular tourist destination of Queenstown.
What we are proud of
Depending on your preference for general or specialised experiences, we are able to cater to all your training needs. Dunedin Hospital provides excellent access to training opportunities due to the range of specialties and subspecialties. Southland Hospital offers excellent generalised and hands-on experiences in a smaller environment.
Providing care to our patients in the largest geographical district in New Zealand, the populations we treat are varied and can be from a diverse range of backgrounds and locations. We have a strong rural presence with several rural facilities, including Lakes District Hospital in Queenstown, which offers six Rural Trainee / ED Trainee Registrar positions. With close links to the University of Otago, real opportunities exist to undertake research and support the training and education of medical students.
Our background is exceptional. With very easy access to the playgrounds of Queenstown and Wānaka, and an easy drive to the Catlins and other stunning natural locations, your weekends can be filled with adventure. Fancy a swim, a bike ride, or a surf after work? There are multiple beaches, bike trails, and nature walks close to both cities.
RMOs will usually be based at either Dunedin Hospital, Southland Hospital or Lakes District Hospital.
RMO specialties
Dunedin Hospital
Anaesthesia
Cardiology
Cardiothoracic surgery
Emergency medicine
Endocrinology
ENT
Gastroenterology
General medicine
General surgery
Geriatric medicine
Haematology
ICU
Medical oncology
Nephrology
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedics
Paediatrics
Plastic surgery
Public health
Radiation oncology
Radiology
Rehabilitation medicine
Respiratory
Rheumatology
Urology
Vascular surgery
Southland Hospital
Anaesthesia
Emergency medicine
General Medicine
General surgery
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedics
Paediatrics
Psychiatry (House Officer level only)
Urology
Lakes District Hospital
Rural Hospital and ED Trainee Registrar positions are available.
Where there are insufficient applications from Training Registrars, applications will be considered from Registrars not yet in training but who have ED experience.
Applications for the 2026 annual recruitment cycle closed on 9 June 2025. You can still apply for roles that start now.
Offers of employment made
For Registrars and designated SHO positions — Monday 18 August 2025
For House Officers (PGY2+) — Monday 1 September 2025 — House Officers (PGY2+).
Acceptance of offers of employment
For Registrars and designated SHO positions —Monday 25 August 2025
For House Officers (PGY2+) —Monday 08 September 2025
Training year start date
For Registrars and designated SHO positions — Monday 2 February 2026
For House Officers (PGY2+) — Monday 19 January 2026
Rotorua
Graeme Murray
Cape Reinga lighthouse
Darryl Ward
Whanganui National Park
Tourism New Zealand
Tongariro National Park
Laura Smetsers
Auckland Harbour Bridge
AucklandNZ.com
Looking to move to New Zealand to work as an RMO?
RMOs are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List and eligible for a fast-tracked Straight to Residence Visa.
This means you and your family can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us.
Emigrating to New Zealand for Resident Medical Officers
Learn about the 4 steps to emigration for Resident Medical Officers from the Medical Council of New Zealand, Kiwi Health Jobs, Immigration New Zealand and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora's Health Immigration Service.
Resident Medical Officers: Emigrating to New Zealand for Health Professionals
Mount Hutt, Canterbury
Miles Holden
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.
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.
