Psychiatry Jobs in NZ
In New Zealand, most people will be referred to mental health services through their GP or family doctor. Services and support are provided by the local District Health Board (DHB) who are funded by the Ministry of Health. Mental health services are also provided by private practices throughout the country.
The majority of opportunities for Psychiatrists interested in working in New Zealand are within the public health system working at a District Health Board (DHB). Positions are available across all services including inpatient, outpatient/community, emergency/crisis, forensics, maternal mental health, child and adolescent, older adult, addictions and cultural services. Each region, depending on population size will provide some or all services.
Regardless of the setting, Psychiatrists will generally work with other mental health staff and healthcare providers to improve and maintain the health of the enrolled population.
The remuneration level for Psychiatrists is based on The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Multi-Employer Collective Agreement (MECA) and depends on the level of experience.
- Consultant Psychiatrist (vocationally registered – 1 year out of training) from $164,369
- Consultant Psychiatrist (vocationally registered – 8 years out of training) from $201,135
- Consultant Psychiatrist (vocationally registered – 15+ years out of training) from $244,560
Benefits include: 6 weeks annual leave, 11 public holidays per annum, unlimited sick leave, 2 weeks CME (continued medical education) leave and $16,000 allowance per year. five days study leave and.
Additional allowances for shift, on call, job size, availability and recruitment and retention allowance may also apply depending on the specialty and service. Professional expenses are also reimbursed (Medical Council registration, Annual Practicing Certificate, Indemnity Insurance).
Qualification Requirements
Internationally trained Psychiatrists need to have a post graduate qualification in Psychiatry which encompasses having completed 4-5 years of residency training plus written and oral exams. Your combination of qualifications, training and experience will be assessed against the standard of a New Zealand trained Psychiatrist by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
The pathway to vocational (specialist) registration in the scope of Psychiatry is dependent on where you trained and the qualification you gained. We advise this process on an individual basis. Doctors who have trained in a comparable health system including UK, USA, Canada, South Africa and some European countries encouraged to apply.
More information about registration in the Psychiatry scope can be found here: https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/scopes-of-practice/vocational-and-provisional-vocational/types-of-vocational-scope/psychiatry/
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