If you are looking for urban General Practice or Hospital based posts, visit our NZMedics division by clicking on the banner above
For information on issues affecting rural practice in New Zealand, please visit the New Zealand Rural General Pracitce website
NZLocums' Bank of Choice is Bank of New Zealand
Rural Primary Health Care in New Zealand
Rural primary health care in New Zealand is delivered predominantly by medical practitioners in private general practices. Other providers include public health organisations, trusts and groups working together with their communities.
Rural general practices range from sole practitioner practices to larger practices with up to six or seven General Practitioners. The practice team includes rural nurse specialists, receptionists and allied health workers.
Payment is fee for service, with some government subsidies.
Services available vary with location. It is the rural health practitioner's responsibility to find out what is available and refer patients to the services they need.
There are about 220 rural general (family) practices in New Zealand. They can be found in small towns close to major rural centres or in remote settlements located in the most beautiful places in New Zealand, with mountains, beaches, lakes or rivers at the doorstep. All practices are within 90 minutes drive of a major town or city.
The country's 21 District Health Boards are responsible for providing or buying government-funded health care services for regional populations. Health policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health - www.moh.govt.nz.
Professional Bodies
No matter where you're working, you won't be on your own. New Zealand has a number of professional groups that can assist you in your general practice. These include:
Medical Council of New Zealand - www.mcnz.org.nz The statutory body responsible for the registration of medical practitioners. This is equivalent to the Medical Boards in Australia and North America, and the General Medical Council in the UK.
New Zealand Medical Association - www.nzma.org.nz The medical association representing the interests of members of the medical profession.
The New Zealand Royal College of General Practitioners - www.rnzcgp.org.nz The national body concerned with standards of general practice and education for general practitioners.
The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network Inc - www.rgpn.org.nz The national organisation providing advocacy and support for rural General Practitioners.
Medical Assurance Society - www.medicals.co.nz Supporting Health Professions, with their personal and business financial needs for over 80 years. Specialising in providing Members with insurance, finance, savings and investments.
Organisation of Therapy & Rehabilitation Services - www.otrs.co.nz OTRS provides a wide range of therapeutic and practical solutions to make life easier. Our team of occupational therapists, counsellor, nurses and physiotherapists will work with you to help achieve the independence and productivity needed to lead a satisfying and stress-free life.
New Zealand is as culturally diverse as it is geographically. Below is a selection of websites that will give you information about the range of activities you can enjoy here. And there's more detailed information by region in the Permanent Placements sections of this website.
Activities - www.newzealandnz.co.nz This site includes useful information about the many things you can do in New Zealand, ranging from caving to windsurfing or swimming with dolphins.
Tourism New Zealand - www.purenz.com The Tourism New Zealand official website. Through this site you can learn about the diversity of what New Zealand has to offer and how your visit can become a fantastic experience.
Arts - www.artscalendar.co.nz The online arts calendar of current and forthcoming events. Concerts, recitals, dance, opera, drama, musicals, jazz and exhibitions. Presented in an intuitive, easy-to-use calendar format.
Lord of the Rings - www.lordoftherings.net The epic cinema experience that brought the grandeur of New Zealand's landscape to the attention of the world.
Conservation - www.doc.govt.nz/explore In this section of the New Zealand Department of Conservation website you can find out about national parks, tracks and walks, huts, cabins and campsites and a variety of activities you can enjoy.
Government - www.govt.nz The gateway to New Zealand government websites including education, health, immigration and customs.
Diving - www.divenewzealand.com Provides the latest news and diving information on diving activities in New Zealand.
Golfing - www.golfing.co.nz No matter where you are in New Zealand, you're never far from a golf course. And whether you wish to become a member, or play on a casual basis, the fees are very reasonable compared with overseas.
Hunting and Fishing - www.fishnhunt.co.nz Provides information and advice on where to go, what to take, the weather, clubs and competitions.
Skiing and Snowboarding - www.snow.co.nz Snow conditions, details on ski field facilities and snowcams showing the state of each field.
Wine - www.wineonline.co.nz Lists wineries by geographical region. You can even buy on-line.
