New Zealand - CRS Medics

WORKING IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is a stunning island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, known worldwide for its dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit. Comprising two main islands—the North Island and the South Island—as well as numerous smaller islets, New Zealand offers a diverse range of environments within a relatively compact area. From snow-capped mountains and ancient glaciers to lush rainforests, rolling green farmlands, and pristine coastlines, it’s a destination that continues to captivate nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and cultural explorers alike.

The most iconic landmarks include Milford Sound, a breathtaking fjord in Fiordland National Park; Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools and hot springs; the Southern Alps, home to the country’s highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook; and Tongariro National Park, which features dramatic volcanic terrain. The country also gained international fame as the cinematic backdrop for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and fans can still visit many filming locations today.

The climate varies across the islands but is generally classified as temperate, with mild winters and warm summers. The North Island tends to be slightly warmer and more humid, while the South Island is cooler and ideal for alpine activities. Outdoor recreation is a major part of Kiwi life, with hiking (“tramping”), skiing, surfing, and cycling all incredibly popular.

LICENSING

To practise medicine in New Zealand as a senior doctor or consultant, you need to be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). The process and pathway depend on your qualifications, experience, and the country in which you trained. Here’s a structured guide on how senior doctors/consultants can get licensed:

🔷 1. Check Your Eligibility

✅ Common Pathway for Senior Doctors: Special Purpose – Locum Tenens or Specialist Pathway

This is for doctors who:

Are already specialists in their home country.
Have a job offer in New Zealand.
Are recognised as specialists in a comparable health system.

MCNZ recognises some countries as having “comparable health systems”, including:

Australia
UK
Ireland
USA
Canada
South Africa
Some European countries (limited)

Check the full list: MCNZ Comparable Health Systems

🔷 2. Secure a Job Offer

You must have a job offer from a New Zealand hospital, clinic, or DHB (Te Whatu Ora) before you can register. Employers often help with the registration process.

🔷 3. Choose the Right Registration Pathway

🩺 Common Pathways for Senior Doctors:

1. Vocational Registration (Full specialist recognition)

For specialists who want to practise independently in NZ.
Requires:
- Recognised specialist qualification.
- Experience and training comparable to NZ standards.
- Assessment by the relevant medical college in NZ.

2. Special Purpose – Locum Tenens (Temporary)

For short-term work (typically up to 12 months).
Must be supervised.
Often used as a pathway to permanent registration.

3. Provisional Vocational Registration

If your training is comparable but not identical, you may need to work under supervision before full vocational registration.

🔷 4. Submit an Application to MCNZ

Documents you’ll typically need:

Passport & identification
Primary medical degree
Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., FRCS, MRCP, etc.)
Evidence of specialist registration in your home country
Current CV
Certificate of good standing from your current medical board
English language proficiency (IELTS or OET) — unless exempt
Offer of employment from a NZ healthcare provider

Apply here: MCNZ Registration Portal

🔷 5. Get College Assessment (if required)

If applying for vocational registration, MCNZ will refer your case to the relevant medical college in New Zealand (e.g., RACP, RACS, RNZCGP) to assess your comparability.

🔷 6. Registration Interview

Once MCNZ is satisfied, you will be invited to an interview (in person or remote) to confirm identity, documentation, and discuss your role.

🔷 7. Start Work Under Supervision (if applicable)

You may initially be under supervised practice (especially under provisional registration).
After a certain period, you can apply for full registration.

🟢 Summary: Key Steps for Senior Doctors

Step	Action
1	Confirm eligibility (specialist qualification & comparable country)
2	Get a job offer in NZ
3	Apply to MCNZ (choose correct registration pathway)
4	Possibly undergo college assessment
5	Attend MCNZ interview
6	Start practising under appropriate registration

BENEFITS

Working with us, you will benefit from:

Hassle-free registration
Competitive pay
Working in locations of your choice
Part-time or full-time positions
Short-term, long term or substantive posts
Accommodation and travel assistance
A FREE enhanced DBS (previously CRB) disclosure check
A lucrative Refer a Doctor reward scheme
FREE online mandatory training
Assistance with clinical appraisals and revalidation
Limited Company setup

If you want to take advantage of these benefits, please complete the Doctors Quick Registration form to register your interest or email us at jobs@crsmedics.com.

REGISTRATION

Compliance is of the upmost importance if you wish to work in UK hospitals as a locum doctor. We will assist you every step of the way to ensure that you are fully compliant before you start work. Our aim is to make the registration process smooth and quick.

We will require the following documentation:

Completed CRS Medics registration form
An up-to-date CV with an explanation for any gaps in employment, and contact details for a minimum of two professional references. One must have been given within the last 12 months.
Proof of NMZC registration with licence to practice
Certificates for professional qualifications and memberships
Professional Indemnity Insurance certificate, if you have one.
Your passport – to confirm your identity and immigration status. All non-EU citizens must provide proof of right to work in the UK.
Two passport size photos – one for your ID badge and the other for our files.
DBS (previously known as CRB) disclosure – issued within the last 12 months. Non-UK doctors must provide a current Police check from their country of origin.