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.

General Practices range from sole practitioner practices to larger practices sometimes with up to six or seven General Practitioners. Along with General Practitioners, the practice team includes nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, receptionists, and allied health workers.

There are about 200 rural general (family) practices in New Zealand. They can be found in small towns close to major rural or urban centres or in remote settlements located in the most beautiful places in New Zealand, with mountains, beaches, lakes, or rivers at the doorstep.

There is plenty to do as a rural General Practitioner. You quickly become a key member of the community getting involved in all aspects of life.  Two great joys of mine fill my cup each day – having time to know my patients and exercising in the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand.

26 Rural Hospitals provide a variety of services and its said that “when you have seen one rural hospital, you’ve seen one rural hospital!”.  There is constant learning, real camaraderie, and no two days are the same.

With approximately 1,000 urban based General Practices there are plenty of options for those who love the buzz of city life.  Our New Zealand towns and city’s are never far from the outdoors or stunning beaches and boast a vibrant arts and food scene.

Our NZLocums & NZMedJobs team are fantastic – and that’s speaking from experience.  They are thorough, friendly and get the job done.  Don’t hesitate to contact them for a chat.

We offer short-term, long-term and permanent roles for Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Nurse Prescribers and Registered Nurses wanting a change of scenery.  NZ Based and internationally trained nurses are in demand, and we have vacancies across New Zealand.

Working with us gives you the added benefit of connecting with your peers through joining of Rural Nurses Chapter. Stacy-Maree Thwaites, Chair of the Chapter, leads an informed and united group of nurses who bring their perspective to rural health, advocacy and supporting the career journey of nursing.

You can read more about the Chapter HERE.

If you would like more information on Nursing in New Zealand, you can learn more from the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

For over 20 years we have been placing doctors into roles based in small rural townships, urban cities and everything in between.

Whether you are looking for a city-based practice or a lifestyle change working rurally we have a Relationship Manager that can find the job that just right for you and your family and your pet.

David Davenport Brown specialises in recruiting into urban roles. David regularly travels to the urban practices making his knowledge not just on the jobs available but the culture of the practice. You can contact him directly on: david.davenport-brown@nzlocums.com.

Our Rural General Practice Chapter is well connected and has established itself as a well-respected voice for GPs practicing in the rural setting.  Chair, Dr Grahame Jelley has been a leading voice for many years and its worth signing up for membership to this Chapter to connect with your peers.  Read more about the Chapter HERE.

The Rural Hospitals Locum Service (the Service) is a free service to support rural hospitals across Aotearoa New Zealand to recruit, place and retain locum doctors. We are part of Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, which also provides a medical recruitment service for general practitioners and nurse practitioners through NZLocums & NZMedJobs.  

The Service recognizes the specific requirements for rural hospital doctors’ medical registration and credentialling, immigration processes, and the extensive onboarding procedures. Additionally, it acknowledges the significant financial burden of recruiting medical staff locally and internationally.  

Locum doctors in New Zealand rural hospitals play a vital role in bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring access to quality medical care. The term ‘locum physician’ is derived from the Latin term locum tenens, which translates to ‘place holder’ in English. As a locum doctor, you are essentially a substitute doctor within a health care setting; you’ll be used when permanent doctors take vacation or sick leave, or if hospitals require extra doctors. 

Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions about working as a locum in a rural hospital in Aotearoa New Zealand.  Contact us at: enquiries@nzlocums.com