Statement attributable to Dr Nick Baker, Interim National Chief Medical Officer 

More than 500 soon-to-be doctors have been guaranteed roles as first year house officers across Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals upon graduating at the end of the year.

This injection of newly qualified doctors, commencing in January 2025, will make a real difference in helping to meet the health needs of the communities they will serve.

Health NZ is committed to growing a strong, sustainable and stable clinical workforce to support better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

To date 538 medical students who are in their final year of study have been matched into roles, with a further 25 joining the national talent pool which is accessible to all employers.

Being able to bolster our health workforce with this many talented new medical professionals sends a clear message to those currently in study and those considering a career in health that there continues to be local opportunities for health graduates.

Training and employing our own homegrown workforce remains a priority for us.

Through the matching process, applicants are placed into one of three categories: New Zealand citizen residents who are graduates from Aotearoa; New Zealand citizen residents who are graduates from Australia; and international graduates who studied in New Zealand. 

To date 96% of all applicants have been matched into roles, including 99% of New Zealand citizen residents who are graduates from Aotearoa. We remain committed to working with unmatched graduates to find them roles with Health NZ as quickly as possible. The talent pool will open earlier than planned on Tuesday 27 August.

Congratulations to all successful applicants so far and we look forward to welcoming you to the Health NZ whānau.

ENDS 

 

Media contact: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz