Consultant Psychiatrist | Older Persons' Mental Health

Consultant Psychiatrist – Older Persons Mental Health (OPMH)

Mō mātou | About us

Health New Zealand leads the day-to-day running of our unified health system across Aotearoa, bringing together the functions of the former 20 District Health Boards into one national organisation with regional divisions and local district offices.

Here in Canterbury, we deliver health services to almost 700,000 people. We are deeply committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensuring that our partnerships with Māori are at the forefront of everything we do.

The Team

The Older Persons Mental Health Service (OPMH) provides assessment, treatment, and support to people aged 65 years and over across Canterbury. We work closely with Older Persons Health inpatient and community geriatric services, Adult Specialist Mental Health, primary care, and a wide range of community providers.

Our service includes:

• Two purpose-built inpatient wards at Burwood Hospital
• A mental health day hospital
• A memory assessment clinic
• A large community mental health team
• An old age psychiatry consult liaison team

You will join a dedicated service where ten psychiatrists lead interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, patient-focused care.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with experience and passion for Older Persons Mental Health to join our team in Christchurch.

• Fixed Term position, part-time (0.5 FTE) until May 2028
• Provide psychiatric assessment, consultation, and ongoing treatment
• Contribute clinical leadership within an interdisciplinary team
• Support bicultural service delivery in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Supervise and mentor medical staff, registrars, and trainees
• Contribute to service development, research, and quality improvement

You will also undertake responsibilities under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992, and work within a supportive peer-review and professional development framework.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills & experience

Essential:

• Vocational registration (or eligibility) with the Medical Council of New Zealand as a Psychiatrist
• FRANZCP or an equivalent specialist qualification recognised by RANZCP
• Sub-specialty qualification in Psychiatry of Old Age or extensive experience in this field
• Recent experience at SMO level managing psychiatric patients

Desirable:

• Strong supervision, teaching, and mentoring skills
• Ability to balance a complex clinical workload
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to bicultural practice and culturally safe care

About Christchurch | Living in Ōtautahi

Christchurch is a vibrant, family-friendly city with something for everyone. Imagine finishing work and within 20 minutes you can be surfing, skiing, hiking, or mountain biking! Our city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, while the central city has a thriving arts, dining, and cultural scene.

With excellent schooling, universities, and affordable living, it’s no surprise many international specialists and their families choose Christchurch as home.

Our culture: what matters to us

At Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, we believe health is ultimately all about people. We value:

• Care and respect for others
• Integrity in all we do
• Responsibility for outcomes

We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and flexible working arrangements. You’ll find a welcoming, supportive team environment with genuine opportunities for ongoing career development.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Bring your expertise in psychiatry and passion for older persons’ mental health to a team where you will make a real difference.

Apply online today or to find out more, please contact:
Amy Walker – Recruitment Specialist |  Amy.Walker@tewhatuora.govt.nz