Chemical Pathology Registrar | Canterbury District

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

The Chemical Pathology kapa (team) is located within Canterbury Health Laboratories and provides clinical biochemistry services to Waitaha Canterbury and a tertiary referral service for specialist testing to other regions of New Zealand.

We provide a wide range of biochemical testing including 24/7 core laboratory testing and specialist testing comprising toxicology, endocrinology, trace element, vitamins, metabolites and protein chemistry. We have access to a wide range of specialist instrumentation including capillary and gel electrophoresis, HPLC, and various triple-quad, TOF and Q-TOF mass spectrometers. The department is active in test development and research. We work closely with the clinical teams within Christchurch Hospital with strong relationships with clinical pharmacology, ED, neurology, paediatrics and gastroenterology. In collaboration with Labplus (Auckland) we provide the nationally funded maternal serum screening service.

We are accredited for up to 4 years of training with the RCPA, and opportunities exist for rotations to the molecular genetics department.

Our pathologists are supported by experienced laboratory scientists. We have close links with the University of Otago, and we provide biochemistry teaching to the medical students.

• Accredited with Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) for 4 years of training in Chemical Pathology.
• You will be one of two Registrars in the Chemical Pathology service and have the support of a Senior Training Registrar.

About you

• You will have completed PGY2 as a minimum, but preference will be given to candidates with broad clinical experience and/or prior exposure to pathology training.
• Knowledge and commitment of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how the principles can be applied to health.
• A willingness to grow and further develop an equity lens and skillset, both to assist Māori and minority groups. 
• You must be eligible for general or provisional general registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. You can check your eligibility by visiting the Council’s website at www.mcnz.org.nz

About the Team

When you work with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Canterbury District, you are part of something very special. We plan, fund, and deliver health services to the almost 600,000 people that live in the Canterbury region. We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles by ensuring our partnership with Māori are at the forefront of all our conversations.

Facilities within Canterbury District include:

• Christchurch Women’s Hospital
• Hillmorton Hospital and the Princes Margaret Hospital – Mental Health Services
• Burwood Hospital – Older Persons Health and Rehabilitation Services, including the Spinal injuries Unit
• Ashburton Hospital - General Hospital, south of Christchurch

You will gain world class experience with varied case mixes and a high level of medical education, training, and supervision. With 600 Resident Doctors employed at Canterbury, you will join a team committed to serving their community. You can learn more here

• Live in a vibrant city, with a creative undercurrent. We have hills, beaches, and ski fields a short drive from Christchurch City. To find out more, visit http://bit.ly/2n9sr32
• Enhance your career with first class training and supervision from the Medical Education & Training Unit (METU)
• Be supported by our Resident Doctors’ Support Team (RDST)
• Access support at all hours, including after-hours support from the Clinical Team Coordinators and SMOs

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by Sunday 6 September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact RDST@cdhb.health.nz