Non-Training Surgical Registrar | Commencing 2 February 2026 - Canterbury District

THIS IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PGY1 (NZREX) POSITIONS - IF YOU ARE AN NZREX OR PASSED YOUR PLAB 1&2 YOU ARE NOT ELIGABLE.

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

We are seeking a non-training Surgical Registrar to join us in 2026. First half of the year will be in either General Surgery or Plastics.

Canterbury District offers non-SET Surgical Registrar positions in a variety of surgical specialities. Runs are 6 months long with the majority of runs providing points for surgical training applications.

About you

• Completed PGY2 year or equivalent.
• A keen passion for surgery.
• You will have experience in a number of Surgical Services.
• Completion of your General Surgical Science Examination (GSSE) would be advantageous.
• 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, your 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 11 January 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact rdst@cdhb.health.nz

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable candidates before the closing date.