Otolaryngologist (ORL) | Sabbatical Cover


Join a high-performing tertiary Otolaryngology service and contribute to delivering specialist ENT care to the Canterbury region and wider South Island.

This fixed-term position provides sabbatical cover within a large tertiary teaching hospital. We welcome applications from international candidates and are flexible regarding the duration of cover – applicants able to cover part or all of the advertised period are encouraged to apply.

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 Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Christchurch Hospital is seeking a Consultant Otolaryngologist (ORL) to provide sabbatical cover within our busy tertiary service.

In this role you will contribute to the provision of comprehensive otolaryngology services including outpatient clinics, elective and acute surgical care, and participation in the on-call roster. You will work collaboratively with a skilled multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality patient-centred care.

We are open to applications from candidates who are able to cover any portion of the sabbatical period, although applicants who can cover the full duration from June 2026 to December 2027 will be highly regarded.

About the Team / Service / Location

The Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery service at Christchurch Hospital provides a full range of secondary and tertiary ENT services for the Canterbury region and acts as a referral centre for the wider South Island.

The team works closely with anaesthesia, oncology, radiology, speech and language therapy, audiology, and other allied health services to provide integrated care across inpatient, outpatient, and surgical settings. Christchurch Hospital is the largest tertiary hospital in the South Island and is a major teaching and research centre.

Christchurch (Ōtautahi) offers an exceptional lifestyle with easy access to beaches, mountains, and national parks. The city is known for its outdoor recreation, vibrant food and arts scene, and family-friendly communities, making it an ideal place to live and work.

About you

To be successful in this role you will be an Otolaryngologist committed to delivering high-quality specialist care.

You will also have:

  • Eligibility for Vocational Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
  • Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) or an equivalent recognised qualification
  • Experience working in a tertiary or large secondary hospital environment
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills within multidisciplinary teams
  • A commitment to equity, quality improvement, and patient-centred care

International applicants are welcome and will be supported through the Medical Council of New Zealand registration process where applicable.

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.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amy Walker – Recruitment Specialist at Amy.Walker@tewhatuora.govt.nz.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

Apply now

Fixed Term/Contract, Fixed Term/Contract/Full Time, Fixed Term/Contract/Part Time

Job no: PC4194815

Location: Christchurch

Closing Date: Thursday, 2 April 2026