Rural Medicine Registrar (Canterbury / West Coast) | Annual Recruitment 2026

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

Are you a current Rural Hospital Medicine Trainee or do you plan to commence training for the 2026 RMO year?

This is your opportunity to apply for a permanent ongoing Rural Registrar position across Canterbury and the West Coast. We are committed to providing you both core and non-core runs across our tertiary and rural centres to complete and maximise your training experience, with opportunities in;

Christchurch Hospital:

• Anaesthesia
• Emergency Medicine
• General Medicine
• Intensive Care
• Orthopaedic Outpatients (Bone Shop)
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Paediatrics

West Coast:

• Rural Hospital – Greymouth
• Rural Hospital – Buller
• Rural GP

Ashburton:

• Rural Hospital

About Ashburton

In Ashburton you will form strong ties to community and primary care providers and gain invaluable experience in rural medicine including generalist inpatient management and acute emergency care. You will have exposure to a broad range of patients and conditions and be involved in the full patient journey from initial assessment to discharge. 

Training is at the forefront of this position.  The Hospital is home to RHACA (Rural Health Academic Centre Ashburton) and here you will find a dedicated simulation centre containing high fidelity simulation mannequins (Adult, child, baby).  A number of our Rural Health Medical Specialists (RHMS) hold University appointments and include certified APLS, EMST and CORE instructors. Our RHMS are happy to be guided by your learning needs and stage of training to tailor their level of supervision, allowing increasing autonomy in patient management for those nearing the end of their training programme.

Only 60 minutes and an easy commute from Christchurch, Ashburton Hospital services the growing Mid-Canterbury region, which is home to just over 34,000 people.  It is the largest Secondary Hospital in New Zealand and is accredited with the Division of Rural Health Medicine (DRHMNZ) for registrar training. 

• Adopt a medical skill set capable of helping rural communities.
• With all after-hours duties being based in the Acute Assessment Unit, you will have variety and be involved in practical procedures.
• Opportunities for Research
• Accredited level 3 Rural Hospital for vocational training programme
• Access to the Rural Hospital Education Centre and training with state-of-the-art simulation mannequins
• Free accommodation is available on site.
• 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)

About The West Coast

The West Coast of the South Island is a rugged, isolated, and breathtakingly beautiful part of Aotearoa New Zealand. Stretching from Karamea in the north to Haast in the south, the largest geographical Te Whatu Ora locality yet home to a tight-knit population of just 32,500. Providing healthcare in this unique environment is challenging, but also deeply rewarding.  Trainees working here

Our team has fully embraced the Rural Generalist Model, ensuring equitable, high-quality care across our community. The Rural Generalist team is dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and highly skilled—offering you an unparalleled breadth of experience across our rural hospital and community-based services.

Outside of work, the West Coast will inspire you. Whether it’s tramping through ancient rainforests, surfing wild coastlines, mountain biking rugged trails, or kayaking pristine rivers—adventure is just outside your doorstep. Bring your boots, board, bike, and paddle—you’ll need them all!

What You’ll Be Part Of:

-  A Truly Generalist Experience – Work across primary care, urgent care, emergency medicine, general medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and obstetrics/gynaecology.  Accredited for Rural Hospital Medicine and General Practice Training in addition to training terms for ED training and ACCRM.  We have a small team of RMOs, 13 placements, made up of RHM Registrars, Senior House Officers and PGY2 Community Based Attachments from Canterbury.

-  Supportive Training & Supervision – Learn from a team of experienced SMOs, RHM Fellows, GPs, and FACEMs who are committed to developing your clinical confidence, practical skills, and autonomy.

-  A Multi-Disciplinary Approach – Work with in-house specialists (obstetrics/gynaecology, general surgery) and benefit from ‘TransAlpine’ partnerships with tertiary specialists for additional support and training.

-  Hands-On Learning – Experience varied clinical presentations and participate in weekly tutorials, regular simulation sessions, and emergency responses, including 777 and trauma team calls and a resuscitation team consisting of 5 SMOs, skilled nurses, and yourself. 

-  Tailored Career Development for Rural Trainees – We offer flexibility to support your individual career goals, with exposure to anaesthetics, specialist skills, transalpine clinics, and primary care (especially for RHM-GP dual trainees) along with negotiable housing options.

Why Choose the West Coast?

-  Be Part of a Close-Knit, Community-Focused Team – Your work will have a direct impact on the lives of our community members.

-  Train in One of the Most Unique Rural Settings in NZ – Gain skills that will set you apart as a future leader in rural health.

-  Shape the Future of Rural Healthcare – Join us as we continue to innovate and deliver high-quality care directly into patients’ homes and communities.

About you

• You will have completed PGY2.
• You will have commenced Rural Hospital Medicine training or plan to commence for the 2026 RMO year
• 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

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 9^th June 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact rdst@cdhb.health.nz