Trainee Pharmacy Technician


 

  • Based at Christchurch Health Campus
  • Fixed term full time role through to completion of traineeship (maximum of 2 years)
  • Shifts are Monday - Friday 0800 -1630 with some Saturdays

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

Ngā Ratonga Kēmihi. Te manawanui he kaupapa; he rongoā e arotahi ana

Health New Zealand Waitaha's Pharmacy Services are patient centred: medicines focused

We are seeking a Trainee Pharmacy Technician to join our hospital pharmacy service in Christchurch. This is a structured entry pathway into hospital pharmacy, combining paid employment with supported study and on the job training.

This is a two year fixed term position during which you will complete the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy Practice Level 3 through Open Polytechnic and the NZ Certificate in Pharmacy (Level 4 Core and Level 5 Advanced) through NZMA Online.  Your training will be supported by a pharmacist verifier and an experienced pharmacy team. Applicants who already hold the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy Practice Level 3 are also welcome; in this case the position would be offered as a one year fixed term role to complete Levels 4 and 5.

You will rotate through clinical areas across Christchurch Hospital, Burwood Hospital and Hillmorton Hospital, gaining hands on experience in hospital pharmacy services and developing the practical skills required to progress as a pharmacy technician.

You will be part of a large, collaborative pharmacy team including pharmacists, technicians, assistants and administrative staff who work closely with clinical teams to support patient care. Learning, feedback and improvement are part of everyday practice.

We are committed to developing our pharmacy technicians and supporting progression. This role offers variety, structured learning and exposure to a tertiary hospital environment, with opportunities to build your career within hospital pharmacy.

Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region offers an excellent lifestyle, with easy access to outdoor activities, arts and events, and a strong food and wine scene.

Key tasks include

  • Dispensing inpatient and outpatient medication including clinical trials, compassionate supplies, home IV therapy, chemotherapy and sterile products
  • Repacking

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic and reliable applicant who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to learn. Hospital pharmacy experience is helpful but not required, as training and support are provided. To be successful, you will also demonstrate the following:

  • Must meet the entry requirements for the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy training courses
  • You will need to be willing to undertake required study in your own time alongside your work commitments
  • Basic computer literacy
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills

Working for 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 view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 17th January. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Please note, we will be reviewing applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert therefore we encourage you to apply early.

Apply now

Fixed Term/Contract/Full Time

Job no: PC4041413

Location: Christchurch

Closing Date: Saturday, 17th January 2026