Resident Doctor - General Surgery - Hawkes Bay Region

Head Medical is seeking post foundation doctors keen to broaden their clinical and procedural skills within General Surgery. You will be based in Hastings, a vibrant coastal location.

• Work in one of the largest provincial hospitals in NZ (400 bed)
• Affordable housing and excellent schools, ideal for families
• Beautiful beaches and stunning hill country to explore; music, wine and food festivals; art deco architecture; cycling, paddle‑boarding, boating, golfing, and so much more!
• Salary $109,569 -$146,436 NZD per annum (depending on experience)
• 12 month contract - August 2026 commencement

The Role

You will be based in a large secondary level, 400 bed accredited public hospital providing acute and elective care for a region of over 162,000 people. It is one of the largest provincial hospitals in New Zealand. The Hospital has most major medical and surgical subspecialties on site (except cardiothoracic and neurosurgery) as well as paediatrics and O&G. In addition, outreach services are provided at rural and community‑based facilities across the region in Wairoa and Waipukurau.

The department consists of nine General Surgeons, three Urologists, 14 Registrars and eight House officers and will be responsible for the assessment, treatment and care of inpatients. You will also be responsible for patients who have been referred acutely with surgical problems and those who have been accepted for re‑admission.

As a General Surgery Relief House Officer, you will work across different surgical teams, covering wards, theatres, and acute admissions. This role provides broad exposure to general surgery, including managing pre‑ and post‑operative patients, assisting in theatre, and responding to acute surgical cases.

Location

Nestled on the beautiful East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the Hawke’s Bay region (pop. 162,000) offers an incredible lifestyle. Choose to live in Hastings (pop. 80,000) or the art‑deco city of Napier (pop. 63,000) and enjoy the perfect balance of coastal beauty, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventure.

Indulge in world‑class restaurants, bars, and cafés, explore the breath‑taking landscapes of Te Mata Peak and Waimarama Beach, or cycle along scenic trails to Cape Kidnappers. The region is also home to premier golf courses overlooking the Pacific Ocean, lively music and food festivals, and bustling farmers’ markets.

Renowned for its sunshine and award‑winning vineyards, Hawke’s Bay is a haven for wine lovers, producing exceptional reds, whites, and specialty wines. With regular daily 1‑hour flights from Hastings to Auckland and Wellington International Airports, travel and connectivity couldn’t be easier.

Hawke’s Bay truly has something for everyone — whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a vibrant social scene.

Learn more about the Hawke’s Bay region here

What Head Medical can do for you

Arranging a position overseas is very exciting, but we understand that it can also be daunting and time consuming. We’re the UK’s specialist in international medical recruitment and we’ve helped many doctors relocate since we first started out in 2008 (you can read what people have said about working with us on our testimonials page). We know it’s important to balance career opportunities with lifestyle and we’ll talk through your plans and will get to know you to make sure we find the right role in the right location. Once we have secured a job for you, we’ll manage the Medical Registration and Visa application process, and support you (and your family) with the relocation itself.

#J-18808-Ljbffr