About the role
As a Radiologist in New Zealand, you will be working in a welcoming collegial environment, collaborating with other specialists and healthcare providers to deliver quality patient-centred care.
We embrace continuous growth and innovation in our services, where learning on the job and building your professional and leadership skills are supported and encouraged.
One of the best things about living and working in New Zealand is the emphasis on work-life balance – this allows Radiologists to strike a balance between enjoying work and the stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture and outdoor activities the country is known for. Join a supportive and collaborative environment dedicated to patient-centred care.
Radiologist specialities
There are opportunities for Radiologists with general and subspecialty interests to join our services and contribute to care for our communities. Opportunities are available across the country and a variety of services. Specialties include:
Salary
Senior Medical Officers receive a base salary relative to their level of experience. This is agreed upon at the time of the job offer. There is a 15-step pay scale that SMOs continue to progress through on a yearly basis.
In New Zealand, the salaries and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers.
Employment agreementsexternal link
Additional allowances are paid on top of base salary and vary due to location and service, and are often not specified in the collective agreement.
Allowances
There is a range of additional allowances for:
- on-call
- evening, night and weekend work
- call back
- job size
- recruitment and retention
- special contribution.
Leave
Leave entitlements include:
- 6 weeks of paid annual leave
- a minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year
- 10 days of paid continuing medical education leave (CME), plus the ability to use annual leave tacked onto the end of your CME travel
- 6 to 12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service, including 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave
- 12 paid public holidays and time in lieu or alternative holiday if rostered on
- long service leave and sabbatical opportunities.
Additional benefits
Additional benefits include:
- an annual continuing medical education (CME) allowance of NZD $16,000 (pro-rated for part-time employees)
- membership subscriptions of medical professional bodies are reimbursed by Health NZ
- your professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ
- if eligible, up to a 6% matching superannuation contribution from Health NZ as your employer
- a relocation package for international candidates.
KiwiSaver (superannuation savings scheme)
Leadership and career development opportunities
Health NZ encourages Senior Medical Officers to be involved in the design, implementation and performance of facilities and technology involved in the delivery of healthcare services to ensure an effective, efficient and safe workplace.
Specific opportunities vary by location and service; however, they can include:
- support and encouragement for research and publications
- mentorship opportunities for apprentice Junior Doctors/Registrars
- regional and national networks allowing for subspeciality research and practice.
- ongoing development and support for career growth with on-the-job coaching and a variety of in-house training programmes.
To practise as a Radiologist in New Zealand, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Professional Registration: Hold (or be eligible for) Vocational Registration in Radiology with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). International candidates typically begin on a 'Provisional Vocational' pathway.
2. Specialist Fellowship: Hold the FRANZCR (Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists) in Radiology or an equivalent international postgraduate qualification.
3. Annual Practising Certificate (APC): You must hold a current APC to practice. This is issued upon registration and maintained through ongoing professional development (CPD).
The roles and responsibilities of a Radiologist in New Zealand include a range of clinical, diagnostic, and collaborative duties:
Diagnostic imaging
Radiologists interpret medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound scans to diagnose diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions.
Patient care
Radiologists are responsible for ensuring that imaging procedures are safe and appropriate for each patient.
Interventional procedures
Radiologists may perform minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging technology, such as biopsies, drainages, or the insertion of catheters and stents. These procedures often serve as alternatives to traditional surgery.
Consultation with other physicians
Radiologists frequently collaborate with other medical professionals, providing expert opinions on imaging results to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. They may also participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases.
Quality assurance and safety
Radiologists are responsible for ensuring the quality of imaging procedures and maintaining safety standards. This includes oversight of imaging protocols to minimise radiation exposure and adhering to expected standards of practice in Radiology.
Teaching and mentoring
Many Radiologists in New Zealand contribute to the education and training of medical students, Radiology residents, and other healthcare professionals. This may involve delivering lectures, supervising clinical training, and mentoring junior staff.
Research and continuing education
Radiologists are often involved in clinical research to advance the field of Radiology and improve patient care. They also engage in continuing education to stay current with technological advancements and emerging practices in diagnostic imaging.
Administrative duties
Radiologists may take on administrative roles, such as managing a Radiology department, developing policies and procedures, or overseeing the implementation of new technologies and practices within the imaging service.
A small number of our Health New Zealand districts offer fellowship positions for colleagues looking to extend their skills in an area of interest.
These are typically 12 months in duration, commencing in late January or July of each year.
If you are interested in exploring fellowship opportunities with Health NZ, please complete an expression of interestexternal link so that we can connect you to one of our teams.
How to apply for a Radiologist role
To work with us, you must be eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
Registration pathway options differ based on where you completed your training, and this determines our application pathways.
Application pathways: where did you complete your specialist training?
Select where you trained to get started.
Our application and recruitment process
For international candidates
The process below outlines the process for applying for a role as an international candidate.
Register your interest
Choose an application pathway from the above options based on your country of study, and register your details.
Register your interest
Choose an application pathway from the above options based on your country of study, and register your details.
Review and contact
Our International Recruitment team will review your details and reach out to you for an initial conversation.
Review and contact
Our International Recruitment team will review your details and reach out to you for an initial conversation.
Referral to local teams
Our team will refer you to a recruitment team in your preferred location(s) for further assessment.
Referral to local teams
Our team will refer you to a recruitment team in your preferred location(s) for further assessment.
Progress to placement
One of our local recruitment teams will be in touch with you to continue the process of placing you in a role.
Progress to placement
One of our local recruitment teams will be in touch with you to continue the process of placing you in a role.
Next steps
Once offered a role, you will also need to apply for:
1. An immigration visa to work in New Zealand
Senior Medical Officers sit on Tier 1 of the Immigration Green List, meaning you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa. This is the fastest residency pathway, designed to settle highly skilled professionals and their families permanently from the outset.
Health NZ has a complimentary in-house immigration support service to help you with this process.
Find out more on our international candidates page
2. Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
Pathways to registration are listed by country of study below:
1. The Australasian Specialist Route (VOC1 & VOC2)
Best for: Doctors who hold a Fellowship from an Australasian College (e.g., FRACP, FRACS, RANZCP, RANZCOG).
VOC1: If you already hold NZ General registration.
VOC2: If you do not yet hold NZ General registration.
Eligibility: You must hold an approved Australasian postgraduate qualification.
Application process: Apply via the myMCNZ portal. Because your qualification is already recognised as "local," there is no "equivalence assessment" needed.
Supervision requirements: None for VOC1. For VOC2, a brief orientation or oversight period may be required if you haven't practised in NZ before, but it is typically minimal compared to other IMGs.
Benefits: You are registered as a specialist within 10–20 working days. You are eligible for the highest pay scales immediately.
Outcome: Full Vocational Registration.
2. The Australian General Registrant Route
Best for: Doctors who hold General Registration with AHPRA in Australia but do not have a specialist Fellowship.
Eligibility: Must hold full (non-provisional) General Registration with the Medical Board of Australia (Ahpra).
Application process: This is a streamlined pathway under the "Australian General Registrant" category. MCNZ typically processes these in 20 working days.
Supervision requirements: Typically 6 months of supervised practice in New Zealand to ensure familiarisation with the local health system and cultural safety (Te Tiriti o Waitangi).
Benefits: Bypasses the need for clinical exams (NZREX) or the more complex "Comparable Health System" paperwork.
Outcome: Full General Registration in New Zealand.
This is the most common route for doctors who hold a primary medical degree from the UK or Ireland and have completed their internship there.
1. The Fast-Track Specialist Route (VOC4 Pathway)
Eligibility: Must hold an approved specialist qualification (CCT/CCST) and have at least 24 months of clinical experience in that specialty within the last 5 years (including 12 months in the last 18).
Application process: Apply online via the myMCNZ portal with a job offer in hand. MCNZ typically processes these in 20 working days.
Supervision requirements: You will work under a Provisional Vocational scope. Supervision usually involves an orientation to the NZ system and 6–12 months of peer oversight.
Benefits: Rapid recognition of your consultant status; eligibility for senior medical officer (SMO) pay scales from day one.
Outcome: Full Vocational Registration as a specialist.
2. The 6-Month General Route (Competent Authority Pathway)
Eligibility: UK/Irish primary degree and completion of a recognised internship (Foundation Year 1 or equivalent).
Application process: Online application via myMCNZ. Requires EPIC verification of your degree and internship.
Supervision requirements: 6 months of full-time equivalent (FTE) supervised practice with two satisfactory reports.
Benefits: The fastest way to gain general registration; lower initial fees and reduced administrative burden compared to specialist pathways.
Outcome: Full General Registration (unlimited scope).
This is the standardised pathway for doctors from 29 recognised countries:
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands
Americas: Canada, Chile and the United States of America.
Asia: Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
1. The 12-Month General Route
Eligibility: Must have worked in a recognised comparable health system for at least 33 out of the last 48 months prior to applying.
Application process: Secure a job offer from Health New Zealand first. We can then support you with the application process.
Supervision requirements: 12 months of FTE supervised practice. You must submit three satisfactory supervision reports during this period.
Benefits: Provides a structured entry into the NZ health system for those without UK/Irish specific credentials.
Outcome: Full General Registration upon completion.
2. Standard Vocational Assessment (VOC3 Pathway)
Eligibility: For specialists whose qualifications are not on the "Fast-Track" list but are from comparable systems.
Application process: Your training and experience are assessed by the relevant NZ Specialist College. This is a detailed review that can take 3–4 months.
Supervision requirements: Usually 12 to 18 months of practice under a Provisional Vocational scope with regular college-specific reports.
Benefits: Allows for eventual full specialist recognition for those with high-level international training.
Outcome: Full Vocational Registration in your specialty.
If you did not train in a recognised comparable system, your path depends on whether you have a postgraduate specialist qualification that can be assessed for equivalency.
1. The Specialist Assessment Route (VOC3)
Best for: Experienced specialists from any country (e.g., India, Pakistan, Egypt, Philippines, Brazil) who hold a postgraduate qualification.
Eligibility: You must hold a primary medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and a postgraduate specialist qualification awarded after a formal training program.
Application process: This is a "paper-based" assessment. Your entire training history, exams, and logbooks are sent to the relevant New Zealand Specialist College (e.g., RACP for physicians) to determine if your training is "equivalent to" or "as satisfactory as" the New Zealand standard.
Supervision Requirements: If approved, you are granted Provisional Vocational registration. You must complete 12 to 18 months of supervised practice and may need to pass a Vocational Practice Assessment (VPA)—a one-day workplace clinical assessment.
Benefits: This allows you to avoid retraining from scratch and recognises your senior status.
Outcome: Full Vocational Registration as a specialist.
2. The NZREX Clinical Examination Route
Best for: Doctors without a recognised specialist qualification or those not eligible for any other pathway.
Eligibility: You must first pass a prerequisite exam (such as PLAB 1, AMC MCQ, USMLE Step 1 & 2, or MCCQE Part I) within the last five years and meet English language requirements (OET/IELTS).
Application process: You must sit and pass the NZREX Clinical, a high-stakes OSCE-style exam held in New Zealand. After passing, you must secure a PGY1 (intern) or PGY2 position.
Supervision requirements: You will work in a Provisional General scope for 12 months, typically at the intern/resident level, regardless of your previous seniority.
Benefits: This provides a "fresh start" and a guaranteed path to General registration for those who do not fit into the streamlined "comparable" categories.
Outcome: Full General Registration after 12 months of successful hospital-based practice.
Webinar: Registration for SMOs
Watch the webinar for Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) on emigrating to New Zealand to live and work.
Our Health Immigration Service, Immigration New Zealand, and the Medical Council of New Zealand ran this webinar to take you through the different steps towards starting a new adventure in New Zealand.
Learn more about moving to our beautiful country, directly from the people who process your applications.
Diagnostic Radiologists
Our Health New Zealand Diagnostic Radiologists undertake a broad range of tasks, typically in on-site practice settings that range in size from small regional to large tertiary teaching hospitals.
Diagnostic Radiologists provide consultative support to ensure appropriate imaging is selected, participate in clinical meetings and case reviews, and contribute to quality improvement, audit and peer review activities that strengthen patient outcomes and service performance.
In line with national system changes and growing digital capability, we are increasingly able to offer flexible work options, including remote reporting where service needs allow.
Diagnostic Radiology subspecialties
There are opportunities for Radiologists with general and subspecialty interests to join our services and contribute to care for our communities.
Subspecialty practice opportunities include:
- Abdominal/Body
- Breast
- Cardiac
- Chest/Thoracic
- Emergency
- Ear, Nose and Throat
- Musculoskeletal
- Nuclear Medicine/Molecular Imaging and Therapy
- Neuroradiology
- Oncology
- Paediatrics
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Interventional Radiologists
Several of our Health NZ districts provide Interventional Radiology services ranging from general to more specialised, including neurointerventional, typically in our larger districts/regional tertiary centres.
There are opportunities for Radiologists with general and/or subspecialty areas of interest in Interventional Radiology to join our teams and contribute to caring for our people.
Interventional Radiology Subspecialties
- Interventional
- Interventional Neuroradiology
- Interventional Oncology
- Interventional Vascular.
Breast Radiologists
BreastScreen Aotearoa
Breast Radiologists read screening mammograms and work in assessment clinics to detect breast cancer early. They are part of a multidisciplinary team with surgeons, pathologists, technologists and breast care nurses, ensuring high clinical and image-quality standards.
Breast Radiology scope
Breast Radiologists support both key phases of the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme:
- screening mammograms — acting as one of the initial readers and working with MITs and medical physicists to maintain high mammographic quality.
- assessment clinics — contributing as part of a multidisciplinary team to interpret findings, complete diagnostic work-ups, and support care planning.
Qualifications and experience
Breast Radiologists must hold New Zealand vocational registration in diagnostic radiology and have recent, demonstrable experience in breast imaging. This includes:
- approximately 2,000 mammogram reads in the past year
- completion of third-read training (≈300 dummy reads)
- maintaining a recall rate ≤12% and reader sensitivity ≥80%
- active participation in multidisciplinary meetings.
Assessment clinic competency
Before working independently in assessment clinics, Radiologists must be competent in:
- full mammographic work-ups
- breast ultrasound
- relevant invasive diagnostic procedures
- at least 10 assessment sessions in a population-based screening programme within the previous 12 months.
Accreditation and quality
All Breast Radiologists must complete the formal BSA accreditation process and participate in ongoing audit, teaching and quality activities in line with the BreastScreen Aotearoa National Policy and Quality Standards.
Explore New Zealand
Whether you prefer the vibrant urban centres of Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, the scenic landscapes of Otago and Nelson, or the close-knit community atmosphere in areas like Hawke's Bay and Taranaki, there’s a location to suit your lifestyle.
Explore New Zealand
Whether you prefer the vibrant urban centres of Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, the scenic landscapes of Otago and Nelson, or the close-knit community atmosphere in areas like Hawke's Bay and Taranaki, there’s a location to suit your lifestyle.