Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon | Fixed Term

Canterbury District Health Board; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Christchurch Hospital in Ōtautahi Christchurch is seeking an Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon for a 1-year fixed-term, full-time role. You will deliver acute trauma care within a high-volume tertiary environment serving Canterbury and the wider South Island.

You will join an experienced team, participate in the acute trauma roster, and contribute to inpatient/outpatient care, clinical governance, and training of registrars and junior staff. A flexible length is possible by agreement.

Qualifications

• Fellowship FRACS or equivalent qualification required for eligibility.
• Registration with the Medical Council of NZ in Orthopaedic Surgery or eligibility.
• Advanced training in orthopaedic trauma in a tertiary setting.
• Ability to supervise registrars and junior medical staff.
• Commitment to teaching and ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality acute trauma care in a busy tertiary setting.
• Participate in the acute trauma roster, inpatient and outpatient care.
• Contribute to clinical governance activities and training programs.
• Supervise, educate and mentor registrars and junior staff.

Skills

Advanced trauma training

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Teaching and supervision

Education

Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) or equivalent recognised qualification

Vocational registration or eligibility with the Medical Council of New Zealand in Orthopaedic Surgery

Job description

Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon – Christchurch Hospital
Ōtautahi Christchurch | 1 Year Fixed-Term, Full-Time (open to shorter-termcontracts by agreement)

Join one of New Zealand’s leading orthopaedic trauma services and work in a high-volume tertiary environment managing complex and rewarding cases. This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognised department while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of living in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

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

As an Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon at Christchurch Hospital, you will deliver high-quality acute trauma care within a busy tertiary setting serving the Canterbury region and the wider Te Waipounamu South Island population.

You will work alongside an experienced and collegial team of orthopaedic surgeons, managing a broad and complex trauma case mix. The role includes participation in the acute trauma roster, inpatient and outpatient care, and involvement in clinical governance activities. You will play a key role in the supervision, education, and mentorship of registrars and junior medical staff, contributing to our strong culture of surgical training and professional development.

This fixed-term position offers both clinical challenge and professional satisfaction, with flexibility around contract length for the right candidate.

About the Team/Service/Location

Christchurch Hospital is the largest tertiary hospital in the South Island and home to one of New Zealand’s largest orthopaedic departments. The service is recognised for excellence in trauma care, surgical training, and collaborative multidisciplinary practice.

Ōtautahi Christchurch offers an exceptional quality of life, with easy access to beaches, mountains, national parks, and a vibrant food and cultural scene. It is a fantastic place to live and work, whether you are relocating alone or with family.

For more information on living and working in Christchurch click

About You

• Vocational registration (or eligibility for vocational registration) with the Medical Council of New Zealand in Orthopaedic Surgery
• Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) or equivalent recognised qualification
• Advanced training and proven experience in orthopaedic trauma, ideally within a tertiary hospital setting
• A collaborative approach to multidisciplinary care and service development
• A demonstrated commitment to teaching, supervision, and ongoing professional development

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 serve our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

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