Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon | Fixed Term

JobSpace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora invites an experienced Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon to Christchurch Hospital Ōtautahi Christchurch. You will deliver high-quality acute trauma care in a busy tertiary setting serving the Canterbury region.

You will work with an experienced team, supervising registrars and junior staff, and contributing to clinical governance and surgical training. The fixed-term role offers flexibility around contract length for the right candidate.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality acute trauma care within a busy tertiary setting serving the Canterbury region and the South Island
• Work alongside an experienced orthopaedic team in managing a broad and complex trauma case mix
• Supervise, educate, and mentor registrars and junior medical staff; contribute to clinical governance and training programs

Skills

Orthopaedic trauma care

Teaching & supervision

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

FRACS or equivalent

Medical Council of NZ registration (Orthopaedic Surgery)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon - Christchurch Hospital Ōtautahi Christchurch | 1 Year Fixed-Term, Full-Time (open to shorter-term contracts 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 here

About You

As an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon with a special interest in trauma, you will bring:

• 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.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kris Dalzell, Clinical Director - Orthopaedics: ***************@cdhb.health.nz

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