Resident Doctor - General Surgery - Hawkes Bay

Head Medical; Hastings; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Head Medical is seeking General Surgery doctors with 6–12 months of surgical experience post foundation training for positions in the Hawke’s Bay region. This role offers broad exposure to general surgery within a provincial hospital setting.

You will be based in Hastings, with the option to live in nearby Napier. The contract is for 12 months, commencing February 2027, with a salary range of NZD 109,569 – 146,436 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 6–12 months surgical experience post-foundation training.

Responsibilities

• Assess and manage surgical inpatients, plus acute referrals and readmissions.
• Provide peri-operative care within a supportive clinical team.

Skills

General Surgery experience

Job description

Are you seeking an opportunity to further broaden your procedural experience?

Head Medical is seeking General Surgery doctors possessing 6-12 months surgical experience post foundation training for positions located in the Hawkes Bay region. Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a supportive provincial hospital setting.

• Broad General Surgery exposure including acute admissions, inpatient care, and peri-operative management
• Located in one of NZ’s most desirable lifestyle regions with beaches, vineyards, and year-round sunshine
• Ideal for doctors looking to consolidate surgical experience and progress towards surgical training pathways
• NZD $109,569 – $146,436 (depending on experience) – 12-month contract
• February 2027 commencement

This is an ideal role for doctors looking to consolidate surgical experience, build procedural confidence, and gain valuable international experience within the New Zealand health system.

The Hospital

You will be working in one of New Zealand’s largest provincial hospitals (approx. 400 beds), providing secondary-level care to a population of over 160,000 people.

The hospital offers a broad range of medical and surgical subspecialties on site (excluding cardiothoracic and neurosurgery), along with strong links to surrounding rural and community services.

The General Surgery department includes:

• 9 General Surgeons
• 3 Urologists
• 14 Registrars
• 8 House Officers

You will be responsible for the assessment, management, and ongoing care of surgical inpatients, as well as acute surgical referrals and re-admissions. The role offers strong exposure to acute surgical presentations, peri-operative care, and inpatient management within a supportive clinical team.

Location

You will be based in Hastings, a vibrant coastal city on New Zealand’s North Island, with the option to live in either Hastings or nearby Napier.

Hawke’s Bay offers a strong balance of professional development and lifestyle:

• Affordable housing and excellent schooling options
• Stunning coastline, beaches, and outdoor lifestyle opportunities
• World-renowned wineries, food scene, cafés, and restaurants
• Cycling trails, hiking, water sports, and golf courses on your doorstep
• A warm, sunny climate with a strong community feel
• Easy connections to Auckland and Wellington via regular flights

What Head Medical can do for you

Head Medical is a specialist international healthcare recruitment company and has been helping doctors relocate to Australia, New Zealand and beyond since 2008. From identifying the right opportunity through to regulatory applications and relocation, we provide free guidance and support throughout the process. We also have qualified and licensed Immigration Advisers within our team who can assist with migration planning and visa applications for Australia and New Zealand. The services of our licensed Immigration Advisers are provided as an additional service, with any applicable fees discussed in advance.