Description

Forensic Psychiatry in New Zealand 

Shape the future of care in a system that supports you. 

In New Zealand, forensic psychiatryisn'tjust a job-it’san integrated, full-scope practice defined by clinical breadth and a public health approach. Unlike more siloedinternational systems, our model allows you to move beyond the traditional barriers and contribute to meaningful, system-wide change. You will work across the entire patient pathway, providing longitudinal care at the interface of mental health and justice. 

Theintegratedclinicalmodel 

Our service is built on connection. As aconsultantwithin our national forensic network, you typicallyoperateacross the full continuum of care. 

•          Inpatient andrehabilitation:Leading multidisciplinary teams in secure units and overseeing step-down pathways 
•          Prisonconsultation:Collaborative assessment and treatment withincorrectional environments in partnership with justice teams 
•          Courtliaison:Providing expert legal reports and psychiatric assessments for the judiciary 
•          Communityforensiccare:Managing risk and supporting the recovery of individuals living in the community 

Asystem-widerebuild:yourchance tolead 

New Zealand is currently strengthening its national forensic mental health capacity. 

For an incoming clinician, thisrepresentsa unique opportunity to: 

•  
•          Influencemodels ofcare:Play a key role in shaping service development and the evolution of a nationally consistent forensic service 
•          Lead andmentor:Step into leadership roles and shape the next generation of clinicians within a non-hierarchical, collaborative culture 
•          Practiceculturallyinformedcare:Work within a system that prioritises Mori health and the principles ofTeTiritio Waitangi, placingwhnau(family) and cultural identity at the heart of recovery 

Whychoose New Zealand? 

•          Arefreshingpace:Bid farewell to bureaucracy and find the balance you deserve. Practice forensic psychiatry meaningfully without the rush, focusing on people rather than targets 
•          Professionalautonomy:Enjoy more scope, more influence, and more time toactually dothe work well in a system that values your voice 
•          Straight toresidence:Psychiatrists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List.This means you are eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa, allowing you to apply for residency before you even arrive 

Competitiveremunerationandbenefits 

The average salary for Psychiatrists in New Zealand is $283K AUD ($343.5K NZD)(comprisedof base salarybased on experience, plus allowances, and superannuationper the ASMS collective agreement),supplemented by a $13.2K AUD ($16K NZD)annual CME allowance. 

You will also receive: 

•          6 weeks of annual leave 
•          12 publicholidays, paid T1.5 + time in lieu if worked 
•          generous discretionary sick leave 
•          14 weeks paid parental leave alongside the government’s 26-weeks 
•          a fully paid 3-month sabbatical every 6 years. 

Please note that actual packages are negotiated to reflect your specific clinical specialty, experience level, and geographic location. 

Whatyouneedto joinus 

To practice here, you must be able to be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). We typically look for qualifications comparable to FRANZCP. If you hold approved qualifications from the UK, Ireland, or Australia, you can apply for fast-track registration, often processed within 20 working days. 

Ready to make a difference somewhere different? 

How to apply 

Please click 'apply now' to move forward. All applications must besubmittedthrough our onlinecareersportal. If you have questions, please email our recruitersinternationalrecruitmentcentre@tewhatuora.govt.nz 

We only accept online applications. Please apply via ourwebsite.