Practice Family Medicine in NZ at The Doctors

Looking for Family Medicine Practitioners

We are looking for General Practitioners (Family Medicine Practitioners) to join The Doctors Medical Centres, part of the Green Cross Health network. With 65 established general practice medical centres across New Zealand, we offer the largest coverage of doctors and services nationwide. Each practice is deeply embedded in its community, reflecting the unique character of the area. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant, multicultural cities or the stunning, nature-filled rural regions – New Zealand offers diverse locations for career growth, balanced lifestyle and a safe place to raise a family.

New Zealand’s largest general practice provider

The Doctors Medical Centres network is unique, with a mix of corporately owned practices and partnerships with doctor-owned practices. We encourage buy-in from our doctors and can discuss this possibility with you. Learn more about the benefits of corporate-doctor partnership in this video.

People-centred culture

Our GPs are known for their collegial support and leadership skills. We take pride in fostering a people-centred culture and prioritising the care of our communities.

We believe in a healthy work-life balance and supporting your aspirations. New Zealand is an ideal place to build your career while enjoying quality time with your family. If you’re a General Practitioner ready to embrace these opportunities, get in touch with us today.

Our network, at a glance

65 medical centres supporting over 400,000 enrolled patients
Urban and rural practices
Over 1,400 employees, including 374 GPs, 392 Nurses, 30 Nurse Practitioners, 25 Health Improvement Practitioners, and 13 Health Coaches

We are passionately committed to delivering exceptional care and advice to our communities. Our values guide how we support the people in our network, how we run our practices, and how we interface with our patients.

Being part of a large network and corporate health provider has many benefits, but each practice remains local, with a culture that reflects the community it serves.

General Practitioners (Family Medicine Practitioners) Vacancies

Visit the vacancies section of our careers website to explore all our current roles available. Here, you'll find detailed information about the location of each role, the practice it’s with, and how to apply.

Making the move to New Zealand

Moving across the world can be a stressful experience, especially when navigating various regulatory requirements and managing tight timelines. Searching for a new job is already time-consuming, and when you add the complexities of relocating internationally, you need a strong support system.

Here are a few ways Green Cross Health can help you find the best roles within our network in New Zealand:

Our practices know and trust this process

We have strong relationships with all our practices across the network. We find the best talent and then advocate and negotiate on your behalf so that everyone is happy – it’s a win-win. Your application will be well regarded by our practices as we have a reputation for finding the best.

Less legwork and paperwork

We assist you with all the paperwork, ensuring that you are fully compliant. We will navigate you through the various registration pathways, taking most of the administration burden off you. We can also accentuate the key features of your CV and application, so you have your best foot forward with your first impression.

Immigration and relocation

Once you have accepted a job, we work to help you through the MCNZ and immigration process for you and your family. We help provide localistic information about settling in NZ, including setting up a bank account. Without the right connections, it can be difficult to turn your dream of living and working in another country into reality.

Help for FREE

One of the best things about our service is that it is FREE for doctors. We're here to help.

Useful Information

Overview of General Practice in New Zealand

An average day consists of 2 sessions (AM/PM). Each session is usually 4 hours
Most Doctors work 8 sessions (32 hours) per week
Standard appointments are 15 minutes long
In New Zealand, General Practitioners work with the full patient age range (0-100+)
All practices use computerised patient notes. The most common software is Medtech, used in about 90% of practices
Procedural skills, emergency medicine and minor surgery are valuable
Some practices have a walk-in clinic that all GPs work in on a roster basis
Different practices offer different packages. Usually the more rural a location, the more is included in the package (e.g., relocation, accommodation, car)

Registration Pathways

There are certain criteria you need to meet to gain Medical Council registration in New Zealand. You can take the self-assessment test to see what options are open to you.

Testimonials From Those Who Made The Move

“In the UK I was a GP partner for 20 years and co-founded a leading GP federation. When I moved to New Zealand three years ago, I was very fortunate to have an exceptional mentor to help me settle in. During this time, I also obtained my New Zealand GP Fellowship. I firmly believe that new GPs should get the same support I did when they join us, to allow them to integrate into our team, and I’m proud that we provide this within our practice. We foster a friendly and supportive place to work, with room for learning and advancing people’s career aspirations.”
Dr Richard Dales, GP Medical Lead at The Doctors Bayfair, originally from the UK.

"In August 2014 I came to New Zealand to work as a GP in Gisborne for a year as it had beaches, vineyards and sun. After returning to Belgium in 2015, Gisborne kept calling and in 2018 we moved to New Zealand permanently. I returned to The Doctors Te Whare Hapara and am currently working as the medical lead. I enjoy the good vibes at the practice and the slower pace of life in Gisborne.”
Dr Wim Ruelens, The Doctors Te Whare Hapara, originally from Belgium.

“I moved to New Zealand in 2013 for a change of pace from The Netherlands. Shortly after moving I was recruited by Green Cross Health to work at The Doctors Kerikeri. I have found working here a thoroughly enjoyable experience as I am surrounded by a lovely yet hardworking team, in a beautiful, laid-back town.”
Dr Hester Elbertsen, The Doctors Kerikeri, originally from The Netherlands.

Contact Us

Whether you’re considering a move from the NHS, looking for opportunities to align with your long-term career goals, or looking abroad to pursue specialty interests, New Zealand offers ample opportunities.

Let’s have a chat today!

Anna Drakeford
Green Cross Health, Medical Talent Acquisition Manager
M: +64 21 151 0048
E: anna.drakeford@thedrs.co.nz
LinkedIn

Anna has been in medical recruitment for over 12 years, helping doctors and their families through the Medical Council and immigration process to settle in New Zealand. Anna prides herself on matching practices and doctors to make the right fit for both.

Career Move to New Zealand