Hawke's Bay offers a Mediterranean-like lifestyle

With award-winning food and wine, iconic architecture, and a sunny climate — Hawke's Bay boasts one of the most attractive lifestyle choices in New Zealand.

There are plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking Te Mata Peak and rafting the Mohaka River to cycling 200km of trails and relaxing at the beach. There are many excellent golf courses and the region hosts several classic road cycle races.

Local facilities include the remodeled Opera House, museums, art galleries, and sports arenas, along with top secondary schools.  Popular events include the annual Art Deco Weekend and Worldclass outdoor concerts.

Haumoana, Hawke's Bay
Graeme Murray

Apply for a role in Hawke's Bay

Whether you are based in New Zealand or moving here from overseas, Hawke's Bay offers rewarding career opportunities in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We welcome applicants who are passionate about equitable, family-centred care.

Find a role in Hawke’s Bayexternal link

Working in Hawke's Bay

Health NZ in Hawke’s Bay serves a population of approximately 180,000. Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is the main acute hospital and specialist service provider in the region, employing more than 4,000 staff.

There are smaller satellite sites in Central Hawke’s Bay, Napier and Wairoa.

Healthcare services in Hawke's Bay

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  • Audiology  
  • Dietetics
  • Occupational Therapy  
  • Physiotherapy
  • Cancer Care
  • Community Nursing  
  • Community Oral Health Services
  • Disability Support Services
  • District Nursing
  • Hoki kit e Kāinga – Home Support Services Māori Health Services
  • Mental Health & Addiction
  • Oral Health/Dental Services
  • Outpatient Palliative Care
  • Sexual Health
  • Social Work 

  • Child development services
  • Paediatric and child services  
  • Maternity services
  • Older persons services 

  • Assessment Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit
  • General Surgery  
  • Emergency Department  
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • Laboratory Services
  • Palliative Care
  • Radiology Services  
  • Surgical Services 

  • Anaesthesia
  • Cardiology  
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology  
  • Genetics
  • Haematology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health & Addiction  
  • Metabolic Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Oncology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopaedics
  • Otolaryngology or ENT
  • Pathology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Renal
  • Respiratory
  • Rheumatology
  • Urology 

Towns and cities in Hawke's Bay

Approximately 180,000 people live in Hawke’s Bay. The main cities are located close to each other — Napier on the coast, and Hastings 17km inland. Other towns include Havelock North, Wairoa, Waipawa, and Waipukurau.

Te Mata Peak
Kirsten Simcox
Napier Urban Farmers' Market
Kirsten Simcox
Napier Art Deco Festival
Kirsten Simcox
Craggy Range Winery
Richard Brimer
Maraetotara Falls, Hawke's Bay
Rachael Hockridge

Support for international candidates

How we can help you make the move

Whether you are looking to get started or already have your bags packed, our team can help answer any questions you have, no matter what stage you are at.

Dedicated immigration and visa support

Health New Zealand's Health Immigration Service offers free expert guidance on work visa applications, including Green List and Straight to Residence pathways, helping make the move to New Zealand as smooth as possible.

Our Health Immigration Service

Professional registration guidance

Before starting work, international candidates must be registered with the appropriate New Zealand authority, such as MCNZ, NCNZ, or OTBNZ. Health NZ provides support throughout the registration process.

What you need to work here

Transition support

From arrival logistics to finding accommodation, setting up bank accounts, and getting oriented, support is available to help candidates settle confidently into life and work in New Zealand. This includes practical guidance to make your move as smooth as possible, from day one.

Accommodation and housing

Family and lifestyle integration

Health New Zealand helps you and your family adjust to life in New Zealand. This includes school enrolments, access to healthcare, local services, and community connections. Ongoing support ensures you feel confident, connected and supported both professionally and personally. 

Living in New Zealand

Roles available with Health New Zealand

Find a range of clinical and non-clinical roles available across our 19 districts.

Explore our in demand roles

About working at Health New Zealand

Learn more about Health New Zealand as an organisation and employer.

Find out about working at Health NZ

Information for international candidates

Find helpful information on relocating to live and work in New Zealand.

Learn about the support available