The perfect mix of lifestyle, affordability and connection
Manawatū–Whanganui is where health professionals come to reconnect with their careers, with nature, and with their community.
Set among mountains, rivers and rolling countryside, the region offers a grounded lifestyle with room to breathe and space to grow.
Here you will find affordable living, short commutes and a slower pace, without missing out on modern healthcare facilities, professional development or cultural connection.
It is a region that provides health professionals a unique opportunity to thrive in a region known for its natural beauty, cultural richness and connected communities.
Here, your work will be meaningful, and your lifestyle just as rewarding.
Find your place in the heart of Aotearoa
Whether you are cycling through native bush, skiing, working in a regional hospital, or walking your tamariki to school, life in Manawatū–Whanganui moves to a rhythm that supports your wellbeing and purpose.
Find your place in the heart of Aotearoa
Whether you are cycling through native bush, skiing, working in a regional hospital, or walking your tamariki to school, life in Manawatū–Whanganui moves to a rhythm that supports your wellbeing and purpose.
Healthcare services in Manawatū-Whanganui
- Acute mental health ward (adult)
- Ambulatory clinics
- Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation Ward
- Acute Stroke Unit
- Child Development Service
- Children’s Ward
- Community Assessment and Rahab Team
- Community based clinics that support the people of Whanganui in their health journey
- Community Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Critical Care Unit
- Dental Services
- Dietetics Service
- Emergency Department (15 bed) Acute Assessment Unit
- Forensic Mental Health unit
- Maternal Infant Child Adolescent Mental Health and Addition Services
- Maternity unit
- Medical ward
- Occupational Therapy Service
- Older Peoples health
- Operating theatres
- Ophthalmology
- Physiotherapy Service
- Social Work Service
- Speech Language Therapy Service
- Surgical Ward
- Therapy Services
- X-ray and Radiology
- BreastScreen Coast to Coast
- Child Health
- Dental Health
- Dietetic Services
- Disability Support Services
- ElderHealth
- Emergency Department
- Laboratory
- Māori Health Service
- Medical Imaging
- Medical Services
- Mental Health & Addiction Services
- Pharmacy
- Planned Care (Elective Services)
- Primary health organisations and general practice
- Public Health
- Regional Cancer Treatment Service
- Rehabilitation Services
- Renal Specialist Care / Unit
- Rural Health
- Sexual Health Services
- Support and Advocacy Services
- Surgical and Anaesthetics
- Te Whare Rapuora
- Therapy Services
- Women’s Health
Hospitals in Manawatū-Whanganui
Palmerston North Hospital
Whanganui Hospital
Dannevirke Community Hospital
Horowhenua Health Centre
Cities and towns in Manawatū-Whanganui
Towns in Manawatū-Whanganui include Levin, Ōtaki, Dannevirke, Feilding, Waiouru, Taihape, Bulls, and Ohakune. The 2 cities, where most the population live, are Palmerston North and Whanganui.
Palmerston North
Palmerston North is a vibrant university city known for its thriving arts and education scene, beautiful parks and the New Zealand Rugby Museum. And it is all just a short drive from mountains, beaches, and national parks.
Feilding
Feilding is a picturesque town renowned for its award-winning beauty (voted New Zealand's Most Beautiful town 16 times so far), vibrant farmers’ market, historic saleyards, and welcoming rural charm just 20 km from Palmerston North.
Dannevirke
New Zealand's 'Norse Capital', Dannevirke is a charming rural town offering a strong sense of community, historic architecture, and access to scenic parks and outdoor adventures near the Tararua Ranges.
Ōtaki
Ōtaki is known for its strong Māori identity, bilingual community, outlet shopping strip and easy access to beaches, forests, and outdoor adventures.
Whanganui
Whanganui is a historic riverside city celebrated for its rich Māori heritage, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural landscapes centered around the iconic Whanganui River.
Bulls
Bulls is a quirky rural town, known for its bull-themed puns, friendly community, and central location at the junction of State Highways 1 and 3, just 28 km from Palmerston North.
Ohakune
Ohakune is a charming alpine town sitting at the foot of Mount Ruapehu. Known as the 'Carrot Capital' and a year-round adventure hub offering skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and rich Māori and railway heritage.