Northland offers a rare kind of balance — the kind that lets you breathe
Whether you are looking for clinical challenge, cultural connection, or simply space to slow down, Northland offers a rare kind of balance — the kind that lets you breathe.
With a subtropical climate and stunning coastlines, outdoor living is part of everyday life.
Enjoy affordable housing, space to live and a lower cost of living without compromising on quality. From excellent schools to modern healthcare and essential services, Northland supports you and your family.
Be a part of a tight-knit, welcoming community where professional collaboration and personal well-being go hand in hand.
Morning surf checks and sunset beach walks are just part of the rhythm in Northland
Northland offers health professionals a unique opportunity to live and work in one of New Zealand's most beautiful and culturally rich regions.
Morning surf checks and sunset beach walks are just part of the rhythm in Northland
Northland offers health professionals a unique opportunity to live and work in one of New Zealand's most beautiful and culturally rich regions.
Working in Northland
The Northland district provides publicly funded care across the region, supported by more than 4,000 staff. Healthcare services include emergency and inpatient care, surgery, mental health, maternity, community health and outpatient clinics, delivered across four hospitals.
What makes Northland different
Working in Northland | Te Tai Tokerau offers more than a job — it is a chance to make a meaningful impact in a region with diverse health needs, strong community connections, and deep cultural roots.
Deeply connected to Te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi , clinicians here enjoy broad scopes of practice, close-knit multidisciplinary teams, and the opportunity to serve both rural and urban communities.
You will see the difference you make every day and feel the difference in your own lifestyle, with space to grow, connect and breathe.
Healthcare services in Northland
- Audiology
- Anaesthesia
- Bariatric Surgery Programme
- Breast Clinic
- Cancer (Oncology) Services
- Cardiology
- Colposcopy Service
- Endocrinology
- Endoscopy
- ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat)
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
- Gynaecology
- Incontinence Service
- Laboratory Services
- Liver Service
- Māori Health Directorate — Te Poutokomanawa
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Service
- Orthopaedic Services
- Orthotic Department
- Pain Management Service
- Palliative Care Service
- Radiology Services
- Renal (Nephrology) Service
- Respiratory
- Rheumatology Service
- Stroke/TIA Service
- Urology
- Vascular Service
- B4 School Checks
- Breastfeeding and lactation clinics
- Child health
- Childbirth education classes — Kaupapa Māori Childbirth Wānanga
- Child health connection service
- He Tupua Waiora — Pregnancy and parental service
- Immunisation coordination — Well Child youth and clinical service
- Maternity services
- Antenatal classes
- Mobile ear clinic
- Newborn hearing screening (UNHSEIP)
- Ngā Tātai Ihorangi Programme — Pre-conception and pregnancy through to the First 2000 Days
- Vision screening testing
- Youth health services
- Adult community service
- Adult Kaupapa Māori (Te Roopu Whitiora)
- Child and adolescent service (Te Roopu Kimiora)
- Crisis assessment team (CATT)
- Early psychosis intervention
- Employment works
- Inpatient services
- Intensive community team (ICT)
- Psychiatry for older people (POPS)
- Triage service
- Te Tumu Waiora — head towards wellness programme
- Te Roopu Kimiora — CAMHS and addictions services
- Cervical screening
- Communicable diseases
- Community physiotherapy service
- Community rehabilitation and allied health services
- District nursing services
- He Waka Kakarauri — Advanced care planning
- Health protection officers
- Hearing Screening Testing
- Oral health service
- Public health
- Sexual health service
- Healthy lifestyles programme
- Health promoting schools — Fruit in schools
- People's Bus — Te Pahi o Ngā Iwi mobile clinic
- National bowel screening programme
- Vision screening testing
Hospitals in Northland
Towns and cities in Northland
Northland is New Zealand’s only subtropical region, offering natural beauty, warm weather, and strong community spirit. The main towns are Whangārei, Kaitaia, Kerikeri, and Dargaville.
Whangārei
Whangārei is the largest centre in Northland, 2.5 hours from Auckland surrounded by beaches, bush walks, and city amenities.It is a coastal city with a relaxed pace and active local culture. There are a wide variety of school options and tertiary study at NorthTec as well a regional airport and strong road connections.
Kerikeri
Kerikeri is just over 3 hours from Auckland and is the fastest growing town in the Bay of Islands. Surrounded by nature, waterfalls, and vineyards, it is a creative, welcoming town, with a subtropical vibe. There are strong schooling options, including Kerikeri High School. There is a small regional airport in Kerikeri with flights to Auckland.
Kaitaia
Kaitaia is the northernmost service town and the gateway to Cape Reinga - a little over 4 hours from Auckland. It has a strong Māori identity and tight-knit community. Kaitaia is ideal for surfing, fishing, and coastal exploring. There is a small regional airport in Kaitaia with flights to Auckland.
Dargaville
Dargaville is a riverside town southwest of Whangārei close to Kai Iwi Lakes and west coast beaches. It is a quiet friendly town with rural charm. It is approximately a 2 hour to Auckland.
Find your purpose in Northland
Whether you are looking for a clinical challenge, cultural connection, or simply space to slow down, Northland could be the region for you.
Find your purpose in Northland
Whether you are looking for a clinical challenge, cultural connection, or simply space to slow down, Northland could be the region for you.
Living in Northland
With a lower cost of living than major cities and a warm, coastal climate, Northland is perfect for those seeking a work-life balance. Enjoy tight-knit communities, excellent schools, native bush, and a slower pace — all while staying within reach of Auckland.
Northland is New Zealand’s only subtropical region, offering a lifestyle defined by natural beauty, warm weather, and strong community spirit. Here, you will enjoy the space to slow down and the opportunity to thrive, both personally and professionally.
Often referred to as the 'winterless north', Northland enjoys a mild, subtropical climate year-round, with warm summers and frost-free winters.
It is one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. From morning swims to weekend hikes, the natural landscape supports an active lifestyle year-round.
With over 30% of the population identifying as Māori, Te Tai Tokerau has a strong cultural identity. Te Ao Māori and tikanga are integrated into daily life across the region, from local schools and health services to arts, events, and governance.
There are regular opportunities to engage meaningfully with iwi, hapū, and marae.
Northland offers a lower cost of living than larger cities, with a range of housing options to suit different lifestyles.
Whether you are after a beachfront retreat, a rural lifestyle block, or a family home near schools and shops, the region provides options with more space, affordability, and lifestyle benefits.
Northland’s largest urban centre, Whangārei, provides access to modern healthcare, education, retail, and recreational facilities.
Smaller towns such as Kerikeri, Dargaville, and Kaitaia also offer essential services.
Public transport is available in some areas, though most residents prefer to drive.
Life in Northland is slower-paced and community-focused. People know and support one another, and there is a strong sense of local pride.
With stunning natural surroundings and fewer urban distractions, it is easier to strike a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal wellbeing.
From sailing and surfing to food markets and local arts, Northland offers countless ways to connect and recharge.
You will find galleries, festivals, and cultural events year-round, particularly in Whangārei and the Bay of Islands. Many activities celebrate Māori and Pacific heritage, bringing the community together in meaningful ways.