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Discover a career as a Clinical Psychologist in New Zealand

You help others gain insight and build resilience – now it's time to find the same balance in your own life. Whether it's more time for whānau (family), a supportive team culture or the chance to explore the country's natural beauty, New Zealand offers something for you.

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join a nationwide workforce committed to delivering better health outcomes. We're welcoming qualified Clinical Psychologists to contribute their expertise across a range of inpatient, community and kaupapa Māori (Māori-led) services.

Opportunities across Health New Zealand

Clinical Psychologists at Health New Zealand work in multi-disciplinary teams supporting people with a wide range of needs. Depending on your experience and interests, you may find opportunities in:

• Adult and child mental health services
• Neuropsychology and cognitive assessment
• Health and rehabilitation psychology
• Alcohol and other drug (AOD) services
• Pain management and behavioural medicine
• Forensic services

Some districts also support rotation across services or the chance to focus on your clinical speciality.

What it's like to work here

Clinical Psychologists play a key role in delivering evidence-based, person-centred care. You'll work closely with clinicians, communities and whānau to support recovery, wellbeing and resilience.

You'll benefit from:

• Regular supervision and professional networks
• Paid CPD leave and professional development funding
• Access to leadership and research pathways
• Flexible and family-friendly work options
• Structured career progression

We're committed to supporting your growth and wellbeing – at work and beyond.

Call New Zealand home

If you receive an offer, our Health Immigration Service offers free support to help you and your whānau relocate. Clinical Psychologists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa – so you can apply for residency before you arrive.

New Zealand is known for its mountains, beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Whether you prefer a busy city, a coastal town or a rural escape, you'll find a community that feels like home.

Salary & benefits

Salary

• Salary range: NZD $85,000 – $150,000.
• 16-step progression scale: steps 1–5 increase automatically each year, and steps 6+ are merit-based; progression depends on performance.
• Overtime and penal rates apply where relevant.

Additional compensation: Penal rates, on-call and higher duties where applicable

You'll also receive:

• Paid Continuing Professional Development (CPD) time and allowance
• Professional indemnity cover provided by Health NZ
• Reimbursement of your professional registration and APC
• Four weeks of annual leave per year
• Ten days of paid sick leave
• Twelve public holidays (plus time in lieu if rostered on)
• Fourteen weeks paid parental leave
• Long service and special leave entitlements

What you need to work here

To work as a Clinical Psychologist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board under the clinical scope of practice. International applicants are assessed on their qualifications, supervised practice and fitness to practise.

Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Te Whatu Ora means "the weaving of wellness." We're building a single, unified health system that delivers equitable, high-quality care across the motu (country). Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all people – including Māori, Pacific Peoples, those from ethnic communities, disabled people and the Rainbow community.

Our values are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and our commitment to health equity for Māori and all New Zealanders. Through collaboration, innovation and shared purpose, we aim to create a health system where everyone can thrive.

Ready to make a difference?

Our international recruitment team can support you through the application, registration and immigration process – and help you find the right place to call home.

Apply now – and make a difference somewhere different.