Description
Forensic Psychiatry in New Zealand
Shape the future of care in a system that supports you.
In New Zealand, forensic psychiatry isn't just a job - it's an integrated, full-scope practice defined by clinical breadth and a public health approach. Unlike more siloed international systems, our model allows you to move beyond traditional barriers and contribute to meaningful, system-wide change. You will work across the entire patient pathway, providing longitudinal care at the interface of mental health and justice.
The integrated clinical model
Our service is built on connection. As a consultant within our national forensic network, you typically operate across the full continuum of care.
- Inpatient and rehabilitation: Leading multidisciplinary teams in secure units and overseeing step-down pathways
- Prison consultation: Collaborative assessment and treatment within correctional environments in partnership with justice teams
- Court liaison: Providing expert legal reports and psychiatric assessments for the judiciary
- Community forensic care: Managing risk and supporting the recovery of individuals living in the community
A system-wide rebuild: your chance to lead
New Zealand is currently strengthening its national forensic mental health capacity.
For an incoming clinician, this represents a unique opportunity to:
- Influence models of care: Play a key role in shaping service development and the evolution of a nationally consistent forensic service
- Lead and mentor: Step into leadership roles and shape the next generation of clinicians within a non-hierarchical, collaborative culture
- Practice culturally informed care: Work within a system that prioritises Mori health and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, placing whnau (family) and cultural identity at the heart of recovery
Why choose New Zealand?
- A refreshing pace: Bid farewell to bureaucracy and find the balance you deserve. Practice forensic psychiatry meaningfully without the rush, focusing on people rather than targets
- Professional autonomy: Enjoy more scope, more influence, and more time to actually do the work well in a system that values your voice
- Straight to residence: Psychiatrists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List. This means you are eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa, allowing you to apply for residency before you even arrive
Salary, benefits and leave
Salary:
- The average salary package for Psychiatrists in New Zealand is ~£150,580 (NZD $343,500)
- Packages are comprised of a base salary based on experience, plus allowances, and superannuation per the ASMS collective agreement.
Benefits
You'll receive:
- an annual continuing medical education (CME) allowance of ~£7013 (NZD $16,000)
- paid 3-month sabbaticals every 6 years
- your indemnity insurance covered by Health New Zealand
- your professional fees and subscriptions fully reimbursed
- complimentary visa and immigration support
- a tailored relocation package to make your move, if eligible.
Leave
You'll get:
- 6 weeks of annual leave
- generous discretionary sick leave
- 12 public holidays, paid T1.5 + time in lieu if worked
- 14 weeks paid parental leave alongside the government's 26 weeks.
Please note that actual packages are negotiated at the time of offer, reflecting your specific clinical specialty, experience level, and geographic location.
What you need to join us
To practice here, you must be able to be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). We typically look for qualifications comparable to FRANZCP. If you hold approved qualifications from the UK, Ireland, or Australia, you can apply for fast-track registration, often processed within 20 working days.
Ready to make a difference somewhere different?
How to apply
Please click 'apply now' to move forward. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal. If you have questions, please email our recruiters internationalrecruitmentcentre@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We only accept online applications. Please apply via our website.
Please view our Forensic Psychiatry video here.
