International Pathologists - New Zealand Roles

Pathologists provide specialist diagnostic services through laboratory investigation of tissue, blood, and other specimens to support patient care across New Zealand. At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join collaborative teams delivering high-quality pathology services in hospital and community settings.

About the role

Pathologists in New Zealand provide diagnostic expertise in histopathology, cytopathology, chemical pathology, haematology, microbiology, and molecular pathology. They support clinical teams with timely, accurate diagnostic information and contribute to quality assurance, research, and service development.

Opportunities across Health New Zealand

Clinical responsibilities for Pathologists may include:

• Examination and reporting of tissue and cytology specimens
• Interpretation of laboratory results to guide patient management
• Consultation with clinicians to provide specialist diagnostic advice
• Participation in quality assurance, laboratory accreditation, and clinical audits
• Teaching and mentoring registrars, trainees, and other healthcare professionals
• Engagement in research, service development, and implementation of clinical pathways

What it's like to work here

Pathologists work closely with medical laboratory scientists, nurses, and other specialists in state-of-the-art laboratories and hospital settings. Employees benefit from:

• Supportive, multidisciplinary teams
• Opportunities to teach, mentor, and contribute to research
• Protected non-clinical time and flexible work options
• Engagement in quality improvement and service development initiatives

Call New Zealand home

Health New Zealand can support you and your whānau with relocation advice through the Health Immigration Service. Pathologists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making them eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa and allowing residency applications before arrival.

New Zealand offers safe, welcoming communities, vibrant cities, and diverse regional locations with a high standard of living and access to public healthcare and schooling.

Salary and benefits

Base salary: NZD $185,380 – $267,980 (based on the ASMS collective agreement, depending on experience)

Additional compensation: On-call and availability allowances where applicable

Additional entitlements include:

• Reimbursement of Medical Council registration and Annual Practising Certificate costs
• Funded Continuing Medical Education (CME) allowance (NZD $16,000 per year pro-rata)
• CME leave (up to 10 days per year)
• Six weeks of annual leave per year
• Twelve paid public holidays
• Long service, special leave and sabbatical entitlements
• Up to 14 weeks paid parental leave

What you need to work here

To practise as a Pathologist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate. You will typically require an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Pathologists (FRACP Pathology) or equivalent and meet MCNZ requirements for vocational registration.

International Pathologists may be granted provisional vocational registration initially and must complete a period of supervised practice before applying for full vocational registration.

Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Te Whatu Ora means “the weaving of wellness.” We are building a unified health system that delivers equitable, high-quality care across New Zealand. Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

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

Our values are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our commitment to health equity for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Ready to make a difference?

Our international recruitment team can support you through application, registration, and immigration processes—and help you find the right place to work in New Zealand.

Apply now—and make a difference somewhere different.