General Questions
Q: How much are your services?
A: Our service is completely FREE for doctors. We’re paid by hospitals and clinics who work with us to save them the time and stress that can be associated with finding a new doctor.
Q: What types of jobs do you offer for doctors in New Zealand?
A: We offer a variety of job opportunities for both permanent and locum doctors across various specialties, including but not limited to general practice, emergency medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, paediatrics, psychiatry, radiology, and more.
Q: What is the difference between a permanent and locum position?
A: A permanent position is a full-time, ongoing position with benefits such as paid leave, sick leave, and other entitlements. A locum position is a temporary role that may range from a few days to several months, where the doctor fills in for a staff member who is on leave, or the clinic requires additional support.
Q: How long does it take to secure a job through Good Together?
A: The length of time it takes to secure a job through Good Together varies depending on factors such as the doctor’s qualifications, experience, and the availability of suitable positions. While we always work to find the best opportunities as quickly as possible, we take the necessary time to get to know our doctors and their preferences, to ensure that the right match is made.
Q: What sets your agency apart from others?
A: Good Together is known for the level of attention that we give all of our doctors. Our personalised support and guidance throughout the recruitment process, from job search to relocation, and beyond, is what sets us apart. We spend time getting to know our doctors so that we can offer the best support, and find a role that allows both professional and personal fulfilment . We have a deep understanding of the New Zealand healthcare system and the needs of doctors. We also have a wide network of hospitals and medical practices across the country, which enables us to offer a broad range of job opportunities to our doctors.
You can read some of our reviews here.
Q: What information should I include in my CV?
- Your name and contact details
- Your medical qualifications and where you studied for your degree
- Dates and details of previous employment, including location.
- Any extracurricular activities or research you have undertaken.
- Any special interests or skill sets
Q: How do I register with Good Together?
A: Registering with us is easy. The first step is for us to arrange a call so that we can better understand your needs and how we can help. Send an email to to get started.
Questions for International Doctors
Q: Moving to NZ sounds incredible but a bit overwhelming! Where do I start?
A: Moving and having a career in a new country certainly can feel like a lot but we are here to support you every step of the way. The first step is to book in a confidential, no obligation chat where we can answer any question that you might have, and discuss the process for you to live and work in NZ.
Q: Can you assist with obtaining medical registration in New Zealand?
A: Yes, we are experts at assisting doctors with obtaining medical registration in New Zealand via the MCNZ (Medical Council of NZ). We have a thorough understanding of the registration process and can guide doctors through each step of the way.
Q: What are the requirements for doctors to work in New Zealand?
A: Doctors who wish to work in New Zealand must have a medical degree that is recognized by the Medical Council of New Zealand, have a valid practising certificate, and meet the English language requirements. They may also need to obtain additional certifications or registrations depending on their specialty. To see if you are eligible for registration with MCNZ, please email your CV to
Q: How long is the process for an international doctor to start work in NZ?
A: It largely depends on the country you are coming from, and the registration pathway that you are pursuing. As a general rule, for international doctors coming in on provisional general registration we recommend a minimum period of time of 6 months to ensure that the process is not rushed. For those coming in on provisional vocational registration we recommend a period of 1 year.
Q: Do you provide assistance with visas?
A: We have partnered with licensed immigration advisers Rebecca and Helen from NZ Visa Connections who offer all of our doctors an initial free session to discuss the visa application process, and to determine which visa is the most suitable for their situation. After this point you choose for Rebecca or Helen to draft, lodge, and manage your application until your visa is finalised. THIs is for an additional professional fee, but you are welcome to make initial enquiries by emailing
Q: Do you provide assistance with relocation and settling in?
A: We can provide guidance on relocation logistics, such as finding accommodation and settling into your new home. We also provide support through the settling in process, including setting up a bank account, obtaining an IRD number and registering for utilities. Once you have arrived in NZ we will be on hand to offer any support as necessary. Having done it several times ourselves, we appreciate that moving countries is a big deal so we are here to support you all the way.
Q: What is the salary range for doctors in New Zealand?
A: The salary range for doctors in New Zealand varies depending on their specialty and experience level. As a general guideline, junior doctors can earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per annum FTE, while experienced specialist doctors can earn up to $600,000 per annum FTE.
General Practitioners earn in the region of $220,000 FTE however the level of experience means that some GPs will earn higher or lower than this figure.
Q: What are the working hours like for doctors in New Zealand?
A: Working hours for doctors in New Zealand vary depending on the specialty and the healthcare facility. Generally, doctors can expect to work regular shifts of eight to ten hours per day, with some specialties requiring longer shifts or on-call responsibilities.
Q: I’m a General Practitioner. How long are the patient appointments and how many patients will I be expected to see each day?
A: In NZ, GP patient appointments are typically 15 minutes. A GPs day is split into 2 four-hour sessions and there are typically between 11 and 13 patients booked each session.
Q: How much holiday will I get in NZ?
A: 4 weeks holiday is standard in NZ however, depending on your level of appointment and your employer, we may be able to negotiate more annual leave. In NZ there are 11 statutory or “bank” holiday days which are taken in addition to annual leave. A number of days for CME or study leave is also given.
Q: Can I work in NZ part time?
A: Yes. Depending on specialty, a 4-day week is quite common.
Questions for Locum Doctors
Q: How long are the contracts for locum positions?
A: The length of locum contracts can vary depending on the needs of the healthcare facility and the availability of the doctor. Contracts may range from a few days to several months.
Q: How much will I be paid as a locum?
A: The locum rate varies considerably depending on the area of medicine in which the locum is working. As an example:
– For non-vocationally registered GPs the current market rate is approximately $550 +GST per session.
– For vocationally registered GPs the current market rate is approximately $600 + GST per session.
– For urgent care locums, the current market rate is approximately $150 + GST per hour.
It is important to know that the locum market in NZ is constantly changing. Staff shortages mean that pressures on clinics are immense and while some clinics have access to additional government funding, others do not.
This disparity has resulted in different sessional rates being offered within some areas of NZ. These higher rates are usually temporary and do not reflect the NZ market as a whole.
Q: What is a Lifestyle locum?
A: This refers to a doctor who permanently works as a locum (and therefore as an independent contractor) and is no longer hired as an employee.
Q: What is included in a locum contract?
A: Typically, a clinic will cover the cost of accommodation and transport from your place of residence to the location of the placement, as well as car hire and/or fuel reimbursement.
Q: How many sessions or hours per week am I required to work as a locum?
A: This is negotiable however due to the cost of accommodation and transport, most clinics expect locums to work a minimum of 3 days per week. If a locum lives close to a practice that they would like to work for, any support from 1 session per week can be arranged.
Q: Can I work anywhere in NZ as a locum?
A: So long as you have full general or full vocational registration with MCNZ, you can work as a locum anywhere in NZ where there is a need. Demand for locums is currently high so it is your recruitment agency’s job to find you a placement that meets your needs.
Q: Do I have a choice in where I work?
A: Absolutely! We are guided by you with regard to area, clinic size, and clinic type. Once we know your preferences we will canvas opportunities before getting your feedback. If for whatever reason the match doesn’t feel like a good fit, we can present you with alternative options.
