Welcome to practice in Aotearoa New Zealand

Moving to Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand

Moving countries to practice as a physiotherapist is a significant decision. Below is some information to assist in your decision making and to also assist those who have already made the decision to move to our beautiful country.

This information includes:

Can I be registered to practice physiotherapy in Aotearoa New Zealand?
How does the healthcare system work in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Who can access physiotherapy in Aotearoa New Zealand?
What should I consider when looking for a job in the Aotearoa New Zealand health sector?
What is Aotearoa New Zealand’s geography and cultural diversity?
Where should I live in Aotearoa New Zealand?
What do I need to do as soon as I arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand?
What about work for my family?

Can I be registered to practice physiotherapy in Aotearoa New Zealand?

There are two registration pathways:

Express Pathway: if you are trained OR currently registered in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada or South Africa
General Pathway: if you are qualified outside of the Express Pathway countries.

Follow this link for further information on the registration and application process.

If you gain registration you require a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) before you can start practising in Aotearoa New Zealand.

How does the healthcare system work in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Policy: The Government develops policy and provides leadership for Aotearoa New Zealand’s healthcare system. The government’s minister and Manatū Hauora (Ministry of Health) are supported and advised by the National Health Authorities and other advisory bodies.

Management and Funding: most of the day-to-day management and funding of health services are funded and administered by Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand (health authority) or by Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority). The Accident Compensation Authority (ACC) is a direct funder of many physiotherapy services.

Who can access physiotherapy in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Ngā kiritaki hauora (clients, patients, health consumers) have direct access to physiotherapy – they are not required to be referred by a medical practitioner.

Physiotherapy is free to anyone accepted for assessment and treatment in a public hospital. In some situations, there can be direct access to the Accident Compensation Authority (ACC). However, where assessment and treatment provided by a physiotherapist is being paid under Accident Compensation Authority (ACC) a co-payment may be payable to the physiotherapist by the ngā kiritaki hauora. The alternative is ngā kiritaki hauora may choose to privately access physiotherapy services, if they do this must be paid for in full by themselves.

What should I consider when looking for a job in the Aotearoa New Zealand health sector?

Aotearoa New Zealand has large cities, beautiful rural areas and medium sized provincial cities. There are some unique differences between the North Island Te Ika-a-Māui and South Island Te Waipounamu– so the choice is yours, whether you like to live on the coast, live in smaller communities, or are better suited and feel more at home in the cities.

Te Whatu Ora often advertises jobs directly on their website or Physiotherapy New Zealand – the professional association, also advertises jobs on their website.

If you are planning to work in Aotearoa New Zealand or already have a job arranged, you will need a work permit, and, if you wish to make this your home – you will also need to find out about residency.

Immigration New Zealand provides detailed information on work permits, residency requirements and the qualifications needed to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Settlement Services is there to make the move as easy as possible for new immigrants. It provides information about banks, employment agencies, the legal system, real estate, home rentals, schools, and other services you may need.

Other information to help you in your decision to move to Aotearoa New Zealand

Leaving friends and family and moving to a new country to live and work is a big decision. Below are some government agencies that provide useful information specifically for new immigrants:

Kia Ora – Welcome to New Zealand www.newzealand.com is the official travel website for Aotearoa New Zealand and provides information and some answers to common questions from travelers to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand – guide to living and working in New Zealand has a wealth of useful information to help you get settled.

Te Ara – A complete guide to New Zealand Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand is a guide to Aotearoa New Zealand peoples, our environment, history, culture and society.

What is Aotearoa New Zealand’s geography and culture?

We are an island nation located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Aotearoa New Zealand has two main islands – North Island|Te Ika-a-Maui and South Island |Te Waipounamu. The country is sparsely populated compared to many countries with a population of approximately 5million.

Māori are tangata whenua/indigenous people/first people of Aotearoa New Zealand and make up 14% of the population. Approximately 75% of the population are European/Pākehā and Aotearoa New Zealand is proud to also be known as home to be many Pasific and Asian peoples.

We have three official languages: Māori, English and New Zealand sign language.

100 Māori words every New Zealander should know – Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week | NZHistory, New Zealand history online

Statistics New Zealand provide the latest figures for population, the economy, labour market, environment and more.

Where should I live in Aotearoa New Zealand?

There are many wonderful places to live in Aotearoa New Zealand’s regions and cities. New Zealand Regions | Immigration NZ. Rural aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand offer a quieter lifestyle in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. If you are more suited and comfortable in a larger city – then Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch may suit your needs.

Auckland is the largest and most populated city, located in the North Island/Te Ika-a-Maui, while Wellington, our capital, has been described as “The coolest little capital in the world”. Christchurch is our second largest city and is known as the gateway to the South Island/Te Waipounamu.

Each of these cities have distinct personalities and plenty on offer – culture, outdoor activities, beaches and facilities for you and your family to enjoy.

Discover Auckland – Travel, Tourism & Events | AucklandNZ.com

Visit Wellington – WellingtonNZ

Find Christchurch NZ (findchch.com)

What do I need to do as soon as I arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Here is some useful information to help you and your family settle into day-to-day life:

Renting a house Renting Property in New Zealand | Live and Work New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz). Tenancy Services within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) gives advice and guidance about all aspects of rental tenancies in Aotearoa New Zealand. This includes a guide to tenancy law.
Buying or building a house in New Zealand Buying a house in New Zealand | A guide for migrants | Live and Work New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz). This website provides information on who is able to buy property and who needs to apply for consent.
Finding a school in New Zealand Find your nearest school | Education Counts. If you have school age children, this Ministry of Education website provides a tool to help you find what schools are available in a particular area of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Getting a driver’s license Converting to a New Zealand driver licence | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (nzta.govt.nz). This website provides information about whether you can convert your overseas licence.
Opening a bank account A guide to opening a bank account in New Zealand – for backpackers, migrates and working holiday visa holders. | New Zealand Unwrapped – ultimate guide for Backpackers and long term visitors. This website will assist you with what you need to set up a bank account in Aotearoa New Zealand.