New Zealand Medical Workforce 2026: Opportunities for UK GPs
New Zealand’s medical workforce is continuing to grow, but the latest figures show just how important overseas-trained doctors remain to the country’s healthcare system.
The Medical Council of New Zealand’s 2026 Medical Workforce Survey reports that there are now 21,097 practising doctors in New Zealand, an increase of 2.8% over the past year and 15.6% since 2021.
For overseas GPs considering a move to New Zealand, however, one figure is particularly interesting: 43.7% of doctors on the New Zealand medical register are international medical graduates (IMGs).
Overseas doctors are an important part of New Zealand healthcare
International recruitment has long played an important role in supporting New Zealand’s medical workforce, particularly outside the country’s larger centres.
The new figures show that IMGs account for 65.8% of doctors in Whanganui, 63% in South Canterbury and 55.5% in Wairarapa.
General practice also remains the largest vocational scope in New Zealand, with 4,144 practising doctors in 2026 – an increase of 8.1% since 2021.
For overseas GPs, this reinforces something we see regularly at Transition Medical: international doctors aren’t simply filling a small number of isolated vacancies. They are an established and important part of New Zealand’s healthcare workforce.
What does this mean for you?
Overseas trained doctors are already a significant source of overseas medical recruitment into New Zealand. Medical Council figures for the year ending June 2025 showed that England was the largest individual source of internationally trained doctors granted registration, with Scotland also among the leading countries.
There are also established Medical Council registration pathways for eligible UK and Irish medical graduates. The exact route will depend on a doctor’s qualifications, training and experience, so it’s important to establish the appropriate pathway before making plans.
For GPs considering a move, New Zealand can offer opportunities across both larger centres and regional communities, with the latter often particularly reliant on internationally trained doctors.
Considering working as a GP in New Zealand?
Moving overseas involves much more than simply finding a vacancy. Understanding your registration pathway, choosing the right location and practice, and coordinating the different stages of your move can make a significant difference.
At Transition Medical, we specialise in helping overseas GPs find GP opportunities in New Zealand and supporting them through the medical registration, visa and relocation process.
If you’re considering making the move, get in touch with our team to find out about current GP opportunities across New Zealand.
Source: Medical Council of New Zealand, 2026 New Zealand Medical Workforce Survey.
