Anaesthesia Registrar (2027 RMO Training Year)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.


Anaesthesia Registrars

2027 RMO Training Year

Start date: 1 February 2027

This position is part of the RMO Annual Recruitment Cycle, current vacancies are advertised separately.



About the Role

Palmerston North Hospital offers the ideal opportunity to begin your anaesthetic career. No prior anaesthesia experience is required.

We provide an excellent learning environment that supports the development of confidence, independence, and technical skill in anaesthetic practice. As a teaching hospital, we deliver specialist services in Upper GI, ENT, Urology, and Oncology, alongside a broad obstetric and paediatric caseload, offering exposure to a wide range of complex surgeries.

Our department has a strong interest in difficult airway management, utilising innovative and advanced techniques. Regional anaesthesia is actively encouraged, with most consultants proficient in ultrasound‑guided nerve blocks.

Facilities include:

Nine (9) operating theatres
Two (2) procedure rooms
One cardiac catheterisation laboratory

The Team

We are a diverse,supportive, and collegial department with regular social events.
The department comprises 30 specialist anaesthetists.
Regional anaesthesia is actively encouraged, with most anaesthetists proficient in ultrasound‑guided nerve blocks.
We offer a regular CPEx service and multidisciplinary high‑risk peri‑operative clinic, led by consultants with expertise in the assessment and optimisation of higher‑risk patients and procedures.
There are nine (9) Anaesthetic Registrars working on a shift roster.
We place high value on the role of registrars within our department and are committed to providing an environment and caseload that supports individual development. A strong support structure is in place for registrars preparing for the Primary FANZCA examinations, alongside comprehensive pastoral care. This supportive approach is reflected in our strong college examination pass rates across Australasia.

MidCentral is part of a regional anaesthesia training rotation with Wellington, Hutt Valley, Nelson/Marlborough, Whanganui, and Hawke's Bay.

Benefits

Encouraging and well‑supported learning environment
Professional, friendly, and inclusive team culture
Fulfilling and challenging work with excellent lifestyle balance
Tailored wellness programmes
About us

Palmerston North Regional Hospital is the premier healthcare facility in the MidCentral region. Services include:

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Coronary Care Unit (CCU)
Regional Cancer Treatment Service
One of New Zealand's largest trauma centres
As a teaching hospital affiliated with New Zealand medical schools, we combine high‑quality clinical care with education and research excellence.

The MidCentral region offers an outstanding lifestyle—stunning scenery, hiking and biking tracks, nearby beaches, ski fields, and wineries, plus excellent schools and tertiary institutions. It truly offers the best of both urban and rural living.

Learn more about living and working in the region: Make the move to MidCentral –careers site and Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business (manawatunz.co.nz)


About you

Our ideal candidate will have:

Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, or be eligible for General or Provisional General Registration (Eligibility can be checked at www.mcnz.org.nz)
Completion of PGY2 or equivalent
A strong interest and passion for Anaesthetics, with previous experience in independent basic anaesthesia considered a key requirement
A dynamic, adaptable, and proactive approach to clinical practice

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | The Whatu Ora is committed to deliver excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

In the interests of protecting our people and our patients, all appointments will be subject to:

Occupational Health Assessment
Some positions are defined as a Core Children's worker under the Children's Act and require full safety checks completed before employment commences. (Police Vetting)

How to apply

Click “APPLY NOW.”

For further information about this role please reach out to:

Dr Sathish Shanmuganathan - Anaesthetist or Dr Yan Chuah - Anaesthetist

Lindy Chivell - RMO Recruiter


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