About the role
As a Radiologist in New Zealand, you will be working in a welcoming collegial environment, collaborating with other specialists and healthcare providers to deliver quality patient-centred care.
We embrace continuous growth and innovation in our services, where learning on the job and building your professional and leadership skills are supported and encouraged.
One of the best things about living and working in New Zealand is the emphasis on work-life balance – this allows Radiologists to strike a balance between enjoying work and the stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture and outdoor activities the country is known for. Join a supportive and collaborative environment dedicated to patient-centred care.
Radiologist specialities
There are opportunities for Radiologists with general and subspecialty interests to join our services and contribute to care for our communities. Opportunities are available across the country and a variety of services. Specialties include:
Salary
Senior Medical Officers receive a base salary relative to their level of experience. This is agreed upon at the time of the job offer. There is a 15-step pay scale that SMOs continue to progress through on a yearly basis.
In New Zealand, the salaries and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers.
Employment agreementsexternal link
Additional allowances are paid on top of base salary and vary due to location and service, and are often not specified in the collective agreement.
Allowances
There is a range of additional allowances for:
- on-call
- evening, night and weekend work
- call back
- job size
- recruitment and retention
- special contribution.
Leave
Leave entitlements include:
- 6 weeks of paid annual leave
- a minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year
- 10 days of paid continuing medical education leave (CME), plus the ability to use annual leave tacked onto the end of your CME travel
- 6 to 12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service, including 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave
- 12 paid public holidays and time in lieu or alternative holiday if rostered on
- long service leave and sabbatical opportunities.
Additional benefits
Additional benefits include:
- an annual continuing medical education (CME) allowance of NZD $16,000 (pro-rated for part-time employees)
- membership subscriptions of medical professional bodies are reimbursed by Health NZ
- your professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ
- if eligible, up to a 6% matching superannuation contribution from Health NZ as your employer
- a relocation package for international candidates.
KiwiSaver (superannuation savings scheme)
Leadership and career development opportunities
Health NZ encourages Senior Medical Officers to be involved in the design, implementation and performance of facilities and technology involved in the delivery of healthcare services to ensure an effective, efficient and safe workplace.
Specific opportunities vary by location and service; however, they can include:
- support and encouragement for research and publications
- mentorship opportunities for apprentice Junior Doctors/Registrars
- regional and national networks allowing for subspeciality research and practice.
- ongoing development and support for career growth with on-the-job coaching and a variety of in-house training programmes.
The roles and responsibilities of a Radiologist in New Zealand include a range of clinical, diagnostic, and collaborative duties:
Diagnostic imaging
Radiologists interpret medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound scans to diagnose diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions.
Patient care
Radiologists are responsible for ensuring that imaging procedures are safe and appropriate for each patient.
Interventional procedures
Radiologists may perform minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging technology, such as biopsies, drainages, or the insertion of catheters and stents. These procedures often serve as alternatives to traditional surgery.
Consultation with other physicians
Radiologists frequently collaborate with other medical professionals, providing expert opinions on imaging results to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. They may also participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases.
Quality assurance and safety
Radiologists are responsible for ensuring the quality of imaging procedures and maintaining safety standards. This includes oversight of imaging protocols to minimise radiation exposure and adhering to expected standards of practice in Radiology.
Teaching and mentoring
Many Radiologists in New Zealand contribute to the education and training of medical students, Radiology residents, and other healthcare professionals. This may involve delivering lectures, supervising clinical training, and mentoring junior staff.
Research and continuing education
Radiologists are often involved in clinical research to advance the field of Radiology and improve patient care. They also engage in continuing education to stay current with technological advancements and emerging practices in diagnostic imaging.
Administrative duties
Radiologists may take on administrative roles, such as managing a Radiology department, developing policies and procedures, or overseeing the implementation of new technologies and practices within the imaging service.
To work as a Radiologist in New Zealand, the following qualifications and experience are required:
Medical degree
MBChB or equivalent — Radiologists must first obtain a medical degree (MBChB or equivalent) from a recognised medical school. This typically involves a 5- to 6-year undergraduate medical programme.
General medical registration
New Zealand Medical Council registration — Graduates must complete a one-year internship (house officer year) and obtain general registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). International medical graduates may need to pass additional exams or assessments to gain registration.
Specialist training in Radiology
Radiology residency programme — After gaining general medical registration, doctors must complete a specialist training programme in Radiology. In New Zealand, this is typically a 5-year training programme accredited by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR). The programme includes both clinical training and examinations.
Fellowship with RANZCR
FRANZCR certification — upon successful completion of the residency programme, Radiologists must obtain a Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) or equivalent. This fellowship certifies them as a qualified Radiologist and is required to practice independently in New Zealand.
Experience in Radiology
Clinical experience — relevant clinical experience during and after the residency programme is essential. Many Radiologists gain additional experience through fellowships or work in various subspecialties of Radiology, such as Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology, or Paediatric Radiology.
Continued Professional Development
Ongoing education — Radiologists are expected to engage in continued professional development (CPD) to maintain their registration and stay up to date with the latest advancements in Radiology. This may involve attending conferences, workshops, and completing CPD activities.
English language proficiency
Language requirements — proficiency in English is mandatory, and international medical graduates may need to provide proof of English language proficiency through exams like IELTS or OET, unless they have completed their primary medical qualifications in an English-speaking country.
Registration with professional bodies
Professional registration — in addition to MCNZ, Radiologists may need to register with relevant professional bodies, such as the RANZCR, and adhere to their standards and codes of conduct.
Internationally qualified candidates
Titles may vary depending on the specific role, responsibilities, and the country in which the Radiologist is practising. However, some alternative titles internationally could include:
- Clinical Radiologist
- Consultant Radiologist
- Diagnostic Imaging Consultant
- Diagnostic Radiologist
- Imaging Consultant
- Interventional Radiologist
- Medical Imaging Specialist
- Radiology Consultant
- Radiology Physician
- Radiology Specialist
Find out more about life in New Zealand
We have a page dedicated to providing information to candidates about our recruitment process, what you need to work in New Zealand and key details about moving here.
A small number of our Health New Zealand districts offer fellowship positions for colleagues looking to extend their skills in an area of interest.
These are typically 12 months in duration, commencing in late January or July of each year.
If you are interested in exploring fellowship opportunities with Health NZ, please complete an expression of interestexternal link so that we can connect you to one of our teams.
Apply for a Radiologist role
Whether you are trained in New Zealand, Australia or internationally, we can help you find a Radiologist role with Health New Zealand.
Application requirements
To apply for a Radiologist role with Health New Zealand, you need to be (or be eligible to be) registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) in a vocational scope of practice.
The pathways below explain how candidates from selected countries can progress toward specialist registration in New Zealand.
Diagnostic Radiologists
Our Health New Zealand Diagnostic Radiologists undertake a broad range of tasks, typically in on-site practice settings that range in size from small regional to large tertiary teaching hospitals.
Diagnostic Radiologists provide consultative support to ensure appropriate imaging is selected, participate in clinical meetings and case reviews, and contribute to quality improvement, audit and peer review activities that strengthen patient outcomes and service performance.
In line with national system changes and growing digital capability, we are increasingly able to offer flexible work options, including remote reporting where service needs allow.
Diagnostic Radiology subspecialties
There are opportunities for Radiologists with general and subspecialty interests to join our services and contribute to care for our communities.
Subspecialty practice opportunities include:
- Abdominal/Body
- Breast
- Cardiac
- Chest/Thoracic
- Emergency
- Ear, Nose and Throat
- Musculoskeletal
- Nuclear Medicine/Molecular Imaging and Therapy
- Neuroradiology
- Oncology
- Paediatrics
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Interventional Radiologists
Several of our Health NZ districts provide Interventional Radiology services ranging from general to more specialised, including neurointerventional, typically in our larger districts/regional tertiary centres.
There are opportunities for Radiologists with general and/or subspecialty areas of interest in Interventional Radiology to join our teams and contribute to caring for our people.
Interventional Radiology Subspecialties
- Interventional
- Interventional Neuroradiology
- Interventional Oncology
- Interventional Vascular.
Breast Radiologists
BreastScreen Aotearoa
Breast Radiologists read screening mammograms and work in assessment clinics to detect breast cancer early. They are part of a multidisciplinary team with surgeons, pathologists, technologists and breast care nurses, ensuring high clinical and image-quality standards.
Breast Radiology scope
Breast Radiologists support both key phases of the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme:
- screening mammograms — acting as one of the initial readers and working with MITs and medical physicists to maintain high mammographic quality.
- assessment clinics — contributing as part of a multidisciplinary team to interpret findings, complete diagnostic work-ups, and support care planning.
Qualifications and experience
Breast Radiologists must hold New Zealand vocational registration in diagnostic radiology and have recent, demonstrable experience in breast imaging. This includes:
- approximately 2,000 mammogram reads in the past year
- completion of third-read training (≈300 dummy reads)
- maintaining a recall rate ≤12% and reader sensitivity ≥80%
- active participation in multidisciplinary meetings.
Assessment clinic competency
Before working independently in assessment clinics, Radiologists must be competent in:
- full mammographic work-ups
- breast ultrasound
- relevant invasive diagnostic procedures
- at least 10 assessment sessions in a population-based screening programme within the previous 12 months.
Accreditation and quality
All Breast Radiologists must complete the formal BSA accreditation process and participate in ongoing audit, teaching and quality activities in line with the BreastScreen Aotearoa National Policy and Quality Standards.
Webinar: Registration for SMOs
Watch the webinar for Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) on emigrating to New Zealand to live and work.
Our Health Immigration Service, Immigration New Zealand, and the Medical Council of New Zealand ran this webinar to take you through the different steps towards starting a new adventure in New Zealand.
Learn more about moving to our beautiful country, directly from the people who process your applications.
Explore New Zealand
Whether you prefer the vibrant urban centres of Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, the scenic landscapes of Otago and Nelson, or the close-knit community atmosphere in areas like Hawke's Bay and Taranaki, there’s a location to suit your lifestyle.
Explore New Zealand
Whether you prefer the vibrant urban centres of Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, the scenic landscapes of Otago and Nelson, or the close-knit community atmosphere in areas like Hawke's Bay and Taranaki, there’s a location to suit your lifestyle.