Number of anaesthetists rising steadily
The number of anaesthetists is growing, with 1,020 anaesthetists registered in 2018 according to the Medical Council of New Zealand.
About 50 people graduate as anaesthetists each year.
Demand for anaesthetists growing
Anaesthetist appears on Immigration New Zealand's Green List. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled anaesthetists from overseas to work in New Zealand.
Demand for anaesthetists is increasing due to:
- New Zealand's growing and ageing population, which means more demand for surgery and pain management
- new procedures, such as stroke clot removal, which require anaesthesia
- existing anaesthetists reaching retirement
- increasing numbers of anaesthetists wanting to work part time or job share
- some anaesthetist graduates leaving to work overseas
- a worldwide shortage of specialist doctors, including anaesthetists, which means it's hard to attract anaesthetists from overseas to work in New Zealand
Most anaesthetist vacancies not advertised
A number of anaesthetist vacancies are advertised through word of mouth, or only locally. This means your chances of securing a job are best if you contact hospitals directly.
Most anaesthetists work in public and private hospitals
Anaesthetists usually work for Te Whatu Ora in public hospitals. They may work on a casual basis in private hospitals.
A small number of anaesthetists work at Auckland and Otago university medical schools, as teachers and researchers.
