Vacancies on Medical Council of New Zealandat Ministry of Health -
The Ministry of Health
- Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as health practitioner and layperson members of Medical Council of New Zealand
- Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa (the Council), a responsible authority under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the Act).
About the role
- Kōrero mō te tūranga The functions of responsible authorities are set out under section 118 of the HPCA Act, and more information about the Council is available on the Council's website.
A copy of the Council's Terms of Reference is attached.
Being a member of the Council is rewarding and challenging.You will be committed to improving the health of New Zealanders, through contribution to the governance of the Council's legislative requirements.
Appointments to the Council are made by the Associate Minister of Health, typically for terms of three years.
Members can be reappointed for up to nine consecutive years.
The Ministry recognises that diversity enables our boards and councils to be high-performing and is committed to ensuring they represent the diversity in New Zealand's population, including gender, ethnicity, disability, age, and geographic location.
The Ministry encourages people from all backgrounds, especially those who can reflect the needs, values, and beliefs of Māori, have an understanding of and are committed to meeting obligations of the Treaty of Waitangi, to apply for these roles.
About you- Kōrero mōu For all applicants, governance and regulatory experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
It is important to have the ability to lead strategically and balance competing demands.
We are particularly interested in candidates who can represent the perspectives of Māori, Pacific people, and individuals with lived experience of a disability.Additionally, experience and knowledge of te ao Māori would be beneficial.
The role requires significant preparatory reading and the analysis of detailed information.
Experience with managing large volumes of information will be important.
Under section 5 of the HPCA Act, Health practitioner applicants must have a good understanding of the scope of practice, competencies and code of ethics or conduct.
Preferred skills and attributes for health practitioner positions include: a current practising certificate extensive medical expertise medical education expertise knowledge of the relevant legislation We are also looking for a physician associate, preferred skills and attributes for this role will include: a core understanding of the physician associate profession, in both New Zealand and international contexts broad knowledge of the scopes of practice and qualifications required in overseas jurisdictions governance regulation experience Under section 5 of the HPCA Act, laypeople applicants cannot be qualified or registered as health practitioners.
Preferred laypeople candidates will also have: legal expertise a strong background in governance and regulation a strong consumer focus knowledge and understanding of the Council's work Members of a responsible authority council cannot be a members of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal due to the disciplinary function over health practitioners.
How to apply- Me pēhea te tono Applications must be made using the Ministry of Health online Career Centre by close of business 28 October 2025 and include: a completed declaration form (attached), and a covering letter, and a current CV.
Due diligence checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants.
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.The Ministry may also request that the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service conduct national security screening of you as part of the appointment process.
The appointment process can be lengthy, taking up to six months.
Your patience and professionalism as we work through the next steps is appreciated.
The outcome of the recruitment process for the Council will be confirmed after it has been considered by the Cabinet Appointments and Honours Committee.
Who we are- Ko wai mātou See the Ministry of Health Board appointments webpage for more information.
If you would like to obtain further information or clarification, or if your circumstances change or should you wish to withdraw your application, please contact the Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services team by emailing: appointments@health.govt.nz