Health technology jobs
Here’s your chance to be part of a growth sector that’s making a big impact internationally – and combine it with a lifestyle you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Imagine being able to apply and develop your healthtech skills and creativity in a globally competitive environment – then in half an hour or less, be relaxing on a beach, hiking through beautiful native bush, pounding down a mountain bike track or just chilling with friends in your back garden over a fine New Zealand craft beer or wine.
That’s what you can look forward to when you bring your skills to New Zealand.
Focused internationally
World leaders
Check out some of the leading players -
Fisher & Paykel Healthcarerespiratory devices and treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea),
Dynamic Controls electronic wheelchairs and scooters
Orion Health Healthcare integration technology
Atlantis Healthcare evidenced-based patient compliance programmes
They’re all world leaders in their respective fields.
There is a vibrant eco-system of health technology invention in New Zealand and Kiwi-developed medical devices are now marketed to the world. It’s a country increasingly seen as a breeding ground for health technology innovation and excellence.
Medical innovation in New Zealand is a very outward looking sector. Our health sector companies have only been exporting seriously for 15 years now and already over 90% of their devices and technology solutions are exported. So you’ll be working at the cutting edge of international best practice.
New Zealand based medical technology and Health IT businesses earn over $1.3 billion a year, according to industry figures. Medical device companies contribute $996 million whilst health IT companies contribute $321 million - however, health IT companies are reporting the largest average revenue growth at 35%.
Healthtech businesses ploughed back nearly 10% of that into R&D to support an ongoing pipeline of innovation. Investment continues to increase as New Zealand healthtech proves its ability to compete successfully overseas and generate strong export growth.
In 2018, healthcare sector companies among New Zealand’s top 200 tech companies reported Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.4%, translating into five year revenue growth of $650 million.
New Zealand ranks 31st in the 2018 world rankings of patents issued. For a country less than 5m people, that's a lot of innovation.
The Medical Technology Association’s website has more information about health technology in New Zealand.
Medical Technology Association
You can check out with some of the sector's leading players -
- Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (respiratory humidifier systems and obstructive sleep apnoea treatments)
- Douglas Pharmaceuticals (generics)
- Dynamic Controls (electronic wheelchairs and scooters)
- Orion Health (healthcare integration)
- Aroa Biosurgery (regenerative tissue substitution)
- Pacific Edge (bladder cancer detection)
- MARS Bioimaging (spectral molecular imaging)
Register your interest
Take the first step to a new life by registering with Immigration New Zealand. We’ll send you personalised emails about job opportunities in your profession, life in New Zealand and choosing the right visa.
It’s free and there’s no obligation.What jobs, where
New Zealand healthtech is a diverse and vibrant sector with 140 medical device and health IT companies, an active research community plus entrepreneurial clinicians and health providers.
Together, they’re developing a vast range of health technologies from the simple to the complex - and finding considerable success in taking those to the world. So there are great opportunities for people with the right skills.
Jobs are typically highly skilled and highly paid, and most (but not all) are located in Auckland or Christchurch/the South Island.
Healthtech skills needed
Many occupations in healthtech are included in the ICT, Electronics and Telecommunications categories of the official lists of ‘Essential Skills in Demand’ (ESID).
If a job is on one of these regularly-updated skills shortages lists, it means the Government accepts that there aren’t enough New Zealanders qualified for the role so employers need to recruit from overseas. Assuming you have the right qualifications and experience, that will make getting a visa easier.
Skill shortage skill checker | Immigration New Zealand
If your particular job isn’t on a shortage list, don’t be disappointed. There are other opportunities for finding work and living in New Zealand.
For example - if you can get a firm job offer and your employer can demonstrate they can’t find a New Zealander for the vacancy, then you may be able to apply for a work visa.
Alternatively, you may be able to apply for a resident visa if you meet the criteria for our Skilled Migrant Category.
Visa options
There are various types of visas that you may be eligible to apply for.
Work visas are for a temporary stay in New Zealand, but some can lead to residence. Resident visas let you stay indefinitely and access more state-funded public services.
Getting started
The first step usually is finding a job. Check out where your skills will fit best and which employers are looking for your expertise.
Job sites to explore
- Seek - NZ's largest general job website
- Trade Me - NZ's most popular website with a large job section
- More job websites
Professional registration
Depending on your occupation, you may be required to register with the relevant professional body in order to get a job and visa. In any case, getting a visa may be more straightforward if you’re able to obtain professional registration in New Zealand.
You may also need to have qualifications earned overseas assessed and validated against New Zealand standards.
IT Professionals New Zealand offers services to help IT people check their credentials.
Immigration New Zealand has contact details for key registration authorities.
