Over 500 new Doctors start work across NZ. Details inside

More than 500 newly graduated doctors have started work in New Zealand this week, the government has announced.

Health Minister Simeon Brown said 531 Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) doctors are beginning their careers, with many starting this week.

The 2026 cohort will work as House Officers in hospitals and health services across the country, providing frontline care as part of multi-disciplinary teams.

“To the 531 new doctors starting this year, your work will make a real difference for patients and their families. I wish you every success in your first placements as you begin delivering the care New Zealanders need,” he said.

Reflecting on building a sustainable health system, Brown noted that it needs to rely “on a strong pipeline of New Zealand-trained clinicians entering the workforce, supported by high-quality supervision and training.”

The government announcement highlighted a focus on investing in the next generation of doctors, “because every additional clinician means better access to care for patients and their families.”

The government noted that building a stronger pipeline now ensures New Zealanders can get the treatment they need, when they need it. Brown said this also involves increasing medical school places so more home-grown doctors enter the workforce in the years ahead.

Medical school placements have increased by 75 places each year, according to the health minister. The government plans to add an additional 25 annually, starting this year, bringing the total increase to 100 extra places.

“This lifts the cap on first-year medical school enrolments to 639 a year, which is a key part of our plan to grow the number of New Zealand-trained doctors entering the workforce,” Brown emphasised.