UK podiatrist looking to relocate to NZ

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.

Hi everyone,

I'm a UK podiatrist qualified for 5 years working mainly within the NHS / public sector.

I'm thinking about relocating to NZ but need to find out a bit more about job prospects etc.

I've been in touch with the NZ podiatry board and am aware that I would need to sit an exam and have my qualifications recognised over there.

Do any of you fellow pods have any information / advice regarding relocating, what is the jobmarket like at the moment for podiatrists?

As I said, at the moment I work in the NHS mainly within diabetes and nail surgery but from what I can gather the majority of work in NZ is in the private sector, is it possible to work within a hospital or would I have a better chance in the public sector?

Sorry for the rambling message I have lots of questions right now!

Look forward to your replies!

 

Hi nmlbu,
I too have been looking at relocating to NZ for a while and have gone through the process of getting registered with the Podiatry Board of New Zealand although I don't yet live in NZ the information I have gathered so far is that yes most of the jobs are within the private sector there are podiatrists employed in some of the district health boards but doesn't seem to be that many and in the past 18 months of searching have only seen 1 job advert for a part time post in one of the district health boards.

I have found it difficult to obtain a work visa as podiatry is about the only AHP that is not on the long term skills shortage list. It is however on Australias skills list and there does seem to be more job opportunities in Australia rather than New Zealand for Podiatrists.

If however like me you are still set on moving to NZ if you look at other posts that I have asked similar questions you will find links to useful websites which may give you some of the answers that you are wanting.

Wishing you all the best

 

Hi guys, youd have a way better chance of obtaining work in the private sector within NZ. Contact business manager Carlo Ellis of Foot Mechanics, he may have some positions available. Check out www.footmechanics.com

 

I hear there really isnt a lot of jobs in NZ. Don't know how true that is x

 

My wife and I are UK pods and have relocated to Christchurch recently. We found work after lots of letter writing and getting to know people locally. The NZ podiatry board will extract every pound out of you that they can. The open book exam when you come to sit it will make you laugh, then probably make you angry. 50 multiple choice questions on cultural competancy straight from the reading material - nothing podiatry specific and pricey at over a thousand pounds! On top of your APC now over $900 (a nurse pays $90) you also have to factor in medical indemity insurance about the same price.
Although wages may be a bit lower than the UK when you do the conversion, Podiatry is well paid in NZ terms (IMO). If you have any decent equipment i.e Drill, instruments, doppler, autoclave - bring them with you as they have just doubled/tripled in price.
My experience of Podiatry over here has been very positive, the patients seem more respectful of our profession and my colleagues in the medical centre are great. I currently work 8am til 6pm 4 days a week, with a fifth day looming. If I can be of any help send me a message.

 

I worked in NZ a few years ago, I am a UK HPC registered Podiatrist, and i was advised to register in Australia (cheaper) and then use the ANZAC agreement to register in NZ (no exam required).

I too found that there were very little jobs advertised in the NZ public sector, but this is due to the way that they have set up there NHS type services. The vast majority of work is in the private sector. I found work in the private by checking the Yellow Pages of the area i wished to work and then e-mailed my CV to all the practices. I got 2 job offers from this.

I was lucky to get a work visa on the back of my wifes (she is a nurse), so i dont know how easy it would be to get one otherwise, but i think that you would need the support of an employer at the NZ end.

The work in NZ was very varied, but i did find that about 40% was biomechanics so a good grounding and understanding is important to work in NZ.

Enjoy, as NZ is a wonderful country.