Addiction Medicine Specialist

Are you an Addiction Psychiatrist, Psychiatry Medical Officer, or GP with an Interest in Addiction Medicine?

• Fixed term part time 0.2-0.8FTE (16-64 hours a fortnight) from October 2026 to February 2027
• Flexible hours and days – one to two days per week or two to four days per fortnight considered
• Be part of something special - supportive colleagues in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most sought-after regions

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We are looking for an Addiction Psychiatrist, Psychiatry Medical Officer, or GP with an interest in addiction medicine to join our supportive and collaborative Addiction Service in Nelson.

This is a flexible opportunity between October 2026 and February 2027. We are open to negotiating the hours and days of work for the right candidate. Applicants who are available for one to two days per week or two to four days per fortnight are encouraged to apply.

The role is based at Nelson Hospital, with the opportunity to work across the wider Nelson Marlborough region and provide cover in Wairau Hospital, Blenheim, when required. You will provide specialist clinical care to people experiencing alcohol and other drug-related problems, including patients with complex needs and significant co-existing physical or mental health conditions. You will also provide assessment and treatment for patients experiencing opioid dependency, including contributing to opioid substitution treatment where appropriate.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people and whānau while working within a well-established multidisciplinary team.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The addiction Service provides specialist community-based addiction and mental health support for individuals experiencing substance use challenges and co-existing mental health concerns. We work from a recovery-oriented framework that promotes resilience, empowerment, and partnership with clients and their whānau. The service works closely with primary care, mental health services, hospital teams and other community services to provide coordinated and person-centred care.

You will join a supportive multidisciplinary Addiction team, working alongside psychiatrists, mental health nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers. The team focuses on supporting people to achieve meaningful outcomes, improve their wellbeing, and live fulfilling lives within their communities.

To uncover a better work-life balance in Nelson CLICK HERE or HERE 

About you

We invite experienced clinicians who are passionate about working with people affected by alcohol and other drug use to apply.

For a Psychiatrist, the ideal applicant will:

• Have at least three years’ experience assessing and managing the medical complications of addictive disorders and providing a range of treatments in addiction settings.
• Hold Fellowship or Membership of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, or equivalent.
• Be eligible for an Annual Practicing Certificate and Vocational Registration of Psychiatry, or equivalent with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

For a Medical Officer with psychiatry experience and an interest in addiction services, the applicant will:

• Have experience working in psychiatry and a strong interest in developing or applying their skills in addiction services.
• Be eligible for an Annual Practising Certificate and General Registration, or equivalent with the MCNZ.

For a GP with a strong interest in addiction medicine, the applicant will:

• Have experience working with people with alcohol and other drug-related problems and a strong interest in addiction medicine.
• Be eligible for an Annual Practising Certificate and Vocational Registration in General Practice or equivalent with the MCNZ.

 Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

 How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. Application via email is not considered. 

If you have any questions about the role, please contact

-Nikita Fleming– Service Manager Adult Community Services, Nikita.Fleming@tewhatuora.govt.nz, or

-Clare Breeze, Service Manager Addictions Services, Clare.Breeze@nmdhb.govt.nz

For any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Athena Nguyen athena.nguyen@tewhatuora.govt.nz  

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert

Apply now

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