Regional Forensic Pathologist - Based at Palmerston North Hospital

• Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand
• Based at Palmerston North Hospital
• Permanent, full-time role

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 a qualified forensic pathologist to join the Dept. of Forensic Pathology, Palmerston North Hospital. The department along with the Dept of Forensic Pathology in Auckland. forms the Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand. There is a close collaborative and supportive relationship between the two centres This is a permanent, full-time position working alongside one other forensic pathologist and forensic pathology trainee. The department has ISO 15189 accreditation and conducts subspecialty training in forensic pathology as accredited by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia.

A full-time workload is defined as 250 post-mortem examinations (full and external) per annum which allows time for non-clinical activities. Scene visits are an expected part of the role. There is on-site access to a CT scanner, and forensic radiology service, as well as a fully comprehensive laboratory service. The service also has access to a cardiac inherited genetic service.

Salary range is dependent upon experience.

About the Team/Service/ Location

New Zealand operates under a British style coronial system which is governed by the Coroner’s Act 2006. The Northern Forensic Pathology Service, with six forensic pathologists and two forensic pathology registrars, is responsible for all coronial and forensic pathology services within the greater Auckland and Manawatu regions, and the forensic pathology service for the upper part of the North lsland.

The service in Palmerston North is staffed by two full-time forensic pathologists and a forensic pathology registrar., supported by trained and highly experienced forensic mortuary technicians and forensic radiologist. There is close support from the Auckland service if required.

Palmerston North is the heart of the Manawatu, a region loved for its forested mountain ranges and relaxed country lifestyle. Here you can follow riverside cycle trails, whoop it up in mountain bike parks, hike to see original native forest, explore west coast beaches and visit the largest livestock saleyards in the southern hemisphere.

The city provides a perfect base for exploring the wider region. With its thriving art and live theatre scene, excellent craft brewery and a good choice of restaurants, there's plenty to see and do when you're not chasing adventure outdoors. And it is only 2 hours’ drive from Wellington

Palmerston North Hospital is one of the leading healthcare providers in New Zealand offering a wide range of tertiary clinical services to a large and diverse population.

For more information on living and working in Midcentral click here

About you

As the ideal person for this role, you will have the following skills and attributes:

• Applicants must have a primary medical qualification recognised by the New Zealand Medical Council, and a postgraduate qualification in forensic pathology such as FRCPA, Cert. Forensic Pathology, or international equivalent, which allows vocational registration as a pathologist
• Experience and a subspecialty interest are desirable but not essential
• Applications from recently qualified forensic pathologists are welcome
• The successful applicant will have sound knowledge and skills, excellent communication skills, able to work effectively as a member of team, adhere to the values of the organisation, and be respectful of others

Click here to view the position description

If you need any further information about these positions, please contact Dr Simon Stables, Clinical Director. Email sstables@adhb.govt.nz

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.

At Palmerston North Hospital we are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and providing culturally safe care. We aspire to having a workforce reflective of the communities we serve and achieving equitable outcomes for all.

We are a values-based and inclusive organisation that is committed to deliver the best health outcomes for our total population. To do this we are working hard to develop a robust and capable workforce that reflects the population we serve. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds with the necessary capability and who share our values to apply and would greatly value be seeing more applicants from our Māori & Pacific communities. Our organisation values diversity, inclusivity and empathy.

How to Apply

Advertising closes: Friday July 04 2025 at Time 11:59 pm (New Zealand standard time).

To apply please click on the ‘Apply’ tab below and submit your application online attaching your updated CV and Covering Letter.

Click here to view details about our recruitment process

If you have any queries about accessibility, or technical issues with the online process, please contact Aaron Chamberlain - Recruitment Consultant at aaron.chamberlain@TeWhatuOra.govt.nzquoting ref# ADHB22917to discuss how we can best support your application.

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