LOCUMING IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a brilliant place to locum. There is a great range of locum work available in most specialties in most locations!
It’s easy to get longer term locum placements if that’s what you want, or if it’s shorter placements you’re after, this is also achievable.
We have placements available in smaller hospitals where you can gain fantastic hands on experience and we have locum placements available in the larger teaching hospitals. So whatever you’re looking for, we can make it happen for you.
From the pristine Southern Alps to the golden northern beaches, there is locum work available to meet your needs, all you have to do is contact MedRecruit and we’ll make it happen for you.
There is a bit to know about locuming in NZ that we’ll cover here.
If you’re from Australia, another option for you is to go to the ‘FREE Resources’ section to download the document ‘The process after you confirm a placement in New Zealand – doctors from Australia’.
Medical Registration in New Zealand for locums – New Zealand and Australian graduates
In order to locum in New Zealand, you will need general registration.
As a New Zealand or Australian graduate you are eligible for this after your first year practicing as a doctor.
If you’re an Australian graduate, MedRecruit will give you all the necessary paperwork and we’ll even file it for you with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
Tax in New Zealand for locums – New Zealanders
The tax year in New Zealand finishes on March 31 every year.
Income
As a locum you are self-employed and you will be able to claim back all expenses related to your employment. It is worthwhile as it will dramatically reduce your tax bill, thereby keeping more money in your pocket. Examples of expenses include transport between locums, accommodation while locuming, cell phone bills, medical registration, medical indemnity insurance, education and all reasonable food expenses.
Keep your receipts and give them to your accountant at the end of the financial year. When paying in cash, write “funds introduced” on the receipt and give to your accountant at the end of the financial year.
GST in New Zealand
You must be GST registered if your annual turnover for this month and the last eleven months has exceeded $60,000 and your turnover for this month and the next eleven months is expected to exceed $60,000.
As most locum doctors will make this much money in less than two months they will need to register for GST.
How do I become GST registered?
There is a step by step process on the IRD website which explains the registration process. IRD GST Process
You can either download the form from the website or order it by calling 0800 257 773.
ACC
As a self-employed person in NZ you will be required to pay an ACC levy and will be covered for any accidents that happen in Australia or New Zealand. However, you will not be covered for international transfers if you become incapacitated. For this situation you might want personal travel insurance. Some credit card companies offer insurance if you book using their cards so you may want to look into this option.
Tax in New Zealand for locums – Australians
Australian residents are taxed on their worldwide income. This page outlines the tax implications in Australia if you are working or thinking about working overseas.
If you are working overseas you need to determine whether you are still an Australian resident for tax purposes. If you are unsure the Residency – overview can help you work out your residency status. Non-residents pay tax differently from residents on Australian-source income.