Taranaki
Taranaki is a magical place with a majestic mountain at its heart, including the rugged coastline that's world-renowned for its surf. Its residents' love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living mean it's also fantastic to work—and play!
Photo credit: Mount Taranaki by Sulthan Auliya
About the Region
The Taranaki region is located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Taranaki is bordered by the Tasman Sea to the west and the Manawatu-Wanganui, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty regions to the east. The city of New Plymouth is the largest city in the region.
The region is well known for Mount Taranaki (Mount Egmont) which is the region's namesake and most recognisable landmark - a stunning, symmetrical volcano. Aside from the beautiful centrepiece of this region, the area is also known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene.
Health New Zealand - Taranaki
About Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is the Government organisation that provides publicly-funded universal health care to 5 million Kiwis.
The management and delivery of health services are broken down into 'Districts' across the country, determined by both geographic location and population.
About the Health New Zealand - Taranaki District
Health New Zealand – Taranaki serves a population of around 130,000 urban and rural residents with a team of more than 2,500 medical professionals working from Taranaki Base Hospital, a rural hospital in Hāwera, in a network of community health centres as well as mobile dental clinics.
Photo location: New Plymouth - Ethan Brooke
Hāwera Hospital
Hāwera Hospital offers inpatient beds with ensuites, a maternity suite, outpatients, a purpose-built dental unit, community Mental health, District Nursing, radiology and laboratory departments and a 24-hour emergency department.
Base Hospital has maternity, ED, ICU, mental health and maternity services plus new paediatric and surgical wards as well as wards dedicated to general medicine and older people’s health.
Our Project Maunga hospital rebuild includes a new green star rated renal unit opened in November, 2022, the new East Wing building housing acute and maternity and radiology services under construction, as well as a new cancer centre about to break ground.
Taranaki health services
Services A to I
| Acute Mental Health & Addictions |
| Dental |
| Emergency Medicine |
| Endoscopy |
| General Practice |
| General Surgery |
| Intensive Care and Anaesthesia |
| Interventional Radiology |
Services J to Z
| Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
| Oncology |
| Orthopaedics |
| Paediatrics & Neonatal |
| Rural Medicine |
| Stroke and Rehabilitation |
Relocating to Taranaki
Ready to embark on your journey in Taranaki? We're here to help make your dream of living and working in this picturesque region a reality.
Getting around
There's a world of exciting things to see and do in Taranaki. Get out there and create unforgettable memories in this incredible part of New Zealand.
Getting around
Photo location + credit: Tongapōrutu Three Sisters mountain - Taranaki Story
When you arrive
Rental car and airport pick up
When you get to Taranaki, you will be met by our rental car agent. The Health New Zealand - Taranaki team will be in contact with you to help you settle in.
Driving in New Zealand
You can legally drive in NZ for up to 12 months per visit with your current driver's license. After 12 months, you will need to convert to a New Zealand license. Learn more about driving in NZ here.
Other ways to travel
- Citylink buses runs weekday commuter services within urban New Plymouth and to Bell Block-Waitara. Connector and Southlink buses are also available.
- Taxis and Ubers also operate around the main centres as well as several rental vehicle companies.
Housing options
Experience the unique Taranaki lifestyle! Taranaki offers a variety of housing options in close proximity of stunning natural beauty and within a warm and welcoming community.
Housing options
Photo location + credit: Opunake beach - Taranaki Story
When you arrive
Short term accommodation
Health New Zealand – Taranaki provides a range of short-term facilities. Hostel accommodation or a three-bedroom unit subject to availability can be arranged through our recruitment and accommodation team. Be sure to check your employment or bond agreement as you may be eligible for a relocation package.
Other temporary accommodation options
Rentals
Renting is a great way to explore and get to know the area before you decide to purchase or build a house. Searching online is a good place to start as well as local rental agencies to help you find a place. Note that most rentals in Aotearoa are unfurnished however furniture and whiteware can be rented in some parts of the country. These places aggregate rentals in one place:
Rental agencies
Buying or building a house
We understand that moving to a new country is a major move, and buying or building a house makes it even more significant. For healthcare professionals on NZ's Green List of roles, there's a unique opportunity to fast-track the residency process. Normally, only residents and citizens can buy a home to live in in New Zealand. When you can, use this tool to find out if you can purchase a house in New Zealand.
Take the next step
Decided to move to Aotearoa, New Zealand?
Fill out our five-minute form with your details, and we'll match you to your preferred location based on your experience and preferences.
Photo location + credit: Taranaki Content Library; Three Sisters lookout (Raquel Moss)
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Interested in relocating to the Taranaki region? Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.