Over 500 newly qualified doctors have joined the healthcare workforce and begun their roles across New Zealand, according to Health Minister Simeon Brown.
“A sustainable health system relies on a strong pipeline of New Zealand-trained clinicians entering the workforce, supported by high-quality supervision and training,” Brown said.
This year, 531 Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) doctors are launching their careers, with most beginning this week.
The 2026 cohort will serve as house officers in hospitals and health services nationwide, delivering frontline care within multidisciplinary teams.
“We are focused on investing in the next generation of doctors, because every additional clinician means better access to care for patients and their families.”
“Building a stronger pipeline now ensures New Zealanders can get the treatment they need when they need it.”
“That means increasing medical school places so more homegrown doctors come through in the years ahead.”
According to Brown, medical school placements have already grown by 75 spots annually. Starting this year, 25 more will be added yearly, for a total increase of 100 extra places under this government.
“This lifts the cap on first-year medical school enrolments to 639 a year, which is a key part of our plan to grow the number of New Zealand-trained doctors entering the workforce.”
“I want to congratulate every one of these new doctors for the hard work it has taken to get to this point and thank them for choosing to serve patients and communities right across the country,” Brown said.