Pouroki Tuarua | Deputy Registrar

• Contribute to public safety and trust in New Zealand's health system
• Promote medical competence and professional standards nationwide
• Enjoy a positive culture with exposure to governance and regulation

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and capable Pouroki Tuarua | Deputy Registrar to join our senior leadership team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the regulation of New Zealand's medical workforce and support the Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) in delivering its statutory functions.

Reporting to the Registrar, and as under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA), the Deputy Registrar plays a key leadership role in supporting the effective delivery of MCNZ's regulatory responsibilities. Acting as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, you will provide operational leadership and guidance across standards, competence, fitness to practise, registration, and other regulatory functions.

The Deputy Registrar works with the Registrar to ensure regulatory decisions are implemented fairly, consistently, and in accordance with legislation, policy, and best practice. The role also contributes to organisational leadership, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in safeguarding public health and supporting high standards within New Zealand's medical profession. In return, you will join a purpose-driven organisation with a collaborative culture and the opportunity to contribute to work of national significance.

What you’ll do

• Work with the Registrar to discharge statutory functions under the HPCAA
• In conjunction with the Registrar, provide leadership and oversight of regulatory operations and decision-making processes
• Contribute to decisions regarding notifications relating to doctor’s competence, conduct, and fitness-to-practise matters
• Support effective case management and provide sound advice to the CEO, Registrar, committees, teams, and Council on potential risks including sentinel level cases
• Interpret and apply legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks
• Lead complex regulatory matters and contributing to organisational risk management
• Supporting compliance with statutory obligations under the HPCAA and associated legislation
• Build and maintain effective relationships with doctors, employers, government agencies, health sector stakeholders, and professional bodies
• Support Council committees, panels, and governance processes
• Contribute to policy development, regulatory reviews, and operational improvements
• Acting for the Registrar as required.

What we’re looking for

• Proven senior leadership and advisory experience within a regulatory, legal, health, government, professional standards, or public sector environment
• A legal background, particularly in public law, medico-legal matters, or healthcare-related fields, would be beneficial
• Hold a current New Zealand Law Society practising certificate
• Proven ability to interpret and apply legislation and policy, exercising sound judgement, analytical thinking, and decision-making in a case management or complaints management setting
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to develop a strong, persuasive argument
• Experience preparing high-quality reports, recommendations, and correspondence
• Experience servicing Boards and committees
• Sound judgement, integrity, professionalism, and proven ability to navigate sensitive issues with confidence, discretion and compassion
• Experience supporting teams and influencing outcomes in complex environments
• Calm, resilience and composure, with the ability to remain focused on the purpose and responsibilities of the role
• A commitment to public safety, fairness, and continuous improvement
• A commitment to implementing the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, case management systems, CRM database, and cloud-based applications
• Knowledge of the HPCAA would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Why join Medical Council?

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand is a regulatory authority established under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA). Its principal purpose is to ensure the health and safety of patients and protect the public interest by registering doctors, setting and promoting professional standards, monitoring competence and fitness to practise, and taking appropriate action when concerns arise.

The Council’s  staff enjoy a welcoming and collaborative team culture, competitive remuneration, generous staff benefits, and a light-filled Wellington CBD office. and. Our team embraces genuine flexibility with most staff working from home two days a week, depending on their arrangements.       

This is a highly rewarding and varied role that will keep you busy and stimulated. You’ll work as part of a highly competent and dedicated team. As a senior member of staff, you will enjoy a high level of autonomy and the opportunity to promote new and effective ways of working and influence outcomes.

How to apply          

Attention your CV and a cover letter to Ngan Nguyen by Sunday 28 June 2026.   

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.      
Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks.  We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.    

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/MCNZ-PD-Deputy-Registrar-June-2026.pdf