The Role of Immigrant Doctors in New Zealand’s Health System
New Zealand’s healthcare system has long relied on the contributions of immigrant doctors. According to a recent report, one expert noted that without these professionals, the country’s health system would be in even worse shape than it currently is. This dependency on foreign-trained doctors highlights a growing challenge for the nation’s medical workforce.
A survey conducted by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists revealed that over 43% of New Zealand doctors were trained overseas, making this the highest proportion in the developed world. In the year to July 2024, more than 70% of registered doctors came from 63 different countries. This global diversity underscores the critical role that international medical professionals play in maintaining the quality and accessibility of healthcare in New Zealand.
The government has recognized this need and offers funded training programs to overseas-trained doctors, aiming to strengthen the primary-care workforce. For many, New Zealand represents an opportunity to escape the political turmoil of their home countries. However, this situation also presents a complex challenge for the country’s workforce planning.
Historical Context: A Past of Exclusion
This reliance on immigrant doctors is not a new phenomenon. In the late 1930s, Jewish doctors from Germany and Austria sought entry into New Zealand to escape Nazi persecution. However, the New Zealand Branch of the British Medical Association, which had previously opposed socialized medicine, was resistant to admitting large numbers of refugees.
An advisor to the government suggested there was no need for “know-alls from Vienna,” despite the clear strain on medical services as men joined the armed forces. Prejudice against “enemy aliens” overshadowed rational planning. In June 1938, the Medical Council declared that if there was an influx of foreign doctors, they would either have to take a six-year course or be barred from practicing.
Refugee Doctors and Their Struggles
Despite these barriers, some refugee doctors managed to enter New Zealand. Between 1933 and 1939, 67 permits were issued to German and Austrian physicians, with approximately 44 arriving. Initially, they were required to take a one-year course at Otago Medical School, but this was soon increased to three years. The process could take longer depending on the candidate’s English proficiency.
From late August 1939, New Zealand stopped accepting any more refugees, missing an opportunity to bolster its medical workforce. During the war, acute doctor shortages emerged in cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hastings. However, the retraining period meant that only a few “foreign doctors” were available to help, and many hospitals refused to appoint them.
Notable Cases of Resilience
Catherine Newman (nee Weisz), a Hungarian-born and Viennese-trained doctor, was an exception. She requalified at Otago in 1941 and eventually set up her own practice in Woolston. In contrast, Dr H.W. (Werner) Asch faced significant challenges. He was interned on Somes Island in Wellington Harbour among Nazi sympathizers, leading to a psychiatric breakdown and treatment in Porirua Hospital.
Asch had arrived in June 1939 and worked as a nurse aide at Napier Hospital. He offered his services to the armed forces, but due to his classification as an enemy alien, he was denied entry. He was interned in June 1941 and wrote numerous letters to Prime Minister Peter Fraser, declaring his loyalty and protesting his internment. He was not released until October 1945.
Lessons from the Past
New Zealand’s refusal to embrace these skilled individuals reflected both antisemitism and professional gatekeeping. The medical and dental professions were reluctant to accept competition. Fast forward to 2026, and the country again finds itself relying on foreign-trained doctors to sustain its health system.
While it is reassuring that some immigrants find New Zealand welcoming, the cultural adjustment and deteriorating support systems can make it difficult for them to stay. According to Medical Council data, less than 30% of overseas-trained doctors remain after five years, compared to nearly 90% of locally-trained doctors.
Current Challenges and Future Outlook
Although immigration barriers may have fallen, important obstacles still exist. The challenge lies in creating a supportive environment that retains these valuable professionals. As New Zealand continues to navigate its healthcare needs, it must learn from the past and ensure that its policies are inclusive and forward-thinking.
