Guide To Working In Palmerston North, New Zealand

Working in different locations is all part of the job for doctors or medical staff throughout different stages of their careers. From interning in Auckland to locuming in Wellington or setting up a private GP practice in Palmerston North – you need to be able to adapt and thrive!

Taking some time to find out what you can expect from your location choice can help you settle in quicker and make the most of your stay. In this Palmerston North location guide, we highlight the area’s activities and attractions, demographics and its primary healthcare facilities. This post is part of a wider series showcasing what working in New Zealand is like for doctors and health professionals.

About Palmerston North – Everything You Need To Know

Palmerston North is home to approximately 87,000 people (according to the Stats NZ 2023 census data), making it New Zealand’s eighth largest urban area by population. Palmerston North offers a relaxed urban lifestyle coupled with a strong sense of community and is often described as having the ideal combination of vibrant city life and incredibly accessible rural activities.

Often referred to as "Palmy" by the locals, Palmerston North is known for its fresh green landscapes and a friendly, laid-back vibe.  A growing cultural scene, the lovely network of parks and gardens and cycleways, and student-centric nightlife make it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.

Where Is Palmerston North Located?

Palmerston North is located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of the lower North Island of New Zealand. Nestled in the Manawatu plains, Palmerston North’s central location makes it a strategic hub for access to both the west and east coasts, as well as being a convenient stop for travel between Wellington and Auckland.

Cost Of Living In Palmerston North

Is it expensive to live in Palmerston North? Compared to larger cities like Auckland and Wellington, Palmerston North generally offers more affordable housing both for renters and buyers. Average daily living costs are broadly similar to the rest of New Zealand.

Essential services such as electricity and internet are readily available with a range of providers and plans. These services are typically charged at comparable rates across New Zealand.

Palmerston North Demographics

The average age of people living in Palmerston North is approximately 32.7 years (median age according to the Palmerston North City Council). Slightly younger than the national median age of 38.1. This is potentially influenced by the city's significant student population.

Palmerston North is a diverse city with a mix of ethnicities, reflecting New Zealand's multicultural population. Major ethnic groups include European, Māori, Asian, and Pacific Peoples, among others.

Transportation In Palmerston North

Getting around Palmerston North is pretty easy with the public bus service that covers most areas. Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available.

Palmerston North is conveniently located just over two hours’ drive from Wellington International Airport. The city also has a domestic airport offering regular flights to the bigger New Zealand cities, creating convenient connections to the wider country.

Palmerston North Weather And Climate

Palmerston North experiences mild to warm summers and cool winters in general. Summers typically see average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, with occasional hotter days.

Winters are generally cooler, with average temperatures usually between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius, with low fog and mist common in the middle of winter. The nearby Tararua Range sees snowfall during winter months, but snow on the ground in Palmy is rare.

Education Services In Palmerston North

Palmerston North is well-regarded for its educational opportunities. The New Zealand primary and secondary education system is freely available to residents, and there are also a number of reputable private schools in the city.

Higher education is a big part of the Palmerston North community because the city is home to Massey University, a prominent New Zealand university with a strong focus on agriculture, science, and veterinary medicine. Other tertiary institutions, such as Universal College of Learning (UCOL), also provide a wide range of vocational and technical training options, making Palmerston North a key educational hub in the lower North Island.

Top 5 Things To Do In Palmerston North

Living and working in Palmerston North means you have instant access to all the great activities in the area. Here are our top 5 things to do in Palmerston North!

Victoria Esplanade. Centrally located, the Victoria Esplanade is an extensive park that covers over 100 hectares and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including walking and cycling paths, a miniature railway, a nature conservatory, and beautiful gardens, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.

NZ Rugby Museum. One of Palmerston North’s most famous claims to fame is the New Zealand Rugby Museum. A testament to the region's rugby focus, the museum offers insight into the history of the sport and a collection of some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts.

Art Art And More Art! Continuing your cultural immersion, Palmerston North is also home to a variety of art galleries, including the Zimmerman Art Gallery, as well as several heritage collections and even a liberal sprinkling of urban street art, which you can find across the area.

Wildbase Recovery Centre. Admission to the Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre is free! The centre highlights local native wildlife that have been recently rehabilitated at the nearby treatment facility at Massey University. You will find multiple aviaries to explore which include four rehabilitation, two breeding and one walkthrough.

Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike Park. For a slightly more adventurous outdoor experience, you can head out to the Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike Park, located just over 10km from the city. Once there, you have access to more than 30km of single track from grade 2-6 with a variety of trail types including flow, jumps, technical and extreme.

Healthcare Facilities In Palmerston North

The district catchment for Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora MidCentral covers the Manawatū, Horowhenua, Tararua, and Ōtaki regions, serving a population of over 190,000 people. Most of these residents are concentrated within the Palmerston North urban area and its immediate surrounds.

The primary healthcare facility for the region – the Palmerston North Hospital - includes a dedicated Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Artery Unit and Neonatal Unit as well as one of the largest trauma centres in New Zealand. In recent years, Palmerston North Hospital has undergone various upgrades and developments to enhance its facilities and services for the growing population. The hospital is a teaching centre and is linked with both the Auckland and Otago medical schools.

Health NZ MidCentral also operates several smaller rural health centres and community initiatives throughout the district. Health services provided include a focus on Māori and Pasifika health, general medical and surgical services, older persons' health and rehabilitation, specialist mental health services, and women's and children's health services.

Working In Palmerston North

Palmerston North offers a welcoming environment to newbies along with a stable job market, making it an excellent city for those considering full or part-time employment, no matter the industry. For health professionals, the hospital and community health services frequently have roles available across different specialties.

Beyond healthcare, Palmerston North's job opportunities are pretty diverse, with a wide variety of roles available in education, research, agriculture, manufacturing, and the service sectors. Massey University and the various research institutions in the area provide promising professional opportunities too. Jobs within national organisations as well as smaller local businesses provide a range of career pathways for individuals and families relocating to the city.

Palmerston North offers a compelling combination of vibrant urban activity and outdoor pursuits with a little something for everyone! Working out of Palmerston North Hospital, you will have the opportunity to quickly embed yourself into a community that is small enough to feel like home and large enough to keep surprising you! To learn more about the region and any potential permanent or locum opportunities in Palmerston North, please contact the team at Triple0 recruitment today.

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