Guide To Working In Whangarei, New Zealand

Moving to new places is a common part of a medical career. From interning in Auckland to taking up a locum position in Christchurch or even starting a private practice in Whangārei, you will be constantly expected to adapt and thrive.

To make your transition smoother and to get the most out of your new experiences, it's a great idea to learn a bit about your new temporary home. This guide to working in Whangārei covers the city's key features, demographics, attractions, and healthcare facilities. It is part of a series that explores what it's like to be a doctor or health professional in New Zealand.

About Whangārei – A Comprehensive Guide

Known as ‘the winterless North’ for its subtropical climate, Northland’s expanses of white sandy beaches, great fishing and scenic locations like the Bay of Islands all combine to make it a popular place to live. It offers unspoiled white sand beaches, native bush and scenery galore, spectacular fishing and more in a warm, sub-tropical climate that enables outdoor living year-round.

Northland is particularly rich in Māori tradition, having welcomed the canoes of the first explorer Kupe around 800 years ago. The warm climate and safe harbours also drew the first European settlers, and Paihia, an hour north of Whangarei, was New Zealand’s first seat of government. New Zealand’s founding document, Te Tiriti (The Treaty of Waitangi), was signed just outside Paihia in 1840.

Whangarei itself is a bustling town offering a choice of family homes, townhouses and apartments. There are good schools, a tertiary education provider and excellent community amenities. It offers a range of specialty stores, fashion shops, restaurants, cafes and other entertainment options, including a strongly developing arts scene.

Where Is Whangārei Located?

Whangārei is situated in the uppermost part of the North Island, at the head of a beautiful natural harbour (aptly named the Whangārei Harbour!). It is the northernmost city in New Zealand and is a convenient stop for travellers heading to or from the Bay of Islands and the Far North.

Cost Of Living In Whangārei

Is it expensive to live in Whangārei? Compared to major metropolitan areas like Auckland, Whangārei generally offers more affordable housing, which can be a significant financial advantage for both buyers and renters. Day-to-day living costs, such as groceries and utilities, are broadly similar to the national average.

Whangārei Demographics

With a population of approximately 59,000 (according to Stats NZ 2023 data), Whangarei is the largest city in the Northland region. The median age of people living in Whangārei is approximately 40.2 years (according to Stats NZ 2023 census data), which is slightly higher than the national median of 38.1 years. Whangārei has a diverse population. The main ethnic groups in the region are European, Māori, Pacific Peoples, and Asian.

Transportation In Whangārei

Northland is home to around 150,000 people, and roughly half live in Whangarei, around two hours drive from Auckland. Getting around Whangārei is pretty straightforward via the main traffic corridor (State Highway 1) or by a more scenic route out towards the coast. The city has a public bus network that connects various suburbs and the city centre. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.

Whangārei also has a domestic airport with regular flights to Auckland, making it easy to connect with the rest of the country.

Whangārei Weather And Climate

It is well known for its subtropical climate and stunning natural harbour, offering an outdoor-focused lifestyle and serving as a gateway to the beautiful beaches of the "winterless north."

Summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures usually ranging from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius, and can often feel warmer due to the humidity. Winters are mild, with average temperatures from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. Frosts are very rare, and temperatures can occasionally exceed 30 degrees across the summer months (December, January, and February).

The city's relative humidity is generally moderate, averaging around 76.5% annually. Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 1,339 mm. The highest rainfall typically occurs during the winter months from May to August.

Education Services In Whangārei

Whangārei offers a range of educational options similar to the rest of New Zealand, including a mix of early childhood education, primary schools for children in years 1 to 6 or 8, intermediate schools for children in years 7 and 8, and high schools for children in years 9 to 13. Notable secondary schools include Whangārei Boys' High School, Whangārei Girls' High School, and Kamo High School. The city also has several schools that offer Māori-language immersion education.

Whangārei is home to several tertiary providers offering a variety of courses and qualifications. These include NorthTec (Tai Tokerau Wānanga), offering vocational programs from foundation to degree levels across a range of subjects, including trades, nursing, and business. The University of Auckland (Tai Tokerau Campus) offers selected programs and courses in education and social work, providing a local option for university-level study. And Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, guided by Māori principles and values and offers a variety of qualifications up to the diploma level.

Top 7 Things To Do In Whangārei

Whangārei, the largest city in New Zealand's Northland region, offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and arts and culture. Here are some of the best things to do in and around the city.

1. Whangārei Falls. A spectacular 26 meter high waterfall surrounded by native bush. It's an iconic landmark with easy viewing platforms, and it’s a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk.
2. The Town Basin. A vibrant cultural hub on the waterfront. Here you'll find an art gallery, museums, a sculpture trail, numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
3. Abbey Caves. A short drive from the city centre, these three limestone caves are a great adventure for the whole family. You can explore them for free, and with a torch, you can see glowworms and unique rock formations.
4. Mount Parihaka. For incredible panoramic views of the city and harbour, hike to the summit of Mount Parihaka. The area also has a network of walking and mountain biking tracks.
5. AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park. Walk among ancient kauri trees, some over 500 years old, on a fantastic canopy walkway. This park provides a unique opportunity to see these forest giants up close from a different perspective.
6. Bland Bay And Whananaki. Just a short drive from the city, you can find beautiful white sand beaches like Bland Bay and the long footbridge at Whananaki, which is a great place for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
7. Whangārei Quarry Gardens. A beautiful community garden created in a disused stone quarry. It features native and exotic plants, waterfalls, and walking paths, offering a tranquil escape from the city.

Healthcare Facilities In Whangārei

The healthcare system in Whangārei is part of the Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau district. The region serves a population of over 190,000 people. The main healthcare facility is Whangārei Hospital. It is a major regional hospital that provides a wide range of services, including a 24/7 Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Paediatrics, mental health services and various medical and surgical specialties. The hospital has a strong focus on community health and works closely with local iwi (local Māori) to deliver culturally appropriate healthcare services.

Whangarei Hospital Services Include:

• Surgical 7 theatres each with own specialty
• 7 bed Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit – Helicopter retrievals and transfers
• 24-hour Emergency Department
• Paediatrics – Paediatric Ward’ Special Care Baby Unit and Intensive Care Unit
• Medical and Disability Support – 2 medical wards including Dialysis and Coronary Care
• Mental Health and Clinical Support – including 31-bed Inpatient Ward Maternal and Child Health – purpose-built Child Health Centre
• Maori Health Service
• Community Health Services – located off-campus in Whangarei and in the community. The services encompass Dental, Primary Care Nursing, Allied Health and Public Health Services
• Radiology – the Imaging Department offers full radiology services (with the exception of nuclear medicine)
• Clinical Support Services – Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Radiology, Social Work, Dietetics and Occupational Health

Whangārei also has a network of private healthcare providers, including general practices, specialist clinics, and private surgical facilities, such as Bream Bay Medical Centre and Ascot Hospital, which provide a range of elective procedures.

Working In Whangārei

Despite the recent slowdown in the job market nationwide, Whangarei has historically shown steady employment growth.  The top sectors by employment are Health Care and Social Assistance (the largest single employer in Whangarei, accounting for a significant portion of the total workforce), Construction, Retail Trade, Manufacturing (key areas include oil refining, wood processing, cement manufacturing, and marine engineering), and Education and Training.

For the most up-to-date information on jobs in Whangarei, it's best to consult job search websites like Seek and Trade Me Jobs, as well as local employment agencies and the Whangarei District Council's economic development resources.

‍Overall, Whangārei offers a compelling blend of career prospects and a relaxed, outdoor-focused lifestyle. To learn more about the region and potential permanent or locum opportunities in Whangarei, don't hesitate to get in touch with the team at Triple0 recruitment today!

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