Geographical maldistribution of the medical workforce is a major challenge, particularly for primary care and rural and provincial hospitals, which can struggle to recruit and retain the medical specialists they need (Medical Council of New Zealand, 2018). The distribution of the workforce between specialties is also challenging, with general practice, cardiothoracic surgery, clinical genetics, dermatology, palliative care, orthopaedic surgery, and psychiatry facing shortages (Health Workforce New Zealand, 2016).

The 2015 Health of the Health Workforce report released by Health Workforce NZ in 2016 outlines similar concerns to those of the medical workforce for the nursing, midwifery, allied health professions, and kaiāwhina (non-regulated health workers) (Health Workforce New Zealand, 2016).

References:

Health Workforce New Zealand. (2016). Health of the Health Workforce 2015: A Report by Health Workforce New Zealand. Wellington Ministry of Health. Available from: https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/health-of-health-workforce-2015-feb16_0.pdf.

Medical Council of New Zealand. (2018). The New Zealand Medical Workforce in 2018. Wellington Medical Council of New Zealand. Available from: https://www.mcnz.org.nz/assets/Publications/Workforce-Survey/434ee633ba/Workforce-Survey-Report-2018.pdf