Thinking about relocating from the UK to New Zealand to continue your healthcare career? Whether you are a nurse, doctor, midwife, allied health professional, or another member of the clinical workforce, we are here to make the practical side of that journey feel manageable. At Accent Health Recruitment, we support you with role matching, registration and visas, and we help you plan the move so you arrive in Aotearoa ready to start work with confidence.

Through our partnership with PSS International Removals, our candidates receive VIP support and a special discount, a dedicated Move Manager, expert export-grade packing, clear timelines, and coordinated door-to-door delivery for a smoother, more affordable move.

Why healthcare professionals choose New Zealand

Many UK healthcare professionals choose New Zealand for a compelling mix of professional growth and lifestyle. You'll find collaborative teams, strong clinical standards, and real opportunities to broaden your scope across acute and emergency care, theatre, mental health, allied health, community services, and primary care. Shorter commutes, access to the outdoors, and welcoming communities add to the appeal.

New Zealand actively welcomes overseas clinicians. The government's Green List includes a wide range of healthcare roles, which can make immigration pathways clearer and faster for eligible applicants. If you'd like to see what's open right now, explore our Jobs in New Zealand page, then register your interest and we'll match you to roles that fit your skills, preferred location, and start date.

What (and how) to ship: choosing the right service

• Sole-use container (full household): Best for a full household move, giving you a 20ft or 40ft container for your goods alone, with quicker consolidation and predictable transit.
• Shared container / groupage (part-load): Ideal for smaller households. Your items share container space with other consignments, and you pay only for the volume you use.
• Boxes and luggage shipping (small moves): Perfect for students, single healthcare professionals, or anyone travelling light. You can send a handful of boxes or luggage by sea or air.
• Air freight for essentials: Many healthcare professionals split their move, sending a small air shipment with workwear, basic kitchenware and children's essentials, and the rest by sea.

Sea vs air: cost, speed and comfort

Sea freight is the value option for furniture and bulkier items; transit is measured in weeks. Air freight is the speed option for a limited number of boxes you'll want immediately, charged on volumetric weight. A popular strategy is to send 3–10 "comfort" boxes by air (scrubs, shoes, some kitchen kit, kids' bedding) and the rest by sea. The cost of your move is one of several international payments to plan for — our guide to making your money go further can help you budget.

Get your quote and survey booked

Start by completing an online quote with PSS International Removals. You'll then be offered a free home or video survey carried out by an experienced surveyor, who calculates the volume of your belongings and advises on what to take, what to leave, and how to prepare items for shipping. Booking early helps secure your preferred packing dates, container space, and sailing schedule in line with your visa and start date.

Packing for the trip

International relocations involve more handling and longer transit than domestic moves. Use export-grade materials, create a clear numbered inventory listing contents by room, and think like customs when you pack. New Zealand's biosecurity rules are strict, so clean outdoor gear to remove soil or plant matter, and avoid packing food, seeds, untreated wood or wicker. Separate your travel essentials — carry passports, visas, qualifications, references, prescriptions and valuables in your hand luggage, and pack a "first week" suitcase so you're comfortable before the shipment arrives. Our essential items and preparation guide covers exactly what to keep with you.

Customs and biosecurity: what to expect

Most household shipments clear without issue if they are well prepared. Used personal effects are usually duty and GST free for new residents who meet the eligibility criteria, though new or unused items, alcohol and vehicles may attract import duties or taxes. Your Move Manager provides the necessary customs forms and guides you through them. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) may inspect or X-ray your consignment, and items made from natural materials or used outdoors are often inspected more closely. Allow a small contingency for unavoidable local costs such as port handling and MPI processing fees.

Delivery, placement, and settling in

When your shipment arrives, it's delivered directly to your new home, with furniture and boxes placed in the appropriate rooms and packing materials removed. Accent Health will check in as you begin your new role, helping with any early questions about rosters, induction, or settling in. For help finding somewhere to live in the meantime, see our guide to finding accommodation as an overseas doctor.

Ready to plan your move?

If you are a UK doctor, radiographer, nurse, or any other healthcare professional considering a move to New Zealand, we'd love to help. Talk to us about roles, regions and start dates, browse medical jobs in New Zealand, and when you're ready to ship, claim your VIP service and special discount on the dedicated Accent Health page. With the right plan and the right partners, your move will be stress-free, coordinated and genuinely exciting.