Dean of Medicine

THE OPPORTUNITY

The New Zealand Government has agreed to proceed with the establishment of a new medical school at the University of Waikato, to be known as the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM), representing a significant strategic investment in New Zealand’s healthcare future.

The NZGSM will introduce a new, proven model of medical education, with entry pathways that will attract people who want to become primary care doctors in rural and regional communities. By focusing on primary care and rural and regional communities, the new medical school will ensure that more doctors are trained to serve the communities that need them most, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes across New Zealand.

Similar to many of the best medical schools internationally the NZGSM will offer a four year graduate entry programme. Students will spend their first year at the University of Waikato’s Hamilton campus intensively studying biomedical sciences and the social determinants of health through a case-based learning framework. A digital-first pedagogy underpins the teaching, with students having access to the leading digital anatomy tools. Academic learning will be reinforced through multidisciplinary clinical simulation in a new state-of-the-art facility.

The NZGSM will have an initial intake of 120 students, with applications to enrol opening mid-2027 for a January 2028 start.

THE ROLE

In summary the Dean of Medicine will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership for the NZGSM ensuring its successful establishment and ongoing sustainability, engaging closely with the Pro Vice Chancellor of Health and the Vice Chancellor to ensure alignment with national medical education priorities.

They will build the academic, professional, and clinical team to deliver the programme and secure the commitment of placement providers, and oversee the adaptation of a graduate-entry curriculum to meet the needs of New Zealand, and achieve accreditation with the Australian Medical Council and the Medical Council of New Zealand.

As a member of the Division of Health Senior Leadership Team, the Dean will collaborate with the Pro Vice Chancellor of Health, Heads of School, and Associate Deans to ensure the NZGSM is fully integrated into a cohesive model of health education spanning multiple health professions. They will foster a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages excellence in teaching, research, and service, with a shared commitment to addressing inequities in health outcomes.

THE CANDIDATE

Candidates will have:

Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural safety, and improving Māori, Pacific and underserved community health outcomes through leadership, education, and collaboration.

Proven ability to lead academic or clinical teams, with strong capability in mentoring, workforce development, and operational management in a university or healthcare setting.

Knowledge of innovative and culturally responsive teaching methodologies, including technology enhanced delivery, interprofessional and multidisciplinary education, and equity-focused curriculum design.

An appropriate record of scholarly activity and research, with proven experience in integrating research into clinical teaching and advancing research-informed practice

Effective communication and engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with iwi, Pacific communities, and health providers, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and professional organisations.

Preferably experience in, or strong understanding of, rural and primary care contexts, and commitment to embedding these perspectives in medical education and leadership

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:

David Price
​National Manager, New Zealand
​M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 11 January 2026

The reference number to include in your application is H25_5312