Find your footing
High Risk Foot & Diabetes Services, Aged Care, ACC Injury Management, Sports or Private Practice — New Zealand doesn't just need more podiatrists. Peer-reviewed research says it needs the workforce to nearly double. Medfuture built this page around that reality.
A small profession with real, documented, government-flagged shortage.
We've built this page around exactly where the need sits — not a generic list, but the segments New Zealand's own workforce data says matter most.
Highest demand — start here
Growing & regional
A workforce that would need to more than double
A peer-reviewed workforce study analysing five years of Podiatrists Board data found that New Zealand would need approximately 578 additional podiatrists just to reach a per-capita ratio comparable to Australia and the United Kingdom. With only 430 podiatrists holding an Annual Practising Certificate as recently as 2019, that's not a modest gap.
Current workforce vs. what's actually needed
Falling
Ministry of Health modelling forecasts podiatrist headcount per 100,000 people with diabetes will fall over the next decade.
Rising
Diabetes prevalence continues to rise over the same period — widening the gap between need and capacity.
80% / 8%
Share of podiatrists in private practice versus the public health sector, per Podiatrists Board workforce data.
Real opportunity for the right candidates
AUT — New Zealand's Only Training Provider
Auckland University of Technology is the only institution offering a podiatry qualification leading to registration — every domestic graduate comes through one pipeline.
Overseas Qualification Assessment
A desktop assessment plus a Cultural Competence Open Book Exam (COBE) through the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand — typically processed within six weeks.
Green List Pathway
Podiatrist sits on the Green List — the Government is actively encouraging skilled podiatrists from overseas to work here.
Why Medfuture
We turn the bottleneck into your advantage
- Clear guidance on Podiatrists Board registration and the COBE assessment
- Rural and regional roles highlighted specifically, where competition is lowest
- A consultant who understands this is one of the most under-supplied allied health professions in the country
Straight answers, before you apply
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Healthcare Career?
Whether you are exploring new opportunities or building your team, Medfuture provides the support needed to take the next step with confidence. If you're a candidate, please use "Browse Jobs."
If you're an employer, please use "Submit a Vacancy."