In this location guide series, we will showcase what it is like to work in one specific region in either Australia or New Zealand, Each episode will highlight the unique benefits of the chosen location and their facilities while outlining the opportunities available to our doctors. The latest episode showcases the North Island coastal region of the Bay of Plenty.
Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Located on the Eastern side of the North Island, the Bay of Plenty is a picturesque and progressive region that certainly lives up to its ‘plentiful’ name – it’s a great place to live in New Zealand. The Bay of Plenty is famed for its lifestyle opportunities and a climate that means outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.
Perhaps the most identifiable element of the Bay of Plenty is its expansive coastline – home to stunning white sand beaches that are a major drawcard for Bay residents and holidaymakers alike.
At the heart of the Bay’s beachy sea-side culture is the town of Mount Maunganui. ‘The Mount’ as it’s affectionately known to New Zealanders sits between a natural deepwater harbour and the Pacific Ocean and is a favourite base for water-related activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, surfing and diving.
Inland there is a vast array of activities including tramping, white water rafting and kayaking, snow and water skiing, hunting, golf courses and many wineries to explore.
Just five minutes drive away via the harbour bridge is Tauranga – the Bay’s largest city. Tauranga is an established, green and leafy city that’s home to more than 115,000 people. Like all Bay of Plenty residents, the people of Tauranga enjoy a warm climate with high sunshine hours – something that enables them to capitalise on the wide range out outdoor opportunities the region has to offer.
This could be a trip to world-famous Rotorua and its surrounding lakes or a day trip down the Coast to Whakatane – a laid back coastal community that typifies the casual ‘Kiwi’ way of life.
Please find the Guide to Working in Rotorua here.
Tauranga
Tauranga is New Zealand’s fifth-largest city and home to an estimated 125,000 people. Our city sits right on the water’s edge and is well-known for its blue skies, warm climate, sparkling harbour and relaxed lifestyle.
Maori first discovered this area in the 13th Century and named it “Tauranga” meaning ‘the place of rest or anchorage’. It has grown rapidly in recent years and now offers cosmopolitan city living combined with a laid-back atmosphere.
Our city airport is located just over the Tauranga Harbour Bridge where you can catch direct flights to and from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. If you choose to drive, we’re an easy 2.5-hour road trip south from Auckland, or a slightly longer car journey northwest from Hawkes Bay.
Here you will find yourself surrounded by, and drawn to, Tauranga’s harbour which is sheltered from the open ocean by Matakana Island and Mount Maunganui.
The city’s main hospitality area is right on the waterfront. Choose from a wide range of bars and restaurants along The Strand where fine dining and international cuisine is served alongside bar snacks and tapas platters. This is where locals come to share after-work drinks, celebrate big events and socialise with friends.
Across the road on the water’s edge, your children will have a ball on the local playground. Let their imaginations run wild as they clamber over the Hairy Maclary bronze sculptures – a story-book scene featuring the beloved characters from Tauranga author Dame Lynley Dodd’s famous children’s books.
Tauranga’s growing arts scene is evident right across the city. You are sure to notice renowned local street artist Owen Dippie’s major works which span several stories high on the side of many buildings. Pay a visit to Tauranga’s Art Gallery to view national and international exhibitions and be charmed by Greerton’s yarn bombing craze, where giant balls of wool and knitting encase the trunks of cherry trees which line the suburban village streets.
This city is also the economic hub of the Western Bay of Plenty. Many national and international businesses are based here, and the bustling Port of Tauranga is the country’s largest export port. Catch a glimpse of the port in action as you drive over the Harbour Bridge or take a scenic helicopter flight across the region.
Head just out of town to explore walking tracks and waterfalls, or take your courage with you to the TECT All Terrain Park to experience high wire adventures, mountain biking and motorsport activities.
First-rate medical and service facilities can be found right across this safe and friendly city.
Whether you want to dine, shop, explore the fascinating culture and history, or simply kick off your shoes and relax on the green grass under blue skies, Tauranga is waiting for you.
Tauranga Hospital
Tauranga Hospital provides health services to the people of the Western Bay of Plenty. A secondary hospital, it provides level 4-5 services including medical, surgical, paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology and mental health. The hospital is also a base for a range of associated clinical support services and allied health, such as rehabilitation, speech therapy, physiotherapy, stroke and cardiac support, district nursing and drug and alcohol programmes.
There are 349 beds at Tauranga Hospital, including the Special Care Baby Unit, maternity and mental health. Approximately 224 beds are available for medical and surgical patients (including critical care and coronary care) with a further 58 for children and older people and 17 for a medical day stay. Twenty four beds are designated for mental health patients and 10 for Mental Health for older people. There are 43 beds available for maternity including 12 for the special care baby unit.
Tauranga Hospital serves one of the fastest-growing populations in the country and the campus has undergone significant development in recent years to allow the BOPDHB to grow health services to match. In recent years the hospital has seen the construction of a new wing, including new theatres, outpatients department and maternity unit, of extremely high quality.
In 2007, the Bay of Plenty Clinical School was set up to provide our health workforce with clinical training, facilities, resources and support for clinical trials and research projects.
Click here to read about the hospital facilities
For information on transport, parking & maps click here
Whakatane
Welcome to Whakatane – the sunshine capital of New Zealand! Local Maori believe New Zealand was first discovered more than 1,000 years ago by Tiwakawaka, who settled his people in what is now Whakatane. The town takes pride in its rich Maori history and is the perfect place to enjoy authentic cultural experiences.
Whakatane is the cultural hub of the coastal Bay of Plenty and is home to Ngati Awa (the dominant Maori tribe in this area). You can experience New Zealand’s indigenous culture first-hand when you visit Mataatua Wharenui – the most well-travelled Maori meeting house in the country.
Learn why this grand building spent more than 130 years away in Australia and the UK before returning home to Whakatane. Admire its intricate wooden carvings and feel the spiritual presence of Maori ancestors. A digital light show combined with cultural songs and stories will leave your spine-tingling.
The town’s main street features plenty of shops, local services, cafes and restaurants. On the outskirts of town, you will find The Hub Whakatane – a large-format shopping centre with many national retail chains. Over 24,000sqm of retail space and 900 free carparks are available.
Visible from the shore sits Moutohora (Whale Island). Join a small tour group and explore the island looking for native birds and seals. Dig your own hot pool at Sulphur Bay beach and watch geothermal hot water rise up through the sand.
Whakatane is known as the ‘kiwi capital of the world’ and is home to many of these rare flightless birds. Listen for their calls at night as they scuttle through nearby bush and reserves.
The fertile land that surrounds Whakatane is a wonderful place to sample fresh produce – especially summer berries. Visit Julian’s Berry Farm on the outskirts of town to pick fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and more. Or try one of their enormous berry ice-creams, made right in front of your eyes.
Whakatane is a great place to chill out with family or embark on many exciting adventures. So come and bask in the sunshine.
For more information visit https://www.whakatane.com
Whakatane Hospital
Whakatāne Hospital provides health services to the people of the Eastern Bay of Plenty. A secondary hospital, it provides level 3-4 services including medical, surgical, orthopaedics, paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology and mental health. The hospital is also a base for a range of associated clinical support services and allied health, such as rehabilitation, speech therapy, physiotherapy, stroke and cardiac support, district nursing and drug and alcohol programmes.
There are 110 beds at Whakatāne Hospital, including the Special Care Baby Unit, Maternity and Mental Health. Approximately 67 beds are available for medical and surgical patients with a further 14 designated for children.
Whakatāne Hospital serves a population that is rurally and coastally based, covering a wide geographic region. The BOPDHB is currently working on plans to redevelop the hospital campus, to meet new seismic requirements and the modern needs of a diverse region.
It is envisaged that Whakatāne Hospital will be a key base for clinical and medical trainees in the future, as the DHB’s Clinical School becomes more established. Some training and placement programmes are already underway.
The Project Hope Cancer Centre based at Whakatāne Hospital represents a community-DHB collaboration that has created an excellent oncology base for the region.
Facilities
Services available within Whakatāne Hospital include:
- Accommodation for relatives in the Community Whānau House
- Cafeteria
- Chaplaincy and pastoral care, including onsite Chapel
- Interpreter services
- Mailbox
- Māori Health service – Te Pou Kōkiri
- NZ Herald and local newspapers available for purchase
- Telephone service
- Televisions in patient lounges
- Send a Patient a Message Service is available at www.bopdhb.govt.nz/contact-us/send-a-patient-a-message. This email service allows you to send a message to your family and friends who are in a ward in either Tauranga or Whakatāne Hospital.
Click here for maps and parking information.
Closing Thoughts
To learn more about the area and potential roles, contact the Triple0 team today.
