Canterbury District Health Board is one of New Zealand's largest and most progressive health organisations, committed to delivering excellent healthcare to the people of Canterbury.
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is responsible for planning, funding and providing health and disability services for the Canterbury region of New Zealand. We serve a population of around 560,000 people across a diverse and stunning region that stretches from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean.
We are the second largest District Health Board in New Zealand, employing over 10,000 people across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical roles. Our team includes doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, support staff, managers and administrators — all working together with a shared purpose: to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.
Our main facility, Christchurch Hospital, is a major tertiary referral centre serving not only Canterbury but also the South Island. We also operate a network of community and rural health services, including Burwood Hospital and a range of specialist outpatient and community-based services.
"At CDHB, we believe that the best health outcomes are achieved when our people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work every day. We are proud of the diverse and talented team that makes up our organisation."
After the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, CDHB faced unprecedented challenges and emerged stronger, more innovative, and more resilient. Our response to those events demonstrated the incredible dedication and skill of our people, and reinforced our commitment to building a health system that truly serves our community.
Today we are focused on creating a modern, integrated health system — one that is connected, patient-centred, and capable of meeting the needs of an evolving population.
Our vision is to have the healthiest people in New Zealand. We work to achieve this by planning, funding and providing health services that are:
Our values guide everything we do — the way we work together, the way we treat our patients and their families, and the way we approach our responsibilities as a public health organisation.
We put the needs of our patients and their families at the centre of everything we do, treating everyone with dignity, compassion and respect.
We act with honesty and transparency in all that we do, building trust with our communities, our partners and each other.
We value the diversity of our people and communities, and we treat everyone with courtesy, fairness and consideration.
We work collaboratively across disciplines and organisations, recognising that outstanding care is delivered through strong partnerships and shared effort.
We embrace new ideas and continuous improvement, always looking for better ways to deliver care and support our communities.
We strive for the highest standards in everything we do, taking pride in the quality of care and services we provide to our patients and community.
CDHB provides a comprehensive range of health services across Canterbury, from emergency and acute care through to elective surgery, mental health services, aged care, community nursing, and health promotion.
Our key services include:
We also play a major role in health education and training, and we are proud to be affiliated with the University of Otago's Christchurch campus, which is home to the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
This strong academic connection means our staff have access to world-class research, training and professional development opportunities — making CDHB not just a great place to work, but a great place to grow your career.
We are committed to Māori health and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, and we work in partnership with Ngāi Tahu and other Māori communities to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for all people in our region.
Choosing where to work is one of the most important decisions you can make. Here's why so many talented health professionals choose CDHB:
A world-class environment
Work with leading specialists in state-of-the-art facilities, and be part of a team that is at the forefront of healthcare innovation in New Zealand and internationally.
Career development
We invest in our people. With access to ongoing education, training programmes, professional development funding and mentorship opportunities, your career can truly flourish at CDHB.
A supportive culture
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. Our employee wellbeing programmes, flexible working options and staff support services reflect that commitment.
Competitive remuneration
We offer competitive salaries and benefits, in line with relevant collective and individual employment agreements, as well as a range of additional staff benefits.
The Canterbury lifestyle
Living and working in Canterbury means enjoying one of the most spectacular regions in New Zealand — with easy access to mountains, rivers, beaches, and a vibrant, growing city.
Making a real difference
Most importantly, working at CDHB means making a genuine difference to the lives of people in our community every single day. It's meaningful work that matters.
CDHB operates a number of hospitals and health facilities across the Canterbury region:
Christchurch Hospital
Our main tertiary referral hospital, located in the heart of Christchurch city. Christchurch Hospital provides the full range of acute and specialist services, including a 24-hour emergency department, intensive care, and a broad range of surgical and medical specialties. A new, purpose-built facility — the Christchurch Hospital Hagley building — opened in 2020, providing modern, state-of-the-art clinical environments.
Burwood Hospital
Located in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch, Burwood Hospital is a specialist centre for rehabilitation and older persons' health, as well as being home to our spinal unit — the only facility of its kind in the South Island.
The Princess Margaret Hospital
While much of its acute work has transferred to Christchurch Hospital, The Princess Margaret Hospital continues to provide a range of outpatient and community services.
Rural and Community Services
CDHB funds and provides a range of health services across rural Canterbury, including hospitals in Kaikōura, Ashburton and other communities. We are committed to ensuring that people in rural areas have access to high-quality health care, close to home.
Community Mental Health
A network of community mental health and addiction service centres across the Canterbury region, providing accessible support and treatment to those who need it most.
Explore the opportunities available at Canterbury District Health Board and take the next step in your health career.
Get in Touch Living in Canterbury Senior Medical Officers