Kia hiwa ra! Kia hiwa!

Mō mātou | About us

Forensic Pathology South Island is part of Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, the organisation that leads the day-to-day running of our health system across New Zealand, with functions delivered at local, district, regional and national levels. Te Whatu Ora employs the forensic pathologists based in Christchurch and autopsy services are contracted through the Ministry of Justice for the coronial system.

Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) is a Te Whatu Ora Pathology service provider in New Zealand. The mortuary at Canterbury Health Laboratories is the forensic centre for the South Island and is supported by a strong mortuary technical team as well as the expertise of other departments within CHL.

Here in beautiful Waitaha Canterbury we deliver routine autopsy services to more than 600,000 people that live in the Canterbury region and the West Coast, as well as autopsies for homicides and suspicious deaths for the entire South Island.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles by ensuring our partnership with Māori are at the forefront of all our conversations.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Is it time for change? How about a leap that sees you experiencing the wonders of the NZ lifestyle, where adventure is always at your doorstep, you’re never far from a picture-perfect view, and the ultimate work-life balance is truly attainable? If you’re a Forensic Pathologist considering a move, this could be your best one yet.

Here’s your chance to join a health system that truly cares. Here in Christchurch, New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha is a world leader in the delivery of integrated healthcare, and right now, we have an opportunity within our Forensic Pathology South Island team at Christchurch Hospital Campus. You’ll play a key role in a unit that serves a population of about 1.2m for suspicious deaths and homicides. Interested?

The Team

Here in NZ, we have a coronial death investigation system with legally-trained coroners. Forensic pathologists play a crucial role in supporting the families of deceased through the expert service you’ll provide to coroners, the Police and courts. You’ll undertake and supervise autopsy examinations of sudden, unexplained or unexpected deaths for coroners as part of our enthusiastic and skilled team operating out of well equipped mortuary facilities here in Christchurch. The forensic pathologists are supported by 7 autopsy technicians, an administrator, and a service manager.

Operating alongside our Anatomical Pathology Department, your team has constant access to a full range of diagnostics support services available in this large tertiary hospital campus including histopathology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry and haematology laboratories and radiology services, so you’ll always feel supported with the resources available to see you thrive. We also have strong relationships with the perinatal pathologists based in Christchurch and a forensic anthropologist based out of the University of Otago.

The Role

This role will see you provide expert advice to the coroners, police, families, courts, and other medical staff. At the direction of the coroner, you will undertake post-mortem examinations and provide detailed autopsy reports. You will attend scenes at the request of the police (generally not more than about 10 per year divided among the forensic pathologists) and will provide expert testimony in court. About 500 coronial post-mortem examinations are conducted in Christchurch each year including approximately 30 homicides or suspicious deaths.

Forensic Pathology South Island has a forensic pathology training program and part of your role will involve supervising and teaching the trainee. Medical students and new police officers also rotate through the department on occasion. Through our close relationships with the University of Otago, including the Christchurch School of Medicine, you may wish to take up undergraduate/graduate teaching opportunities as you develop and progress in your own career.

The New Zealand coronial system is currently undergoing major changes and you would have the opportunity to help shape autopsy services for the country.

Required Qualifications

You’ll be FRCPA-qualified (or international equivalent), ideally with several years of post-qualification experience, but we also welcome applications from those just finishing their training.

To be considered for this role you will need to be eligible to gain registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. To find out more please follow this link https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/