More than 500 newly graduated doctors have started work across New Zealand this week, as wait times bite at some Hibiscus Coast medical centres.

Health Minister Simeon Brown says 531 Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) doctors are beginning their careers, with most starting this week.

The 2026 cohort will work as House Officers in hospitals and health services across the country, providing frontline care as part of multi-disciplinary teams.

Mr Brown says the health system needs a steady flow of New Zealand-trained clinicians, backed by supervision and training.

“We are focused on investing in the next generation of doctors, because every additional clinician means better access to care for patients and their families,” Mr Brown says.

The Government says it is increasing medical school places to grow the workforce over time.

Mr Brown says medical school placements have already increased by 75 places each year during the term of this Government.

From this year, a further 25 places a year are being added, taking the total increase to 100 extra places.

He says this lifts the cap on first-year medical school enrolments to 639 a year.

For Hibiscus Coast patients who are struggling to get timely appointments, the hope is that a bigger pipeline starts to ease pressure as these new doctors move through training and into longer-term roles.

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