Place Podiatrists who thrive, not just survive
Everything a recruiter needs to present the Foot Mechanics opportunity with confidence — and place high-quality Podiatrists into one of New Zealand's most respected podiatry networks.
For Recruitment Partners
This page gives you everything you need to confidently present Foot Mechanics to UK and international Podiatrist candidates. Foot Mechanics is an accredited employer with Immigration New Zealand and handles every step of the relocation process — so your candidates arrive prepared, supported, and ready to start within three to six months. Contact jointheteam@footmechanics.com to discuss partnership terms.
New Zealand's leading private podiatry network
Founded in Tauranga in 1996 by Podiatrist John Miller, Foot Mechanics has grown into a purpose-driven nationwide network with 22 locations across New Zealand's North and South Islands. The mission is simple: restoring joy in people's lives through movement.
Established & Stable
Nearly 30 years of continuous operation. Not a start-up. Not a government service. A privately owned, Podiatrist-led business with proven systems and genuine long-term career pathways.
22 Clinics Nationwide
Locations across Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Candidates can choose location based on lifestyle preferences.
Purpose-Driven Culture
Clinicians have genuine influence over how care is delivered. Patient outcomes — not throughput targets — define success. Bi-annual training and an annual conference cover CPD requirements.
Full Clinical Scope
Digital gait analysis, Swift verruca treatment, 3D-printed orthoses, laser therapy, Pulse Wave, AI-integrated workflows, and advanced MSK practice. Candidates grow fast here.
Mentoring & Leadership
Structured mentoring from day one. Service Lead roles, clinical advisory groups, and knowledge collective meetings. Candidates can take on leadership responsibilities early in their tenure.
Accredited Employer
Foot Mechanics is accredited with Immigration New Zealand. Visa applications are managed end-to-end through a Licensed Immigration Adviser, removing candidate uncertainty about the process.
A Podiatrist's story — living and working in NZ
Share this with candidates who want a ground-level view of what life at Foot Mechanics actually looks like — from someone who made the move.
The pay case — position relative to median, not currency
The most compelling way to explain pay is as a percentage of national median income. In the UK, new Podiatrists start below the median worker. In New Zealand, they start ahead of it — and grow faster.
| Career Stage | NHS UK | % of UK Median | Foot Mechanics NZ | % of NZ Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Band 5 / FM New Grad |
£33,247 | 89% | NZ $75,000 | 134% |
| Experienced Band 6 / FM 2–3 yrs |
£41,608 | 111% | NZ $80,000 | 143% |
| Senior / Lead Band 7 / FM Senior |
£50,651 | 135% | NZ $120,000+ | 214% |
Data sources: ONS, Stats NZ median income data. Percentages rounded to nearest whole number. FM salaries include Flexi-Pay opportunity for additional earnings based on performance.
Additionally: Loyalty Bonus Days — one extra paid day per year of service. Bi-annual CPD training covered. Annual conference included.
More purchasing power from day one
Pay relative to median is the first part of the story. The second is what that pay actually buys. New Zealand's overall cost of living is around 28% lower than the UK — and outside Auckland, the gap is even wider.
Sources: Numbeo (2024), LivingCosts.org (2024), Expatistan (2024), Fly.homes (2024).
From the people who've been through it
Real voices from Podiatrists who chose Foot Mechanics — use these with candidates to answer the question "but what's it actually like?"
After graduating in 2010, I sought opportunities to grow and gain real MSK experience that was hard to find in the UK. My time at Foot Mechanics delivered exactly what I hoped for — I worked with national rugby teams, lectured at university, collaborated with other health professionals, and benefited from excellent professional development. Even more than a decade later, I still draw on the skills and standards I gained at Foot Mechanics, which not only enhanced my career but also gave me a uniquely rewarding life experience in New Zealand.
The company's structure — from knowledge collective meetings to clinical advisory groups and service lead opportunities — has allowed me to develop genuine leadership skills. Input from clinicians is actively sought and genuinely valued when shaping the future direction of the business. It's refreshing to be part of a team where decisions are made with, not just for, Podiatrists. Foot Mechanics has helped me become a more confident and capable clinician, with the time and space to enjoy life outside of work too.
Before joining Foot Mechanics, I wanted more than just a job — I wanted to learn from experienced clinicians and specialise in MSK podiatry. When I discovered Foot Mechanics, what stood out most was the support system. For anyone graduating, I can't recommend enough the value of joining a larger, connected team. Those first few years set the foundation for your entire career, and Foot Mechanics provides the mentoring, structure, and environment to get it right. Today, I feel both clinically and professionally supported.
Many UK Podiatrists see this as a two- or three-year chapter. They come home sharper, more confident, and often better positioned for senior roles. Working in NZ doesn't take you off course — it accelerates you along it. This isn't about chasing money; it's about being in a system that rewards growth and gives you space to thrive.
From first call to first day — typically 3 to 6 months
Foot Mechanics is an accredited employer with Immigration New Zealand. The process is structured, proven, and fully supported. As a recruiter, you hand off a qualified candidate and Foot Mechanics carries it from there.
Eligibility Check
Candidate speaks with Paul Goddard, a Licensed Immigration Adviser based in the UK. Informal, no commitment. Checks eligibility and answers questions about working as a Podiatrist in New Zealand.
Immigration Pre-Application
The team assesses eligibility under the right policy, identifies any potential barriers early, and provides clear advice on the recommended approach.
Application Preparation
Foot Mechanics coordinates the full process, guides candidates through every requirement, and ensures the application is correctly lodged with Immigration NZ — no surprises or missing paperwork.
Post-Application Support
The team stays engaged — following up with Immigration NZ, keeping candidates updated on progress, checking visa accuracy, and explaining next steps clearly.
Relocation — Practical Setup
Paul Arthur assists with the practical side: housing, local orientation, and a smooth transition to life and work in New Zealand. Candidates don't land cold.
Start — Within 3–6 Months
Most clinicians are working within three to six months of that first call. The process is structured, transparent, and proven to get candidates started quickly and confidently.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- ✅ Registered Podiatrist (HCPC or equivalent)
- ✅ Any experience level — new grad to senior
- ✅ Interest in MSK, biomechanics, or full-scope practice
- ✅ Open to a 2–5 year New Zealand chapter
- ✅ Values clinical autonomy and patient outcomes
- ✅ UK, Australian, South African, or international graduates welcome
Available Locations
Why clinicians don't just come — they stay
The clinical case and the pay case are strong. The lifestyle case closes the deal. Use these points with candidates who are weighing up whether to make the move.
Short Commutes, Great Outdoors
Finish work and be on a beach, mountain trail, or lakefront within minutes. Tauranga, Nelson, Queenstown, and dozens of other locations offer this as a daily reality — not a weekend treat.
Engaged, Active Patients
Patients pay for their care, so they're invested in outcomes. The population is active — even into later life — which means Podiatrists work with high levels of clinical engagement and satisfaction.
Purposeful Work
Podiatrists see outcomes, not just management plans. Smaller caseloads with more time to treat mean the early career satisfaction that drew people to podiatry in the first place.
Career Acceleration
UK Podiatrists who spend 2–3 years at Foot Mechanics return home sharper, more confident, and better positioned for senior roles. NZ doesn't pause your career — it accelerates it.
Community Connection
New Zealand is globally recognised for its welcoming culture and ease of settling in. Most candidates find community faster than they expect — particularly across regional centres like Tauranga and Hamilton.
Money Goes Further
Higher relative pay, lower housing costs, no private schooling premium, accessible healthcare. Candidates often find their lifestyle quality exceeds what they had at home — not just matches it.
Ready to refer a candidate?
Reach out directly to discuss referral arrangements, current vacancies, or to get more information to support your candidate conversations.
Recruiter & Candidate Enquiries
Useful Links
Openings for 2026 starts. Foot Mechanics currently has vacancies across multiple regions. Early engagement is encouraged — the visa and registration process takes 3–6 months, so the sooner a candidate initiates contact, the sooner they can start.