From seashores to massive pay: What attracts expert staff north to Northland

She’s by no means seemed again.

“I live in the valley so it’s absolutely stunning, and I like the peace and quiet.

“The people in Northland are friendlier up here.

“People want to strike up a conversation and get to know you.”

Korach admits it’s powerful getting hygienists to maneuver north.

“When I first graduated there were 17 hygienists in Northland and seven were in Kerikeri – now there’s me.

“It’s really hard to get staff up here, and if they’re employed from Auckland they’ll last six months and then they’ll go again.”

Korach stated there was no nightlife in Northland.

“Whangārei is more like a big town than a city, it just doesn’t quite meet the requirements for young people.”

For Korach, Northland has the most effective of every little thing.

“When I have visitors, we can go for bush walks and to the waterfall in town, the beaches are close and the markets are amazing.

“Those are the things I love.

“For people that love fishing or boating, it’s the place to be.”

The Northern Advocate has reported a number of occasions on workers shortages, together with instructor shortages that compelled two Northland colleges to roster college students at residence final yr.

There has been a scarcity of important well being providers reminiscent of dentists, hygienists and physiotherapists within the Far North, notably for the reason that Covid-19 pandemic.

Reasons embody wage disparities and the mind drain to giant city centres, however there are many good jobs in Tai Tokerau.

A search on Seek exhibits about 25 jobs presently marketed within the $150,000 to $350,000 wage vary in Northland.

While solely a small quantity listing salaries, the highest-paying job is a common practitioner in Whangārei providing $275,000 to $330,000, although earnings can range relying on affected person load, capitation and whether or not the position is salaried or contracted.

Other high-paying roles included a monetary controller in Mangawhai providing $150,000 to $165,000, and a Whangārei mission engineer position listed at $110,000 to $165,000.

Mark Robison’s profession as a civil engineer has taken him across the North Island and everywhere in the world.

Born and raised in Whangārei, he left in 1995 and spent 26 years away, dwelling and dealing in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Nottingham, England.

He spent six years in Brisbane and did stints in Indonesia and Singapore earlier than returning to Northland in 2021.

Now a senior civil engineer with Haigh Workman’s Whangārei department, Robison loves the approach to life.

“Whangārei is our home, that’s where we wanted to retire.”

Robison enjoys Northland’s climate, walks and slower tempo of life in comparison with abroad.

“It’s been great; the people are nice, I have plenty of work going on, there’s plenty to do and keep us interested.

“For people keen on fishing and the coast and beaches, it’s wonderful, even the forests.”

Robison stated their residence was solely minutes away from seashores “in all directions”.

Being nearer to household and dwelling in a hotter local weather drew Northland NZ head of vacation spot Ben Chapman and his companion Gabrielle to the area in December 2023.

Originally from Nelson, Chapman studied on the University of Otago in Dunedin, then labored in Auckland for 18 months.

He spent most of his grownup life in Queenstown, with brief stints learning and dealing abroad in a profession spanning horticulture, tourism and enterprise improvement.

Chapman stated transferring additional north had “been on our radar for some time”.

“We had been holidaying here seeing family for seven years.

“When our post-Covid contracts were coming to an end, we knew it was our opportunity to move up.

“We wanted to swap long winters for long summers, snowboards for surfboards, and swap mountains for beaches.”

Chapman joined Northland NZ in 2025 because the regional enterprise companion crew lead and have become head of vacation spot in January 2026.

Apart from the hotter climate, he appreciates the Whangārei Farmers Market, McLeod Bay for night swims, and Ocean Beach for lengthy walks.

He and Gabrielle additionally love Russell and Cable Bay.

“The view across the Hokianga harbour blows me away, as does the wairua I feel as I make my way around Kaikohekohe and up to Te Rerenga Wairua.

“We love this place for its authenticity; people are comfortable in their own skin.

“There’s a realness here that’s wonderful, and that’s right across Te Tai Tokerau.”

Jenny Ling is a senior journalist on the Northern Advocate. She has a particular curiosity in overlaying human curiosity tales, together with finance, roading, and social points.