Mpofu, CharlesWepa, Dianne2025-11-202025-11-202025-10-03Open Access Government, ISSN: 2516-3817 (Print); 2516-3817 (Online), Adjacent Digital Politics Ltd, 48(1), 154-155. doi: 10.56367/oag-048-119052516-38172516-3817http://hdl.handle.net/10292/20162Dr Charles Mpofu and Dr Dianne Wepa discuss removing systemic barriers for overseas-trained doctors registering in New Zealand while also addressing mental health challenges. New Zealand (NZ) depends on internationally trained medical graduates (IMGs), yet too many remain blocked from practice by processes that are slower, costlier and less flexible than comparable jurisdictions. This article distils evidence and international practice to outline balanced, pragmatic reforms that uphold patient safety while accelerating IMG integration. It highlights solutions for experienced practitioners and refugee doctors, ensuring their mental health distress is minimised and communities can access care when and where it is needed.Creative Commons License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International. What does this mean? Share - Copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.4203 Health Services and Systems42 Health SciencesMental Health8.1 Organisation and delivery of servicesGeneric health relevance3 Good Health and Well BeingJournal ArticleOpenAccess10.56367/oag-048-11905