Section 16 (Fitness for registration) requires the Council to register an applicant only if it is sure that the doctor:

• has satisfied the Council that he or she is able to communicate effectively and comprehend English,
• has not been convicted by any Court in New Zealand or overseas of an offence punishable by imprisonment for a term of three months or longer; and that the offence does not reflect adversely on the doctor’s fitness to practise,
• does not suffer from a physical or mental disorder which may affect his or her ability to perform the functions required for the practice of medicine,
• is not under investigation or the subject of professional disciplinary proceedings in New Zealand or in another country, or that any matter under investigation does not reflect adversely on their fitness to practise,
• is not subject to an order of a professional disciplinary tribunal (whether in New Zealand or overseas) or an order of an accredited educational institution, or to an order of an authority or of a similar body in another country; unless any order in existence does not reflect adversely on their fitness to practise,
• is not a danger to the health or safety of members of the public