The NZMJ was established in September 1887 by the New Zealand Branch of the British Medical Association.

[1][2][3] The present[update] editor-in-chief is Frank Frizelle.

[5] It has been published online since July 2002, was a key asset of the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) up until the 8 July 2022, when the parent body, NZMA services, was put into liquidation.

It is now owned by the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG).

[4][6] The journal publishes editorials, original articles, case reports, viewpoint, and letters.