New Zealand’s healthcare system is calling. With a growing demand for qualified nurses and one of the most supportive work environments globally, Aotearoa is quickly becoming a top destination for international and local nursing professionals alike.

Whether you're an experienced nurse looking for new horizons or a recent graduate exploring global opportunities — this is your moment.

What Makes New Zealand a Dream Destination for Nurses?

• World-class work culture with a strong focus on work-life balance.
• Competitive salary packages (NZ$125,660 avg. annual earnings for full-time RNs).
• Fast-tracked residency via the Green List for registered nurses.
• Diverse career options: Hospital, aged care, mental health, community care, and specialist roles.
• Government-funded relocation support for overseas nurses.

Sources: RNZ, Financial Express

1. Overview: Workforce Size & Demand

• As of March 2024, about 78,700 nurses hold valid New Zealand Annual Practising Certificates (APCs)—an increase of 9,000 since March 2023. However, not all are actively practising in the country.
• Te Whatu Ora estimates an immediate shortfall of 2,250 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurses, with around 2,000 registered nurses currently needed. If trends continue unchanged, shortages may grow to approximately 3,520 FTE by 2033.

Source: Te Whatu Ora – Health Workforce Plan 2024

2. Workforce Dynamics & Trends

• Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs) now account for 42.6 % of the nursing workforce (up from 36.4 %)—adding around 3,000 FTE to Health NZ’s roster.
• But only 71 % of IQNs stay beyond three years, potentially causing retention challenges.
• There’s still under-representation of Māori (7.0 %) and Pacific peoples (3.9 %) in nursing roles relative to population demographics.

3. Government Strategy & Policy Initiatives

• Incentives of NZ$10,000 for overseas-trained nurses to cover registration costs.
• A new bridging programme and accelerated training pathways including nurse practitioner and nurse prescriber tracks, doubling intake to 120. nurse practitioner places per year by 2026.
• Increased domestic clinical training placements and financial support to retain Māori and Pacific nursing students.