Opportunities for Nurses in New Zealand 2025

The demand for nurses is skyrocketing globally, with a vast shortage affecting many countries. As highlighted by the WHO, there is a projected deficit of 4.8 million nurses by 2030. This shortage presents a great opportunity for nurses worldwide to find and work in a country they prefer. If you are a nurse, the world needs your skills more than ever, and you’ve got a chance to make a significant impact. 

As per Te Wahtu Ora, as of March 2024, there had been 78,703 nurses holding current New Zealand Annual Practising Certificates (APCs), reflecting an increase of over 9,000 since March 2023. However, it was noted that not all these nurses were necessarily practicing in New Zealand. Each year, a significant number of nurses were trained domestically. In 2023, approximately 2,700 nursing graduates were produced, including 2,253 registered nursing graduates, 278 enrolled nursing graduates, and 162 new nurse practitioners.

Like many other countries, New Zealand is also facing an acute nursing staff shortage, with over 25% of nursing shifts in 2023 failing to meet target staffing levels. Alarmingly, some hospital wards operated below safe staffing levels almost continuously throughout the year, exacerbating risks for both patients and healthcare workers.

Opportunities for Healthcare Workers in New Zealand

Healthcare professionals in New Zealand can benefit from diverse job opportunities and a great work-life balance. The growing demand for healthcare workers is a response to shortages in urban, regional, and rural areas, providing options to practice in various settings. Factors such as an aging population, increasing healthcare needs, and an older workforce are driving significant gaps in skills across the sector. With a large number of nurses nearing retirement within the next five years and fewer individuals enrolling in training programs, the situation has reached a critical point. Similarly, the retirement of general practitioners is further intensifying the shortage of qualified professionals.

The proportion of internationally-qualified nurses in New Zealand’s nursing workforce has grown significantly over the past year, increasing from 36.4% to 42.6%, and adding approximately 3,000 FTE nurses to Health NZ’s workforce. This has positively impacted the sustainability of the nursing workforce nationwide, though primary and aged care sectors are experiencing less pressure. 

How to become a nurse in New Zealand 

Healthcare professionals aiming to become nurses in New Zealand need to navigate several important steps and meet specific requirements. Various visa options are available, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa, Occupational Registration Visitor Visa, and the Specific Purpose Work Visa for applicants from the Philippines.

To become a nurse in New Zealand, professionals must:

1. Register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ).
2. Complete a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) if required.
3. Meet the visa requirements set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Additional Assessment for Internationally Qualified Nurses 

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a clinical competence assessment for internationally qualified nurses applying for registration in New Zealand. It evaluates a candidate’s applied nursing knowledge, communication skills, and safe clinical practice at the level of a New Zealand-registered nurse. The OSCE was introduced as a requirement on July 1, 2024.

Who Needs to Take the OSCE?

• Internationally Qualified Nurses from countries other than the US, UK, Ireland, Singapore, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario.
• Nurses who have not completed the CAP pathway before December 4, 2023.
• Nurses who are required to undergo a competence assessment as determined by the Nursing Council.

OSCE Process:

1. Orientation and Preparation Course: A two-day course held at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch.
2. Theoretical Examination: An online multi-choice exam testing nursing knowledge, taken through Pearson VUE.
3. Clinical Examination (OSCE): A three-hour in-person exam held at the Nurse Maude Simulation and Assessment Centre in Christchurch. It involves completing 10 scenarios (stations) within 120 minutes.

Benefits of Nursing Career in New Zealand

Nursing occupations are listed on Immigration New Zealand’s Tier 1 Green List, offering a direct and streamlined application process for a Straight to Residence Visa from offshore. Healthcare professionals experience a supportive and flexible work environment, working in small, collaborative teams within public and private health systems. Moreover, New Zealand provides excellent career stability and consistent income, given the growing population and increasing health needs. Healthcare professionals have the opportunity to make a significant impact on people’s lives, embodying the valued concept of “Whanau,” meaning family, in the healthcare setting.