What is the process for getting nursing registration in New Zealand?

The Nursing Council of New Zealand has a handy self assessment tool that can help you understand how to become registered to practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand 
International Nursing Registration Process

I only have a diploma - can I get registration?

There is a process through the Nursing Council of New Zealand to apply for registration. This will guide you on what will be required.

Do I need an English language test (IELTS)?

In order to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, they must be satisfied that you are able to communicate effectively, and that your ability to communicate in and comprehend English is sufficient to protect the health and safety of the public.

If your education led to, or you have current nursing registration in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Ireland, Canada or the United States of America that required you to pass an English language test you may be able to apply for a waiver.

To find out more visit the Nursing Council of New Zealand website

Do I have to belong to the Union?

Employees choose to join a union. Unions negotiate collective employment agreements and advocate on behalf of employees, working together in the interest of the individual, the collective and the broader community.

Their purpose is to secure jobs, improve terms and conditions of employment, and achieve a better quality of life for workers.

What is the salary range and additional remunerations?

• Nurses receive a base salary relative to their level of experience and role; this is agreed upon at the time of the job offer. The base salary range for a registered nurse is NZD $75K - $106K, and the range for a designated senior nurse is $114K to $162K.

• Annual salary increments

• Set rates for overtime, penal time, and callbacks

• Set allowances for on-call, higher duties, shift coordination, duly authorised officers, authorised officers, telephone on-call and meals (where required)

What are the additional benefits?

• Reimbursement of annual practising certificate costs, and travel expenses 

• Paid education support and leave for courses to facilitate your education and training  

• The nursing collective agreements for NZNO and PSA include all salary and benefit information and are available on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website.

What are the shift time penal rates?

Under the Nursing Collective Agreements, there are:

• Weekend rate of time one-half (0.5) in addition to the ordinary hourly rate

• Public Holiday rate of time one (T1) in addition to the ordinary hourly rate

• Night rate at quarter time (T0.25) in addition to the ordinary hourly rate

What are the leave entitlements?

• 4 weeks of paid annual leave (increases to 5 after 5 years of service) 

  • shift employees are entitled to up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave on completion of 12 months of employment on shift work

• A minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year

• 12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on 

• Long service leave of one week is available for each five-year period of service

What is the minimum contract period?

This will be determined by the organisation that employs you. 
To maintain your nursing registration in Aotearoa, New Zealand you are required to have 450 hours of practice over three (3) years.

Will I be bonded?

This will depend on the organisation that you are employed in. If there is sponsored assistance there may be a two-year bond agreement as part of your letter of offer.

What’s the difference between private and public hospitals?

Public hospitals are run and and funded by the government (funded by taxes) providing free or subsidised access to healthcare to the New Zealand public. 
Private hospitals are more costly but provide people with more control over their healthcare along with where and when treatments may be scheduled.

I like working in rest homes, are there roles available?

We are looking for nurses across all settings. To apply for a position in one of our aged care facilities, apply now.

How do I get a job in a Hospice?

We would recommend you check out the vacancies that are advertised with Hospice New Zealand.

I like working in outpatients - are there jobs?

There are opportunities for roles across all settings including outpatients. In the larger hospitals there may be opportunities to work in different outpatient specialities. 

I’m interested in changing my specialty. What would you advise?

The culture and relocation are a lot to get used to, we recommend moving to a service you are comfortable working in and progressing into other opportunities from there.
Continual growth and education are encouraged, and assistance is provided to nurses wishing to study and gain further experience. 

I am an Anaesthetic Nurse - can I get a job?

Aotearoa New Zealand is looking for nurses across all settings. If you are able to gain Nursing Council registration you will be able to apply for Registered Nurse roles in Anaesthetics.

I am a Health Care Assistant, am I eligible for a visa?

We are looking for people across all settings of our Health Sector. 
You can explore your visa options and access information and tools that will help you assess your visa criteria on the Immigration New Zealand website.

What can I expect the lifestyle to be like when I get there?

You can expect a balanced lifestyle with great career opportunities and plenty of time for recreational activities.
New Zealanders enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking on our beautiful mountains and water sports on our many picturesque lakes and beaches. Arts and culture also provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy a musical or theater performance.  Summer is a time to attend a festival or visit some of the world's best food and wine venues. 

What’s the cost of living?

This handy Cost of Living Calculator can help you compare the cost of living in Aotearoa, New Zealand depending on where you are coming from and what part of Aotearoa you plan to settle in. 

Is there relocation support?

At this point in time, Health New Zealand are reviewing the relocation package for international applicants and further details will be shared at the time of a job offer.

Do I have to be able to drive?

No, however in some rural areas access to public transport may be limited and in some community-based roles you may require a driver's license.

How long will it take before I can move to Aotearoa, New Zealand?

This depends on your individual circumstances, you need to get your Nursing registration, secure a job, and make your visa application. The best thing to do to speed things along is to understand what you need to do.

Making a move abroad is a big decision, and you may not be ready to make the move – just yet! We can work with you without pressure or obligation to proceed until you are ready to take the next step.

What if I'm not ready yet?

Making a move abroad is a big decision, and you may not be ready to make the move – just yet! 
We can work with you without pressure or obligation to proceed until you are ready to take the next step.

Let us know by asking a question above.