Workforce Initiatives
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is committed to addressing immediate workforce pressures through initiatives that support and train health workers so that we can deliver better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Recruitment Campaigns
Return to Midwifery Practice
An initiative was announced in February 2024 to support Midwives to Return to Practice in New Zealand.
Start your Nursing Career
Learn more about gaining specialist skills that can open up a diverse range of rewarding career options.
Kiwi Health Jobs (KHJ)
Owned by Health New Zealand, KHJ advertises all healthcare jobs across New Zealand in one handy place.
NZREX Graduates Pilot Programme
The Minister of Health has announced the following two pilot initiatives for selected New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX) Graduates that will be managed by Health New Zealand:
NZREX Bridging Programme
The initial pilot will be for a cohort of up to 10 candidates and will be run in the Northern Region (based in Auckland). The pilot is due to start in early March 2023.
Applications for the Health New Zealand Bridging Programme are now closed.
Offers will be provided to successful applicants from mid-December 2022.
NZREX Primary Care Pathway
The initial pilot will be for a cohort of 8-10 candidates and will be delivered in partnership with primary care providers in the Waikato region. The pilot is due to start in January 2023.
Applications for the Health New Zealand Primary Care Pathway programme are now closed.
Successful applicants will be notified and offers provided to them from early December 2022.
Internationally Qualified Nurses CAP Fund
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora has established an Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs) Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) Fund to help support nurses gain registration to work in New Zealand.
IQNs who are required to complete a CAP to become registered to work in New Zealand can apply for reimbursement of up to NZ$10,000 by filling out an Expression of Interest before the CAP course starts. More information can be found on the Te Whatu Ora website.
Reimbursement of costs will be considered when IQNs have completed their course and can provide evidence of the following:
- Successful completion of a Competence Assessment Programme offered by a provider accredited by the Nursing Council of New Zealand that begin from 1 August 2022
- Registration from the Nursing Council of New Zealand
- A confirmed offer of employment in a direct patient-facing role in health settings such as hospitals, aged care, GP practices, mental health and addictions.
- Required work visa to work in New Zealand