Nurse Jobs in New Zealand 2025

Ready to advance your nursing career in New Zealand’s world-class healthcare system? Explore high-demand nursing roles with visa sponsorship at top employers like Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Ryman Healthcare, New Zealand Health Group, and Starship Child Health. Attractive salaries (NZD 82,000–163,000), relocation packages, and fast-tracked residency via the Green List make Aotearoa a standout choice for 2025. Start your search on SEEK.co.nz, KiwiHealthJobs.com, and Careers.tewhatuora.govt.nz.

Why New Zealand Needs Nurses in 2025

New Zealand’s public and private providers continue to recruit locally and internationally to address ongoing gaps in acute care, aged care, primary/community nursing, and mental health. Retirements, population growth, and expanding services in regional areas keep demand high across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and provincial hubs like Nelson–Tasman and Hawke’s Bay.

Key Benefits

• Strong pay bands and penal rates

  • Enrolled Nurse (EN): ~NZD 73,000–84,000

  • Registered Nurse (RN): ~NZD 82,000–107,000

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist / CNS: ~NZD 114,000–135,000+

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP): ~NZD 137,000–163,000

  • Loadings: up to ~40% for nights/weekends in many agreements

• Visa sponsorship & fast residency via the Green List (Straight to Residence) with accredited employers.

• Relocation support: flights, temporary housing, licensing fees, and settling-in allowances (varies by employer and location).

• Career development: funded CPD, postgraduate study support, clinical ladders (PDRP), and leadership pathways.

• Lifestyle: 40-hour weeks, 20–30 days paid leave, and easy access to beaches, trails, and ski fields.

• Family-friendly: partner work rights with most visas; strong schooling and community services.

In-Demand Nursing Roles (2025)

• Acute hospital RNs (medical, surgical, ED, theatres, PACU, ICU/HDU/CCU)

• Aged care/gerontology (rest homes, hospitals, dementia units)

• Primary/community nursing (district nursing, practice nursing, public health)

• Mental health & addictions (inpatient and community)

• Child health (NICU/SCBU, pediatrics; e.g., Starship Child Health)

• Specialist areas (oncology/haematology, renal/dialysis, perioperative, infection prevention)

• Leadership roles (CNS, CNM/Charge Nurse, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner)

Where to Look (Top Employers & Portals)

• Te Whatu Ora (nationwide public hospitals): Careers.tewhatuora.govt.nz, KiwiHealthJobs.com

• Aged-care groups: Ryman Healthcare, Arvida, Bupa, Oceania

• Community & disability: New Zealand Health Group (healthCare NZ, Geneva), Access Community

• Children’s services: Starship Child Health (Auckland)

• Job boards: SEEK.co.nz, KiwiHealthJobs.com, Indeed.co.nz (filter “visa sponsorship”), and employer websites

Visa Sponsorship Pathways

1) Straight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1)

• Best for internationally qualified nurses with a job offer from an accredited employer.

• Apply from offshore or onshore; partner and dependent children can be included.

• Typical evidence: Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) registration (or eligibility steps underway), job offer, police/medical checks, English proficiency.

2) Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

• For nurses who will work while completing final steps toward registration or who prefer to move first and transition to residence.

• Requires job check by an accredited employer, valid offer, and English proficiency.

• Pathway to residence after set periods (often immediate through Green List once criteria met).

3) Specific Purpose Work Visa (for CAP/Bridging)

• For internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) accepted into a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) that leads to NCNZ registration.

• Often supported by Te Whatu Ora or major providers; can transition to AEWV once registered and employed.

Tip: Many employers are accredited and will outline the exact visa they sponsor, who pays which fees, and what relocation benefits are included. Always confirm in writing in your offer.

Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ)

Most overseas nurses must register with NCNZ to practise as an RN or EN.

Core steps

1. Self-assessment & application on the NCNZ portal (upload identity and qualification evidence).

2. Credential verification (e.g., CGFNS/EPIC type verification of education and licence).

3. English language: typically IELTS Academic 7.0 in Listening/Reading/Speaking and 6.5 in Writing (or accepted OET equivalents). Some exemptions apply (e.g., education and practise in specified English-speaking countries).

4. Competence Assessment Programme (CAP): a short bridging course (usually 6–12 weeks) if required, delivered by approved providers across NZ. Places fill quickly—apply early.

5. Annual Practising Certificate (APC): issued after registration and employer onboarding.

Timeframes

• Document review/verification: several weeks (varies).

• CAP availability: plan 2–3+ months ahead due to limited intakes.

• End-to-end (offshore): commonly 3–6 months depending on document readiness and CAP waitlists.

Typical Role Requirements

• Approved nursing diploma/degree (Level 7+ for RNs; diploma for ENs)

• Current licence/registration in your home country

• English proficiency (IELTS/OET or exempt criteria)

• Experience: 0–2 years for many aged-care/entry hospital roles; 2–5+ years for specialty/lead roles

• Skills aligned to area (e.g., IV therapy, ventilator care, perioperative competencies, mental health nursing models)

• Clearances: police checks, medical screening, immunisations

• Soft skills: teamwork, cultural safety, communication, commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and Māori health equity

What You’ll Earn (Guide)

• Enrolled Nurse: NZD ~73,000–84,000

• Registered Nurse: NZD ~82,000–107,000 (plus penal rates, overtime, and allowances)

• Senior RN/CNS: NZD ~114,000–135,000+

• Nurse Practitioner: NZD ~137,000–163,000

Benefits frequently offered

• Superannuation contributions (e.g., 3–6%)

• Paid education/CPD days and study support

• Shift/penal rates for nights, weekends, public holidays

• Relocation support (flights, initial accommodation, licensing costs, CAP contribution in some cases)

• Employee assistance programmes and wellness perks

Cost of Living Snapshot (Monthly, single person)

• Rent (1-bed apartment): NZD 1,600–2,500 (Auckland/Wellington higher; regional cities lower)

• Food & essentials: NZD 400–600

• Transport: NZD 100–200

• Utilities/misc: NZD 200–400
  Most sponsored nurses report comfortable net savings once settled, especially with shift loadings and if sharing accommodation initially.

Step-by-Step: How to Land a Sponsored Nursing Job

1. Confirm eligibility

   • Check your qualification level, registration history, and English test status against NCNZ requirements.

2. Start NCNZ registration

   • Open your NCNZ account, request verification, and book IELTS/OET if needed. If likely to need CAP, shortlist providers and intake dates now.

3. Target accredited employers

   • Search Te Whatu Ora, KiwiHealthJobs.com, and SEEK.co.nz for roles tagged “visa sponsorship” or “Green List”. Prioritise employers that clearly fund relocation/licensing.

4. Prepare an NZ-style CV & cover letter

   • 2 pages, skills-forward, concise achievements (e.g., “Managed 5–6 telemetry patients, reduced falls by 20% through rounding protocol”).

5. Apply widely (urban + regional)

   • Submit 6–10 targeted applications to improve speed and options. Regional hospitals and aged-care facilities often process faster and include attractive relocation packages.

6. Interview & clinical scenarios

   • Be ready to discuss prioritisation, deterioration/escalation (ABCDE), cultural safety, and interprofessional teamwork. Have examples prepared.

7. Secure a written offer detailing sponsorship

   • Confirm base pay step, penal rates, roster pattern, relocation amounts, and who pays visa/NCNZ/CAP fees.

8. Choose your visa pathway

   • Straight to Residence (best if you meet criteria) or AEWV if you’ll transition to residence later. Employers and recruitment teams will guide the right option.

9. Book CAP (if required)

   • Lock in a start date and request any employer funding/advance. Plan accommodation near your CAP campus.

10. Arrive, onboard, and obtain APC

    • Complete occupational health checks, orientation, mandatory training, and receive your Annual Practising Certificate to begin shifts.

CAP (Competence Assessment Programme): What to Know

• Length: typically 6–12 weeks, classroom + clinical placement

• Cost: ~NZD 2,000–3,000+ (tuition only; living costs extra)

• Funding: some employers contribute fully/partially or reimburse upon contract commencement

• Outcome: NCNZ registration eligibility and employment offer finalisation

How to Strengthen Your Application

• Maintain recent acute or aged-care experience with reference letters.

• Collect competency evidence (IV certification, medication administration, wound care, mental health assessment, etc.).

• Complete short courses relevant to your target area (e.g., ECG interpretation, IV cannulation, dementia care).

• Demonstrate cultural competence, including familiarity with Te Ao Māori principles and health equity.

• Be flexible on location and shifts initially (nights/weekends often carry higher loadings and open more roles).

Common Pitfalls (and Fixes)

• Incomplete NCNZ pack → Use the council’s checklist and send certified copies in the required format the first time.

• IELTS/OET expiring → Book early; scores generally must be current at assessment.

• Waiting on CAP too late → Pre-register interest with multiple providers; ask employers for preferred CAP partners and potential funding.

• Only applying to big-city hospitals → Add regional employers; many offer faster onboarding and better relocation support.

• Unclear sponsorship → Get visa type, fee responsibility, and relocation items in your written offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need IELTS/OET if I studied in English?
You may be exempt if you meet NCNZ’s specific education/practice criteria; otherwise IELTS Academic or OET is needed.

Can my partner work in New Zealand?
Most residence and AEWV pathways include open work rights for partners (confirm with immigration guidance).

How long does the visa take?
Straight to Residence can take a few months; AEWV is often faster once the employer completes a job check and you’ve submitted biometrics/medical.

Do new graduates get sponsorship?
Yes—especially via graduate/entry programmes in aged care or regional hospitals. Use the national ACE programme for new grads and consider rural placements for quicker offers.

Will I be required to drive?
Many community roles need a full licence. Hospital and aged-care roles generally do not.

Is there support for Māori health and cultural learning?
Yes—orientation and ongoing training commonly include Tiriti o Waitangi foundations and culturally safe practice.

Next Steps

• Shortlist 3–5 roles on SEEK.co.nz and KiwiHealthJobs.com with “visa sponsorship” filters.

• Open an NCNZ application and book IELTS/OET (if required).

• Email 2–3 CAP providers for the next available intakes and fees.

• Prepare a 2-page NZ-style CV + tailored cover letter for your target specialty.

• Apply to Te Whatu Ora and at least two aged-care groups (e.g., Ryman, Arvida) for speed and options.

• Ask each recruiter to confirm visa pathway, relocation package, and who pays fees in the written offer.

• Once you accept, start visa lodgement immediately and book flights/temporary housing per your relocation support.