How to Start a Nursing Career in New Zealand in 2025 – Complete Guide

Nursing Career in New Zealand in 2025: Nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions worldwide, and New Zealand is no exception in 2025. The country is experiencing a growing shortage of nurses, especially in critical areas such as emergency care, mental health, and addiction services. With an ageing population and nearly half of the current nursing workforce expected to retire by 2035, the demand for skilled nurses has never been higher.

To tackle this challenge, the Government of New Zealand has listed several Registered Nurse roles under Tier 1 of the Green List Roles, making them eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa. This opens a clear pathway for internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) to move and work in New Zealand.

If you’re planning to start your nursing career in New Zealand, the first step is to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) and secure a practising certificate. Below, you’ll find the complete step-by-step guide.

Registration Process for Internationally Qualified Nurses

If you’re already registered in your home country, you must go through New Zealand’s official process to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN). Here’s how:

Step 1: Credential Verification via CGFNS

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) verifies your documents on behalf of NCNZ. You need to submit:

• Identity Proof
• Employment History (minimum 1,800 hours of post-registration nursing experience)
• Education Records (nursing qualification equivalent to New Zealand standards)
• License Validation (registrations held within the last 10 years)
• English Proficiency (IELTS/OET score, unless exempt through alternative pathways)

Once verified, CGFNS sends a report to NCNZ after you approve it.

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Step 2: Complete Online Cultural Safety Courses

Two free online modules on New Zealand’s cultural safety practices are mandatory. You’ll receive completion certificates that must be submitted to NCNZ.

Step 3: Fitness to Practise Check

Every IQN must undergo a criminal history check. This includes all countries where you’ve lived for more than 12 months in the past seven years. If you’ve stayed in New Zealand for six months or more, you must also clear a check through the Ministry of Justice.

Step 4: Competence Assessment

To ensure you can practise safely in New Zealand, NCNZ may require you to pass:

• Theoretical Exam – an online knowledge-based test at an accredited centre.
• Clinical Exam (OSCE) – a hands-on assessment after a two-day orientation. Conducted only in New Zealand at approved centres.

Exemptions: Nurses trained in the UK, Ireland, Ontario, British Columbia, Singapore, or the USA may be exempted from competence exams. NCNZ makes this decision after reviewing your application.

For full details, always check the official NCNZ website.- Click Here

Special Case: Australian Nurses

Thanks to the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997, nurses with current registration and a practising certificate in Australia can register in New Zealand without following the above process.

Fees and Processing Times

The process involves several costs:

• NCNZ application fee: NZD 485
• CGFNS verification: USD 380
• Criminal check (Fit2Work): AUD 159 per country
• NZ Ministry of Justice check: additional fee applies
• Theoretical exam: NZD 140
• Orientation & preparation course: NZD 500
• OSCE exam: NZD 3,000

Processing Time

• NCNZ takes at least five months to process applications (excluding CGFNS verification time).
• You’ll have 12 months from receiving the invitation email to complete all steps. Failure to do so results in your application being closed.

Demand for Nurses in 2025

Registered Nurse roles on the Green List (Tier 1) include:

• Aged Care
• Child and Family Health
• Community Health
• Critical Care & Emergency
• Disability & Rehabilitation
• Medical & Surgical
• Mental Health
• Paediatrics
• Perioperative Nursing
• And more

According to NCNZ’s September 2024 report, 46.25% of practising nurses in New Zealand are internationally qualified. This highlights the strong reliance on overseas-trained nurses.

Salary Expectations for Nurses in New Zealand

• Registered Nurses (general): NZD 82,000 – 107,000 per year
• Senior Nurses: NZD 114,000 – 163,000 annually
• Nurse Practitioners: NZD 137,000 – 163,000 annually

Final Thoughts

Starting a nursing career in New Zealand in 2025 is not only achievable but also highly rewarding. With strong demand, competitive salaries, and clear visa pathways, internationally qualified nurses have excellent opportunities ahead.