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Health New Zealand’s Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP) is centred on the pillars of Vision, Culture, and Value. It seeks to preserve the unique stories, contributions, and identities of nurses while recognising the diverse expertise within the profession. 

The programme advances evidence-informed practice and supports nurses in their professional growth, leadership development, and capacity for innovation.

What is changing?

PDRP is evolving to reflect the Nursing Council of New Zealand Standards of Competence. These changes will:

  • Align with the latest Scopes of Practice and Standards of Competence for Registered and Enrolled Nurses.
  • Increase capability, engagement, and participation so more nurses actively use PDRPs.
  • Strengthen partnerships with Māori and Pacific nurses  to encourage greater participation.
  • Establish a nationally consistent approach to professional development.

Transition timeline

  • December 2025: PDRPs will transition from the previous domain-based portfolios to the Standards of Competence (Pou). 
  • Until 31 January 2026: Health New Zealand will continue to accept domain-based portfolios 
  • From 1 February 2026: All portfolios submitted must align with the Standards of Competence (Pou) framework
  • Nurses working outside Health New Zealand should contact their PDRP Coordinator for their organisation’s timeline.

Te Rau Ora – Huarahi Whakatū PDRP

Te Rau Ora is refreshing Huarahi Whakatū, Aotearoa’s only dual-competence Indigenous PDRP. Designed by Māori, with Māori, and for Māori nurses, Huarahi Whakatū recognises that cultural and clinical excellence are essential to safe, effective nursing practice.

This programme provides a meaningful opportunity for Māori nurses to be recognised and valued for the unique skills, perspectives, and strengths they bring as Māori to the nursing workforce.

The refreshed Huarahi Whakatū will offer a more streamlined, supportive process that upholds the aspirations of Māori nurses and strengthens excellence in care across our communities.

Find out more:

PDRP templates

For districts submitting paper-based portfolios, applicants must complete four sections and send them to the local PDRP coordinator. Download the templates, enable features, and fill in the forms as instructed on this page.

Standards of Competence

Complete either the enrolled nurse or registered nurse self assessment document.

Handbook and supporting documents

ePortfolio access

How to access and submit your PDRP

  1. Log in to Ko Awatea LEARN or healthLearn
    Ko Awatea LEARN (external link)
    healthLearn (external link)
  2. Use Find Learning to search for PDRP
  3. Click the ePortfolio link to access your district’s ePortfolio site

Detailed instructions for completing and submitting your application are available within:

  • ePortfolio sites
  • Template pages
  • PDRP course pages

If you have any questions, please contact your local PDRP team by email.

PDRP contacts

Local Support Contacts – Health New Zealand

The following are your local support contacts within Health New Zealand:

Access via Ko Awatea LEARN

Northland Auckland Waitematā
Counties Manukau Waikato Lakes Rotorua-Taupo
Tairāwhiti Capital Coast Hutt Valley
Nelson Marlborough    

Access via healthLearn

Bay of Plenty Canterbury West Coast
South Canterbury Southland  

Use supplied PDF templates

Taranaki Manawatu-Whanganui Hawke's Bay
MidCentral Wairarapa  

Other PDRP Providers (outside Health New Zealand)

Allevia (Mercy Ascot)

Boulcott Hospital

Braemar Hospital

Bupa Care Services

Evolution Healthcare

Huarahi Whakatu

New Zealand Blood Service

New Zealand Defence Force

Presbyterian Support Services

Presbyterian Support Services

 Southern Cross Hospitals

 White Cross Healthcare Ltd
Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns

Current PDRP section

Regional PDRP pages are still available while we transition to national approach
PDRP regional information