Statement attributable to Dr Dale Bramley, Health New Zealand Chief Executive

Around 1800 graduate registered nurses will be offered roles at hospitals across the country – one of the largest graduate intakes in a decade.

Today’s announcement means that more than 80 percent of 2025 nursing graduates are expected to be offered hospital-based roles in the current financial year. They will be spread nationwide and cover all specialties, including emergency departments, medical and surgical services, public health and mental health and addiction services.

These new graduate roles will help strengthen and increase staffing levels, support hospitals and community services across the country, and ensure Health New Zealand can focus on delivering high-quality care. This demonstrates Health New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to continuing to develop our nursing workforce.

Over 400 graduate nurses from the mid-year intake were already offered employment by Health New Zealand.  Around 800 graduate nurses will receive offers from Health New Zealand from 1 December, with nearly 600 more to be phased over the next six months. Once employed, graduates will complete a first year of supported practice, which provides structured education, professional development, and the support needed to safely transition into clinical practice as newly registered health professionals.

Health New Zealand will also continue to work to support graduates into roles in primary and community care. Primary care is a cornerstone of our health system, and the contribution of nurses is vital to improving health outcomes in the community and delivering care closer to home.