ODPs can register as Anaesthetic Technicians in New Zealand, which is a different registration pathway from the Registered Nurse registration process.

If you are interested in this pathway, we would love to help.

While our current vacancies focus on Theatre and Mental Health nursing, we are continually building relationships with employers across New Zealand.

If you gain your New Zealand nursing registration, we are always happy to see what opportunities we have available for you.

We have partnerships with employers all across NZ!

Once you have your NZ registration approved (through NCNZ), we can help you choose a location which is a good fit for you.

Jon, who heads up our NZ nursing recruitment, has experience living in NZ and will help you choose the best fit.

THE PEOPLE! New Zealanders are very welcoming and approachable so you are made to feel at home very quickly.

THE SCENERY! There are lots of amazing travel opportunities from beaches to mountains and everything is very accessible allowing you to explore lots of New Zealand

THE JOBS! We have really good feedback about the companies/roles in NZ, with friendly management and a great work-life balance. New Zealand would suit those who enjoy a relaxed life and outdoor activities

The demand for in New Zealand is currently strongest within Mental Health and Theatre/Perioperative. We generally recommend a minimum of 2 years’ post-registration experience before working abroad. However, if you have experience in either of these specialty areas and have gained your NCNZ registration, we would be happy to see what we have available for you.

If you are applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa or Straight to Residency Visa, children/partners can be added to your visa/they can apply for subsequent visas based on your successful application – conditions apply. 

If you are applying for a Working Holiday Visa – these are individual visas/cannot add children.

• Once you have read through the role/visa eligibility information (available on the website/booklets), please let us know which role/visa you are interested in and the university you attended/graduation year. We will then send through more information about the registration process.
• We will support you throughout the registration process, including free guides and unlimited phone/email support. We are experts and here to help!

We will arrange interviews once your registration has been approved and ideally, maximum 3-4 months before your planned start date – this gives you enough time to hand in your notice/get organised to leave/apply for your visa etc. and also means that the role is not left open for too long for the employer. 

We can also organise interviews nearer to your start date depending on which visa you hold/are looking to apply for.

• The most common visa for internationally qualified nurses is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Nurses of all ages can apply for this visa, which allows you to live and work in New Zealand for up to 5 years. The current application fee is NZD $1,540. You will generally need New Zealand Nursing Council registration and a job offer before applying.
• The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) may also be an option for certain age groups and passport holders. This visa allows you to work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, although some employers may prefer alternative visa options. The current fee is NZD $770. Applicants must also show sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay and have access to onward or return travel. UK passport holders may be eligible for up to three Working Holiday Visas (3 years).
• As nursing is included on New Zealand’s Green List, if you are looking to move to NZ permanently, you may also want to consider the Straight to Residence Visa.
• Medical and police checks may be required for visas exceeding 12 months (additional fees apply).
• As employers may have different visa preferences, we recommend waiting until you have secured your registration and reached the interview stage before applying for a visa.

• The main upfront costs you’ll need to budget for are your visa (see page 3/4), Nursing Council registration (NZD $485), TruMerit document verification (NZD $665), and an international criminal history check.

• We will secure you a full-time nursing role before you arrive. Salaries typically range from NZD $75,000–$106,000+, depending on experience, while senior nursing roles range from NZD $114,000–$162,000. Salaries in private hospitals are generally comparable.

• Allowing for a minimum of 6 months would be ideal!
• The registration process timeframe can vary depending on how long it takes to source the documents required, we would suggest you allow for a minimum 3 months (but it could be much quicker!)
• Once your registration has been approved, we find 3-4 months is an ideal timeframe for the next steps (securing a role + visa/handing in your notice/getting organised, etc!).

Opportunities are available year-round, with some employers recruiting more heavily during the NZ winter (May onwards).

Relocation assistance may be available for some positions, depending on the employer and current market conditions.