Nursing Jobs in New Zealand

It’s no secret that many countries are facing a shortage of nurses—New Zealand is no exception, with nursing on the government's skill shortage list. Because a nursing job in New Zealand is in demand, obtaining a visa will be much easier. You may even be able to get a resident visa! Below is a list of cities in New Zealand where you could soon (fingers crossed) be employed as a nurse in New Zealand. 

Auckland. If you’re down for the big city life, Auckland is the place to be. Boasting New Zealand’s largest population and home to two large harbors, Auckland is full of job opportunities. While life as a nurse in Auckland will certainly never be dull, you will need to consider the cost of living. Apartments and other forms of housing will be more expensive than in other cities and rural parts of New Zealand. 

Wellington. If you’re looking for a smaller, yet culturally vibrant city, check out Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. In addition to being home to parliament, Wellington is also known for its art, film, and festival scene. One of the windiest cities in the world, Wellington is located on the southern tip of the North Island, providing easy access to the South Island via ferry and many beautiful beaches. 

Queenstown. Sitting on the shores of South Island, Queenstown is set against the breathtaking Southern Alps. Renowned for adventure such as bungee jumping or exploring historic mining towns and vineyards, Queensland is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. Take a nursing job in Queenstown will provide ample opportunity for tourism and excitement.

Cost of living + expected salary. The cost of living in New Zealand will change depending on where you live. While large cities, such as Auckland, will have higher housing expenses, smaller cities and rural areas will generally be cheaper. The more experience and higher level nursing degree you have, the higher you can expect your salary to be. Registered nurses in New Zealand generally make between NZ$45,000 to NZ$60,000. 

Accommodations. Hotels can be okay when you first arrive, but who wants to be staying in a hotel forever? You’re best bet will be finding an apartment or house, especially if you plan on staying in New Zealand for a while. With everything online nowadays, you shouldn’t have much trouble searching for a place via the wonderful world-wide web or getting inside tips from your new coworkers.

Visas. Obtaining a work visa in New Zealand can take some time. Foreigners must meet requirements such as intention to work, age, available funds, and an application fee. Besides applying directly to the government, interested expats can also apply through a company and request that the company assist them through the visa process. Some companies will even provide airfare, housing assistance, and hotel accommodation for the first few nights. 

Safety. New Zealand is generally a pretty safe place to live and work; however, it's always a good idea to do your research and be street-smart. If you’re unfamiliar with a location, don’t stay out too late and always (always ALWAYS!) be aware of your surroundings. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Being a nurse will always have its ups and downs (yup, a little heart monitor humor for ya), but working as a nurse in New Zealand will also have plenty of adventure. Perhaps you want to travel around the country? Relocating to a new city after a year or two is not difficult and can give you a taste of all of New Zealand. Taking a nursing job in New Zealand will also provide you an with an insider's view of New Zealand’s culture and people, one patient at a time. 

New Zealand isn’t the place where you’ll encounter many travel annoyances. With timely and reliable transportation, established businesses, tasty cuisines, and an up and coming craft beer culture, it's no wonder tourists flock to this nation. So, if you’re interested in working in New Zealand (and have a love for Lord of the Rings) it's probably because you’ve heard about how awesome of a place it is. 

Sometimes adventure packed, sometimes mellow and laid back, New Zealand has a speed that fits everyone’s lifestyle. Luckily with a nursing degree there are so many career possibilities and opportunities for growth! So polish up that resume and get ready for an exciting career as a nurse in New Zealand. 

Want to learn more about working in New Zealand? Check out our comprehensive guide on Working Abroad in New Zealand.