New Zealand has offered overseas nurses and midwives an immediate pathway to residency, as the country tries to address an acute shortfall of health staff.

The then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said changes to the immigration system meant those eligible could get fast-tracked residency. The new criteria started from last December.

Ardern quoted the World Health Organization’s estimate that the globe was likely to be short of 10 million health workers by 2030, and said New Zealand already had one of the easiest pathways for nurses to live and work.

“In a crowded market, let’s make the message even simpler. Our message to nurses everywhere: we are the best place to live, work and play; you will be able to seek immediate residence,” she told Radio New Zealand.

“With wages growing faster than inflation and with the ninth-lowest inflation out of 38 OECD countries, we have much to offer.”

Record numbers of nurses had been applying to work in New Zealand but the government had been asked to simplify things, she said.

“We were attracting nurses; we want to get ahead of the issue, though.”

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation estimates the country needs around 4000 more nurses.

“Since the pandemic, 3474 nurses have arrived in country, but it’s clear we need to do more to encourage nurses to choose New Zealand,” said Immigration Minister, Michael Wood.

‘The New Zealand Nurses Organisation estimates the country needs around 4000 more nurses.’