If you have been thinking about what it might be like to work in New Zealand, now is the perfect time to give some serious thought to where your career is headed in 2011.
Nursing in New Zealand offers a variety of unique opportunities for nurses in a range of public and private settings.  It is quite similar to working in Australia, but right now Australians can take advantage of the strong Australian Dollar and cheap flights across the Tasman.  As an Australian, you can also fast-track the registration and recruitment process via the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition scheme for health professionals.   Plus using a reputable recruitment agency like Geneva Health means you have access to all available job opportunities in one place and complete support and guidance.

Registered Nurses are in high demand in New Zealand which reflects the international nursing shortage.  The New Zealand Government recognises this as a long-term skill shortage and has subsequently placed nurses along with other health specialists on the New Zealand immigration’s long term skill shortage list.  There is a diverse range of specialist areas in demand right now, and work is available within a variety of settings, in particular:

• Mental Health
• Aged Care
• Prison
• Palliative Care
• Paediatrics
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Operating Theatre

Nursing vacancies for overseas nurses are usually permanent contracts that last for at least 12 months, although many nurses and their families move to New Zealand for several years or even permanently.


Nursing Registration – Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition
All nurses who work in New Zealand must be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, regardless of which country they are from and the application process can be lengthy.  However, Australian registered nurses can enjoy a streamlined process with the Nursing Council through the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition scheme and once registration is granted, nurses then need to apply for an Annual Practicing Certificate.

Furthermore, all Australian citizens have the freedom to live and work freely in New Zealand through the “Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement” which means no lengthy visa applications, although an appropriate visa is required for people who don’t hold an Australian or New Zealand passport.



Working in New Zealand
You will find that working in New Zealand’s health system will be very similar to that in Australia.
Most health employers require nurses to have up to two years experience in their particular specialty in order to be offered employment.
Salaries for Nurses are paid dependent on the number of year's post-registration experience they have.  The base rate sits at approximately NZ$45,000 to $62,000 plus penalty rates which can amount to another NZ$5,000 to $10,000 annually, depending on the hours worked.
Income tax is calculated according to your income on a sliding scale.  The IRD website offers a calculator by which to work out how much tax you might pay Cost of living varies depending on where you choose to live in New Zealand with Auckland being the most expensive city.  For more information about general prices, household living or internet grocery shopping visit the NZ immigration website.
Cost of living varies depending on where you choose to live in New Zealand with Auckland being the most expensive city.  For more information about general prices, household living or internet grocery shopping visit the NZ immigration website.
Lifestyle in New Zealand
New Zealand is a relatively young country and with just over four million people, it is one of the world’s least crowded countries allowing you to enjoy its wonderful playground of never ending coastlines, rain forests, mountains, fiords and beautiful scenery.
New Zealanders freely enjoy a relaxed pace of life and an outdoor lifestyle.  No matter where you live you are probably less than one hour from the sea, and less than four hours from a ski field. So in one day you could find yourself mountain biking, snowboarding and surfing!  At the same time, cafe society and cultural activities rival those anywhere.

Benefits of working with a reputable recruitment agency

If you are considering working in New Zealand, it always helps to have the right support.  As a leading health staffing recruitment agency, Geneva Health can be there for you every step of the way.  Geneva Health has over 13 years experience in helping international and local health professionals find their ideal healthcare roles in New Zealand.  They also specialise in international recruitment to the United Kingdom, Australia and the Middle East.
Geneva Health provides extensive support to nurses moving internationally and prides themselves on:
- Having experienced and dedicated Consultants who are also Registered Nurses
- Holding contracts and relationships with public and private healthcare facilities in NZ
- Providing support and guidance with your NZ Nursing Registration and Visas if required
- Assisting with opening a bank account and obtaining a tax number
- Assisting with sourcing accomodation
- Organising transport from the airport to your accomodation on arrival
- Providing continuing support once you arrive in New Zealand
- Having a network of Registered Nurses with whom we can put you in contact.
- Streamlining the process by using only one recruitment agency e.g your referees are only contacted once
- Assisting with CV writing
Geneva health welcomes the opportunity to discuss their current nursing vacancies to help you find your ideal role in New Zealand.  For more information or to apply for the many positions available, contact Erin McGlynn erinm@genevahealth.com, freephone from australia 1800 123 900.
www.genevahealth.co.nz