New Zealand Nurses Organisation backs graduate employment proposal

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) has expressed support for a Labour Party proposal that would require Te Whatu Ora to offer jobs to all eligible graduate nurses within the public health system. The organization argues this measure is essential to building a sustainable nursing pipeline and preventing graduates from moving overseas.

According to NZNO representatives, less than half of nursing graduates have received job offers over the past two years, despite government promises to hire 1,800 graduates this financial year. A survey indicated that over 61% of nursing students were considering working abroad due to local employment uncertainty.

To ensure the success of this initiative, the NZNO emphasized the need for increased funding in primary care. Currently, primary care nurses earn approximately 11% less than their hospital counterparts, and providers in this sector often lack the capacity to mentor new graduates. The organization stated that achieving pay parity with Te Whatu Ora nurses is necessary to retain staff in community-based roles.