In recent months, New Zealand has experienced a significant exodus of nurses to Australia, with more than 9,000 nurses – equivalent to about 12% of the active workforce – registering to work across the Tasman Sea in the past 10 months.

This trend highlights New Zealand nurses' growing interest in pursuing opportunities in Australia despite efforts to retain them, including a pay increase last year.

The allure of nursing opportunities in Australia

The allure of working in Australia seems to stem from various factors, including potentially higher wages and different working conditions.

To legally work in Australia, nurses from New Zealand must obtain registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Recent data indicates a sharp increase in the rate at which nurses are taking this step, with an average of 900 nurses registering each month over a 10-month period until January. This is a significant rise from the average of 625 a month recorded in the previous eight months up to April last year, showcasing a clear acceleration in the number of nurses seeking opportunities in Australia.

However, it's important to note that Ahpra does not track how many of these registered nurses eventually secure employment in Australia. This gap in data makes it difficult to ascertain the exact impact of this migration trend on New Zealand's healthcare system and the Australian healthcare sector in terms of workforce dynamics.

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Financial incentives for working in Australia

The financial incentives for such a move are underscored by job advertisements in Australia, with some nursing positions in very remote areas offering up to NZ$117 per hour for contract work. This figure significantly exceeds typical nursing wages in New Zealand, suggesting that financial motivations play a crucial role in the decision of many nurses to seek employment in Australia. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of New Zealand's healthcare workforce and the measures needed to retain skilled nursing staff.

The allure of working in Australia is further highlighted by job advertisements on Seek, where some positions in very remote areas offer up to NZ$117 an hour for contract work. Additionally, another agency has been promoting free trans-Tasman travel for nurses willing to commit to locum work for eight weeks or more, enhancing the appeal for New Zealand nurses to pursue opportunities across the Tasman.

Incentives for relocation and long-term commitment are also notable, with advertisements for permanent roles in rural aged care homes offering substantial benefits. One such ad promises a $17,000 meal and entertainment allowance and a $7,500 sign-up bonus spread over four years, presenting significant financial incentives for nurses considering moving to Australia.

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This movement reflects the growing attractiveness of Australian nursing opportunities, bolstered by competitive compensation packages and benefits that appeal to New Zealand's nursing professionals.

Kerri Nuku, a representative from the Nurses' Organisation, highlighted a potential trend where international nurses obtain registration in New Zealand but may directly proceed to work in Australia without ever working or sometimes setting foot in New Zealand. This situation calls for a more detailed investigation to understand the frequency and impact of such occurrences, although the Nursing Council does not maintain current data on this specific pathway.

The total number of registered nurses in New Zealand saw an increase last year, rising by 9,357 to a total of 77,634. Despite this growth, it's estimated that 4% to 5% of these nurses are not engaged in work at any given time, indicating a surplus of registered nurses who are not active in the workforce.

New Zealand Health Minister Shane Reti emphasised the need for further analysis to ascertain how many nurses registered in Australia are moving there to work. This inquiry is part of broader efforts to understand the dynamics of nurse migration and employment between New Zealand and Australia, especially in light of the recent influx of overseas-qualified nurses.

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Public policy responses to nursing migrations 

The last quarter of 2023 witnessed a significant increase in overseas-qualified nurses arriving in New Zealand, sparking a need for more detailed data on their employment outcomes and migration patterns. Understanding these trends is crucial for planning and policy-making in the healthcare sector.

Reti preferred to retain these overseas-qualified nurses within New Zealand's healthcare system, acknowledging that some level of transition to Australia is expected. He highlighted that some nurses may register in New Zealand while still overseas and then move directly to Australia for employment, bypassing the New Zealand healthcare system entirely.

This situation underscores New Zealand's participation in a global nursing shortage, which facilitates and is affected by the movement of nurses between countries, including New Zealand and Australia. The cross-border flow of nursing professionals is a long-standing phenomenon, influenced by factors such as employment opportunities, compensation, and professional development prospects.

The ongoing dialogue around nurse migration between New Zealand and Australia reflects broader challenges in the healthcare sector, including the need to balance the attraction and retention of nurses with the global demand for these essential professionals. Understanding and addressing these trends is critical for maintaining a robust healthcare system in both countries.