About us Mō mātou

About the Ministry of Health and the New Zealand health system. 

Regulation & legislation Ngā here me ngā ture

Health providers and products we regulate, and laws we administer.

Strategies & initiatives He rautaki, he tūmahi hou

How we’re working to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

Monitoring & statistics He aroturuki, he tatauranga

Data and insights from our health surveys, research and monitoring.

Māori health Hauora Māori

Increasing access to health services, achieving equity and improving outcomes for Māori.

On this page

Studying nursing

If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, you can find information about study pathways and the nursing workforce on the websites below. 

Working as a nurse in New Zealand

Registered nurses in New Zealand can work across a wide range of practice areas and settings.

If you're a graduate nurse

You can find information for graduate registered nurses and enrolled nurses on the Health New Zealand website.

If you’re already registered

Find information on practising as a nurse on the Nursing Council website, including: 

  • scopes of practice for registered nurses, enrolled nurses and nurse practitioners
  • standards of competence 
  • registered nurse prescribing 
  • returning to nursing.

If you're qualified overseas

The Nursing Council website provides guidance for internationally qualified nurses, including: 

  • immigration-related information 
  • registration and assessment requirements
  • practising as a nurse in New Zealand. 

Professional development 

Learn about professional development and recognition programmes on the Health New Zealand website.   

© Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora