Nurses who have gained their registration in countries other than New Zealand or Australia must apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand for New Zealand registration.  By law, people who are not registered by the Nursing Council may not practice as a registered nurse in New Zealand. 

Nurses registered in Australia who meet the requirements of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (1988) do not have to reapply for registration in New Zealand.

To obtain registration, the applicant must:

• have undertaken a nursing programme that is similar in content and length to the equivalent programme in New Zealand;
• have practised as a nurse within the past five years; and 
• meet English language requirements. 

If you do not meet these requirements at the time of your application, it is unlikely that you will gain registration as a nurse in New Zealand.  Working as a caregiver, or taking up caregiving courses, is not likely to significantly improve your chance of gaining New Zealand nursing registration.

For more information go to New Zealand Nursing Council.

For information on minimum employment rights in New Zealand, including minimum wage requirements, leave entitlements, union matters, employment agreements and more, go to New Zealand’s Employment Relations Service, or see Information for Migrant Workers from the Philippines.