Archive · 2024. Rewritten summary published by Asian Insider on 11 October 2026.
Khushboo Sabherwal had applied for 300 nursing jobs. After paying for registration, assessment, travel and living costs, the Indian nurse was preparing to look for work in Australia.
RNZ reported her experience in August 2024, when some internationally qualified nurses and New Zealand graduates were struggling to find roles despite continuing shortages in parts of the health system.
Monina Hernandez, a former president of the Filipino Nurses Association, argued that spending constraints were limiting hiring even where more nurses were needed for safe staffing. She urged authorities to employ nurses already in the country before recruiting more overseas.
Health New Zealand said recruitment had grown and there were fewer vacancies than in 2023. It acknowledged that graduates still seeking placements were concerned and said they would receive support to find roles. The health minister said shortages remained in specialties including mental health and critical care.
For nurses considering a move, the report illustrated how professional registration and an available job could be two very different milestones.
