Nurse in the Country of the Long White Cloud

(Or New Zealand to those of you who aren’t in the know!)

You couldn’t dream a more beautiful or peaceful place to live and work than New Zealand. With a reputation for being one of the safest countries and strong environmental controls, New Zealand provides a haven for many overseas settlers.

Some Background on the Country

New Zealand is a three and a half hour flight from Eastern Australia, and approx. 22 hours flying from London Heathrow. New Zealand’s three international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Opportunities for travel are endless - secluded inlets, rugged snow-capped mountains, wild coast, picturesque farming plains. In less than six hours The TranzCoastal rail journey between Picton and Christchurch takes you through almost every type of New Zealand scenery and is a very popular tourist journey.

New Zealand’s extensive National Parks offer ancient forests and landforms, rare flightless birds and creatures that have survived from prehistoric times - New Zealand’s 13 national parks offer you the chance to experience a primeval landscape, still relatively untouched by humans.

If you are thinking about visiting with your family, you can be confident that New Zealand has a wide range of activities to keep your children happy. New Zealand’s parks and large areas of unspoilt wilderness mean it is the ideal place to expand your children’s appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors. Horse riding, snow activities, whale watching, fruit picking and wildlife centres and zoos are just some of the choices available. Larger centres also offer a range of themed attractions including Rainbow’s End (Auckland), Fantasy Land (Hastings), Marine Land (Napier) and the International Antarctic Centre (Christchurch). Te Papa, New Zealand’s interactive national museum, has a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Population

New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. It has a diverse multi-cultural population of around 3.8 million people. The majority of New Zealanders are British descent, and the largest minority is New Zealand’s indigenous Maori who make up around 14 percent of the population.

What’s it like Nursing in New Zealand

Working as a Nurse in New Zealand is similar to the UK. The hospitals are run by District Health Boards, there may be one or more hospital governed by the same DHB. The conditions in NZ Hospitals are good, many hospitals have been upgraded in recent years. The hospitals vary in size from small 150 bedded rural hospitals to large 500 bed tertiary care facilities. Most nurses in NZ work eight hour rostered shifts that include night duty. Many hospitals have, or are introducing Clinical Career Pathways. The nurses working on a Career Pathway are paid according to the level they have achieved. Other nurses are paid according to their years of experience.

Accommodation Suggestions

Most hospitals are not able to provide permanent accommodation. Initial accommodation is arranged and in some cases this is free of charge for 2-3 weeks. Our Consultants in New Zealand will help you with information on other accommodation and will try and find you hostel, backpackers or cheaper accom to get you started.

Visas and Work Permits

You need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa or Work Permit in the UK from the NZ High Commission, your UK Pinnacle International consultant will guide you on this.

Nursing Registration

You will need to be registered with the New Zealand Nursing Council. Nursing Unions & Indemnity Insurance: The New Zealand Nursing Organisation is the national union for all nursing and midwifery staff. It is not compulsory to join, but it is advisable as you will not be covered by the collective contact if you do not. Your consultant can provide you with costs and details of how to join.

Opening a Bank Account

You will be given a contact at the National Bank in the town or city in which you will be living. You will need to take your passport and job offer letter to open an account.

Personal Health Insurance & Taxation information

New Zealand has a reciprocal arrangement in the UK. Whilst working in New Zealand, you will be covered for health care in the Public system. You will be given an application from by your Consultant for a Tax File Number. (Contact Address for O/S Office (will appear on back page)

What We Expect from Our Candidates

Pinnacle International prides itself on the quality service that we provide to both members and clients. Therefore, we expect our members to conduct themselves professionally at all times.

Immunisation

It is your responsibility to ensure you have appropriate vaccinations to cover the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Rubella, Tuberculosis Certain clients may not accept healthcare professionals who cannot show current proof of immunisation for any, or all of the above diseases.

What Now?

Firstly you can check out our Vacancies in New Zealand, then either contact one of our friendly Consultants for further advise OR register online with our Application form and one of our consultants will follow up with you directly.

Email: healthcare@melb.whe.com.au