Wairarapa’s Graduate Nurses Face Employment Challenges in 2025

In Wairarapa, only nine out of the 18 graduate registered nurses from the Class of 2025 have secured employment in the health sector, according to a spokesperson for the Universal College of Learning (UCOL). This marks a significant decline in job placement compared to previous years. Tracey Cook, academic portfolio manager for nursing at UCOL Wairarapa, noted that the figures are anecdotal and incomplete, as there is no requirement for student nurses to report their job offers. Among those employed, Cook indicated that seven nurses will work at Wairarapa Hospital, while two have accepted positions with health partners outside the region.

This news follows an announcement by Health New Zealand (HNZ) of one of the largest graduate intakes in a decade, with over 1,800 graduate registered nurses expected to secure contracts across the country. In 2024, 67% of graduates received job offers, while 82% of graduates were employed in 2023. Cook acknowledged the “short-term pressures on students progressing into jobs after graduation,” but emphasized that future workforce shortfalls in hospitals and community settings are anticipated to persist.

Employment Landscape for New Graduate Nurses

Dr. Dale Bramley, chief executive of HNZ, stated that more than 80% of the Class of 2025 is expected to fill hospital-based roles this financial year. This total includes approximately 400 nurses from a mid-year intake, about 800 graduate nurses expected to receive offers from HNZ starting Monday, and nearly 600 more to be phased in over the next six months. These new nurses will be deployed in various specialties, including mental health, medical and surgical services, public health, and addiction services. Bramley highlighted that this influx aims to bolster staffing levels and support hospitals and community services nationwide.

HNZ has also committed to assisting graduates in finding roles within primary and community care, which it views as essential to improving health outcomes and delivering care closer to home. The New Zealand Nursing Organisation (NZNO) remarked that the hiring figures for this year’s nursing graduates represent an improvement, although concerns remain that some new nurses may still consider opportunities abroad.

Bianca Grimmer, chairperson of NZNO’s national student unit, expressed her disappointment regarding inconsistent hiring patterns throughout the financial year, leaving many nursing students uncertain about their job prospects. Grimmer stated, “[HNZ’s] announcement will be a relief for many graduates like me. There had been high levels of anxiety among nursing students after just 45% of the mid-year graduates were hired in July.”

Despite some positive developments, Grimmer pointed out that around 600 graduates could face uncertainty until they secure employment, raising concerns about their financial stability. She urged HNZ to expedite the hiring process for new graduates to alleviate the anxiety that many students are experiencing.

Future Outlook and Student Sentiment

Preliminary findings from the 2025 nursing student survey revealed that 62% of respondents are contemplating seeking nursing employment overseas if they cannot secure a position in New Zealand. While the current situation for Wairarapa’s nursing graduates is an improvement over the same period last year, when only three out of twelve local students managed to secure interviews, the apprehension among students remains palpable.

At that time, graduates expressed frustration and shock at the lack of job opportunities in their region. As the landscape continues to evolve, both UCOL and HNZ are focused on creating pathways for nursing graduates to transition smoothly into the workforce. With ongoing efforts to provide industry experience and align with best practices, there is hope that the employment situation will improve for future cohorts.

As the health sector grapples with workforce challenges, the commitment of institutions and organizations will be crucial in ensuring that graduate nurses are supported in their journey to find meaningful employment in New Zealand.