Are you a registered nurse in New Zealand thinking about making the move across the ditch? Whether you're after sunnier skies, a change of pace, or new career opportunities, Australia offers a fantastic landscape for healthcare professionals — and the good news is, the process to get started is more straightforward than you might think.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to working as an Australian Registered Nurse if you’re already registered in New Zealand:
Before anything else, ensure your registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) is current and in good standing. You'll need this to apply for registration in Australia.
Australia’s nursing registration is managed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). As part of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA), NZ nurses can apply for recognition to practise in Australia by submitting a mutual recognition application.
You’ll need to:
Fill out the required forms
Provide evidence of your current NZ registration
For most New Zealand-trained nurses, this step is simple. Since you’ve studied and practised in an English-speaking country, you typically won’t need to provide further English language testing — but AHPRA will confirm this during your application.
More info here: English language skills requirements
Depending on your qualifications and experience, AHPRA may request additional documentation or clarification. This could include:
Certified ID documents
Verification of registration directly from NCNZ
A recent employment history or reference
Keep an eye on your email and AHPRA portal to make sure you don’t miss any updates.
Once your application has been assessed and approved, you’ll be officially registered as a Registered Nurse in Australia — ready to work across a wide range of settings including hospitals, aged care facilities, community health, and more.
At Prospero Health and Social Care Australia, we support Kiwi nurses every step of the way — from AHPRA registration advice to job matching in your preferred region. Whether you're relocating or just curious, our team can help make the process seamless.
📩 Reach out to us today or visit https://www.prosperohealthandsocial.com.au to start your Aussie nursing journey with confidence.