There are very high demands for workers across the health sector. The government recently introduced a fast-track to residency pathway for some specific occupations.
A growing population, with an increasing proportion of elderly; increasing health needs and rising health expectations; and an aging health workforce are all combining to create skill shortages across the sector.
Up to one in five nurses will be looking to retire in the next five years. At the same time nurse training enrolments have been falling.
Many GPs too are retiring, creating shortages in that speciality.
Amongst specialists, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) estimates shortages at 24% with psychiatry, anaesthetics, dermatology and neurology particularly affected.
The challenges are not unique to New Zealand, but they do mean there are plenty of opportunities for healthcare professionals in our country.