Pay scales in New Zealand

dubstar · Jun 17, 2008

http://www.nzno.org.nz/includes/download.aspx?ID=29373

This pay scale is applicable and applied to district health boards, other health providers are sometimes a little behind taking these pay scaled up

hope it helps

raine182 · Jul 2, 2008

I am an RN in the philippines and i am considering to work in NZ i would just like to ask if the salaries of the nurses in new zealand is more then enough for their daily living expenses? like are they still be able to save money and pay for loans like loans made for their schooling?? i have heard that new zealand have a high standards of livings..hoping for a response to someone who have worked in NZ as a nurse..

suzanne4, RN · Jul 3, 2008

I am an RN in the philippines and i am considering to work in NZ i would just like to ask if the salaries of the nurses in new zealand is more then enough for their daily living expenses? like are they still be able to save money and pay for loans like loans made for their schooling?? i have heard that new zealand have a high standards of livings..hoping for a response to someone who have worked in NZ as a nurse..

Do you already have a local license as well as paid experience as an RN there? If not, they will not consider you for a license there.

You also need to complete a bridging program that you would need to pay for, and you do not get paid during it.

There are already several threads on this topic, please just have a good read here.

raine182 · Jul 3, 2008

I am a license nurse here in the philippines and i have an experience as a volunteer staff nurse..would they still credit this?? ans yes i am aware that their is a schooling program for 6weeks and will not be able to work until i complete it..that is why i'm wondering if all my financial cost the schooling fare, would be later compensated with the wage they are giving nurses their in NZ...If i would pursue this i would have to get a loan first to finance all the expenses for the time of schooling where i would not be able to wok while studying...thanks suzanne4 for the previous reply

Djuna · Jul 3, 2008

Volunteering doesn't count as clinical hours. You would then start on the lowest pay scale as a new grad and depending where you live, especially in Auckland, you will find cost of living very high.

raine182 · Jul 4, 2008

where would you suggest a place in NZ that doesn't have a very high cost of living.??I have already started complying with the requirements in NZ..and would you mind telling me how much is the lowest paying scale for newly grads nurses??and do some hospital give out benefits like free housing?? i would really appreciate an answer to this inquiry..I do not want to arrive in NZ with out knowing basic facts..

Djuna · Jul 4, 2008

According to the NZNO MECA agreement, new grads will start on a salary of $42,848 effective 31/03/2008, then $44,562 effective 31/03/2009. This equates to approx $20.60/hr then add on penal rates.

This is not enough money to live on in Auckland, you may be able to have a relatively decent standard of living in a smaller town where housing is cheaper. As far as I know there is no free or subsidised housing available although I have heard of overseas nurses recruited by DHBs and given shoddy hotel accommodation.

Just be warned, NZ is no mecca.

raine182 · Jul 4, 2008

thanxs for the advice Djuna, i really appreciate your info..what if you have atleast 1 year experience as an overseas nurse would they still give you the lowest pay rate for nurses??how about your rate of tax deductions there?? and your usual working hours??is it still 8 hours per day and 5x a week??or 12hours per day and 3-4x a week??

Djuna · Jul 4, 2008

No, pay rates are dependent on your years of nursing so each year they rise until you cap. In general you work 8 hour shifts unless you're in ICU, sometimes NICU, occasionally other places and normally you would work a rotating roster, meaning you do different shifts but this is dependent on the ward and how they roster.

I can't remember the tax scales but if you go to http://www.ird.govt.nz you may find them.

I love New Zealand, I was born there and spent 40 years of my life there, but if you are a Registered Nurse, Australia is a better place to work in my opinion. Cost of living is marginally cheaper but wages are much higher. I had a very good standard of living while I lived there.

raine182 · Jul 4, 2008

I have already started complying the requirements for new zealand, but i heard that NZ and Australia are sister countries., so is it true that if your an RN in NZ their would be no problem if you decide to reside in Australia later on??

Djuna · Jul 4, 2008

Australia and NZ have a reciprocal agreement but if your training is from a different country you would need to contact the appropriate Nurses and Midwives Board depending where you wanted to live in Australia.

I wish you all the best in your new adventure working in New Zealand.