Recruitment of 380 health workers announced to support hospitals across Aotearoa

A boost to the national healthcare workforce is underway with the announcement that 380 new nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants will be recruited into hospitals throughout Aotearoa. The move, reported by Waatea News on 26 September 2026, aims to address significant staffing pressures that have impacted frontline services over the recent winter period. While the recruitment drive is seen as a positive step for hospital capacity, Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (New Zealand Nurses Organisation) has highlighted the urgency of getting these staff onto the floor. NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku noted that existing staff have managed a difficult season involving the worst influenza outbreak in a decade, alongside high emergency department wait times. The union is calling on Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to ensure these 380 positions are fast-tracked. NZNO expressed concerns that previous regional approval processes have resulted in recruitment delays of up to six months in high-needs areas. Ms. Nuku emphasized the need for these roles to be filled immediately to support workers who have faced two years of sustained pressure. Data regarding the total workforce growth remains a point of discussion. While the Government points to broader increases in nursing numbers, NZNO noted that Health Minister Simeon Brown acknowledged a net increase of 54 full-time-equivalent hospital-based nursing roles since the Coalition took office. Supporting the call for urgent action, the Public Service Association (PSA) identified specific gaps, such as 70 vacancies in Counties Manukau and 35 at the Mason Clinic in Auckland. For health advocates and iwi providers, the successful and rapid placement of these 380 workers remains a critical priority for community wellbeing.