The Post: New analysis shows nursing workforce growth has stalled

The latest reporting from The Post has highlighted new analysis by Kaitiaki Hauora health economists Dr Bill Rosenberg and Dr Jacqueline Cumming, showing that growth in New Zealand's nursing workforce has largely stalled despite Government claims that vacancies are falling.

The analysis, based on Health New Zealand's own quarterly workforce reports, found that nursing numbers grew rapidly through 2023 and early 2024 before flattening out.

While the Government has pointed to more than 2,100 additional nurses since taking office and a significant reduction in vacancy rates, the data tells a more complicated story.

According to the analysis, nursing full-time equivalent (FTE) positions increased by more than 3,000 between March 2023 and March 2024, but by just 54 positions over the following two years.

Bill Rosenberg said the figures reflect what frontline nurses have been reporting.

"The nursing numbers reflect what nurses are saying: recruitment has stalled."

The findings follow recent reporting that more than 1,300 nursing positions remain vacant across the country, with nurses warning ongoing delays in filling roles are increasing pressure on frontline staff.

The article also notes that while nursing workforce growth has slowed dramatically, Health New Zealand's "corporate and other" workforce increased significantly following the organisation's financial turnaround programme before settling at a higher level than previously recorded.

For patients, these numbers matter because they affect the people available to provide care. Without sustained investment in frontline staff, reducing vacancy rates alone will not solve the pressures facing New Zealand's public health system.

Kaitiaki Hauora continues to call on the Government to:

Fund public health properly – so everyone gets care when they need it.

Honour Te Tiriti – ensuring Māori lead on equity in the health system.

Keep healthcare public – so care stays for people, not profit.

Read the full article in The Post or download a copy of the article here.