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Job summary

Main area
Mental Health Nurses
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time
Employer
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Employer type
Public (Non NHS)
Town
New Zealand (various locations available)
Salary
The base salary range for a registered nurse is NZD $75K - $106K, and the range for a designated senior nurse is $114K to $162K.
Closing
04/09/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora logo

Mental Health Nurses

  • Discover a career as a Mental Health Nurse in New Zealand
  • Opportunities available across Health New Zealand
  • Relocation support available

You support people through some of their most vulnerable moments – now it's time to find the same support for yourself. Whether you're looking for better work-life balance, a diverse team or time to explore New Zealand's natural beauty, we have something for you.

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join compassionate teams focused on holistic, person-centred care. We're welcoming registered nurses with mental health experience who want to make a difference and build a life in Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Opportunities across Health New Zealand

Mental health nurses work in a range of inpatient, outpatient and community settings.

Depending on your role and location, you may be involved in the following:

  • Acute inpatient mental health units
  • Community mental health and addiction services
  • Forensic or intellectual disability services
  • Child, adolescent and youth mental health
  • Older persons' mental health
  • Crisis assessment and intervention

You'll work in multidisciplinary teams alongside psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and peer support workers to deliver safe, recovery-focused care.

What it's like to work here

Mental health nurses in Aotearoa are respected for their therapeutic skills, leadership and holistic approach to care. You'll be supported to grow professionally and contribute to improving outcomes for tāngata whaiora (people seeking wellness).

You'll benefit from the following:

  • Paid CPD leave and development funding
  • Access to regular clinical supervision
  • Supportive teams focused on equity and wellbeing
  • Opportunities to work across community and inpatient care
  • Flexible work options (full-time, part-time or casual)

Call New Zealand home

If you receive a job offer, our Health Immigration Service offers free support to help you and your whānau (family) relocate. Mental health nurses are on Tier one of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa – so you can apply for residency before you even arrive.

New Zealand offers more than just beautiful scenery – it offers time, connection and a sense of belonging. Whether you're into hiking, relaxing at the beach or spending time with whānau, you'll find balance here.

Salary and benefits

Base salary: NZD $66,570 - $99,630 (based on the NZNO MECA) plus penal rates, overtime and shift allowances where applicable

You'll also receive the following:

  • Reimbursement of your professional registration and APC
  • Professional indemnity cover paid by your employer
  • Paid CPD leave and allowance
  • Four weeks of annual leave per year
  • Ten days of paid sick leave
  • Twelve public holidays (and time in lieu if rostered on)
  • Fourteen weeks paid parental leave
  • Long service and special leave entitlements

What you need to work here

To practise as a mental health nurse in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC).

International applicants are assessed on their qualifications, English language proficiency and clinical experience in mental health.

Ready to make a difference?

Our international recruitment team can support you through the application, registration and immigration process - and help you find the right place to call home.

Apply now - and make a difference somewhere different

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal If you have any questions about the role, please contact [email protected]

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Apply now

If you have problems applying, contact

Address
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
PO Box 793
Wellington 6140
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