International Mental Health Nurses - New Zealand roles

Advance your career as a Mental Health Nurse in New Zealand

You've spent your career supporting people through some of life's most challenging moments. Now it's time to continue that work in a place that values connection, balance and holistic care.

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Mental Health Nurses are integral to delivering person-centred, recovery-focused care. We're welcoming registered nurses with recent mental health experience who want to make a meaningful difference while building a life in Aotearoa.

Here, you'll work in supportive teams that prioritise wellbeing, equity and continuity of care, with opportunities to grow professionally across a range of mental health services.

What makes mental health nursing different in New Zealand

Person-centred and recovery-focused care

Mental health services in New Zealand are grounded in holistic, strengths-based practice. You'll support tāngata whaiora and their whānau through care that emphasises dignity, autonomy and long-term wellbeing.

• Time to build therapeutic relationships
• Strong emphasis on recovery and community integration
• Meaningful involvement of whānau in care planning where appropriate
• Focus on equity and culturally safe practice

Diverse practice settings

Mental health nurses work across a wide range of inpatient, outpatient and community-based services. Depending on your role and location, you may work in:

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

This variety allows you to develop broad clinical skills while tailoring your career to your interests.

Collaborative multidisciplinary teams

You'll work alongside psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists and peer support workers in integrated teams focused on safe, coordinated care.

Shared decision-making and open communication are central to practice, with nurses recognised for their clinical judgement, leadership and therapeutic expertise.

What it's like to work here

Mental Health Nurses in New Zealand are respected for their holistic approach and commitment to recovery-focused care. You'll be supported to grow professionally and contribute to service improvement.

You'll benefit from:

• Supportive teams focused on wellbeing and equity
• Opportunities to work across inpatient and community settings
• Flexible work options including full-time and part-time roles
• Access to professional development and education

We're committed to supporting your wellbeing, career progression and work-life balance.

Salary and benefits

Base salary: Nurses receive a base salary relative to their level of experience and role — agreed upon at the time of the job offer. The base salary range for a registered nurse is NZD$75,000 to $106,000, and the range for a designated senior nurse is $114,000 to $162,000.

Additional compensation: Penal rates, overtime and shift allowances where applicable

You'll also receive:

• Reimbursement of your Annual Practising Certificate
• Paid professional development leave and funding
• Four weeks of annual leave per year
• Ten days of paid sick leave, pro rata if part time
• Twelve public holidays, plus time in lieu if rostered on
• Up to 26 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 eligible for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate with a scope of practice to work in mental health.

Recent experience working in a mental health setting is essential.

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

Call New Zealand home

If you receive a job offer, our Health Immigration Service provides free support for you and your family, including immigration and relocation advice. Mental Health Nurses are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa.

New Zealand offers more than beautiful landscapes. It offers time, connection and a strong sense of community. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, city life or spending time with whānau, you'll find balance here.

Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Te Whatu Ora means the weaving of wellness. We are building a single, unified health system delivering equitable, high-quality care across the motu. Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all people, including Māori, Pacific Peoples, those from ethnic communities, disabled people and the Rainbow community.

Our values are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our commitment to improving health equity for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Ready to make a difference?

Our international recruitment team will support you through the application process and your move to New Zealand, helping you find the right place to call home.

Apply now and make a difference somewhere different.