2894 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

2894 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken in the last quarter to target international recruitment activity at professions with greatest shortages in Aotearoa, such as ATs, psychiatrists, intensive care and radiation oncologists?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that six offshore events were piloted in September and October 2023 in the United Kingdom. There were specific events targeting anaesthetic technicians, and critical care nurses; a general one-day job-fair; a one-day job fair for nursing and midwifery; and conferences for cardiac sonographers, and for the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA). I am further advised that Health New Zealand is currently running international talent campaigns across multiple comparable countries to attract offshore talent to New Zealand in skills shortage categories. These include anaesthetic technicians, psychiatrists, intensive care staff, and radiation oncologists.