5316 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

5316 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How many scholarships are available for nurses who want to undertake advanced practice education and what is the value of each scholarship?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that through the Primary Care Tactical Action Plan (PCTAP), Health New Zealand offers up to 120 full time equivalent Advanced Education Scholarships with a value of up to $45,000 per scholarship to Registered Nurses working in primary and community healthcare settings. Primary Care Registered Nurse Scholarships are individually tailored to the work and education commitment made by each scholarship recipient. Publicly available information can be found here: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/health-workforce-development/nursing/supporting-the-primary-and-community-nursing-workforce/registered-nurse-primary-care-scholarship A record 235 scholarships were offered in 2025 for study to commence in 2026. I am further advised that there are other district-level funding streams available for nurses who want to undertake advanced practice education, of varying value, which are not necessarily considered to be scholarships.