8859 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

8859 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How do New Zealand’s requirements for overseas-trained doctors compare with those in comparable countries such as Australia, Canada, and the UK, and what evidence exists, if any, that New Zealand’s system is more onerous?

Hon Simeon Brown: Our Government is focused on delivering timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. As the Member will be aware, New Zealand registration requirements for international medical graduates (IMGs) are similar to those in Australia, Canada, and the UK. These jurisdictions all provide similar pathways for IMGs to gain registration based on their primary medical qualification, their training and experience, and where in the health system they wish to work. However, to provide certainty for overseas-trained doctors seeking placements, our Government is funding a new two-year primary care training programme for up to 100 extra overseas-trained doctors. I refer the Member to my press release: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/healthcare-boost-means-seeing-gp-faster