58984 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

58984 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What tracking is done by Health New Zealand, if any, to determine whether unmatched graduate nurses subsequently gain nursing employment, leave the profession, or seek employment overseas?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that Health New Zealand is only able to update or track outcomes for graduates when it is notified; typically when applicants or districts advise the ACE programme of employment through the talent pool, or when applicants withdraw from the process. I am further advised that unmatched graduate nurses from previous ACE rounds are also invited to reapply for upcoming intakes, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria, as part of our focus on building a healthcare system that has patients at its centre.