58991 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

58991 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How many graduate registered nurses applied through the most recent Advanced Choice of Employment round, and how many were not matched to any role in that round, if any?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that as at 9 January, there were 1,662 applications in the End of Year 2025 Advanced Choice of Employment round. This figure excludes applicants who withdrew, declined an offer, did not pass the exam, or secured employment outside of ACE. I am further advised that as at 9 January, 770 applicants were not matched to any role and remained in the Talent Pool. This includes repeat applicants from previous ACE rounds. However, as the Member will be aware, Health New Zealand is on track to hire 1,800 graduate nurses in the current financial year. You can read more about this plan here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/health-new-zealand-welcome-1800-graduate-nurses