Expression of Interest: New Graduate Nurse Employment for 2026
Published: 16 July 2025
We’re now inviting expressions of interest from practices keen to welcome a new graduate nurse to their team in 2026.
Te Whatu Ora's ACE recruitment process opens on 6 August 2025, closing date TBC.
This is your opportunity to indicate interest, and we will coordinate with your regional Te Whatu Ora Nurse Entry to Practice (NETP) programme coordinator to support the recruitment process.
Funding update
Te Whatu Ora Health NZ has updated funding for primary care employers hiring new graduate nurses. If your practice recruits a new graduate via the ACE process, you can apply directly to HNZ for funding to support their first year of practice.
Full funding and eligibility details are available here.
Support from Pinnacle
Pinnacle is committed to supporting both new graduate nurses and the practices that employ them. We offer a free, structured programme that includes:
- primary care-focused workshop days
- monthly peer groups for new graduate nurses
- bimonthly peer groups for preceptors
We also provide support for preceptors, which may include financial contributions to assist with release time for:
- opportunities for preceptor development
- dedicated one-on-one time for mentoring the new graduate nurse
Our aim is to ensure a successful and well-supported first year of practice for every new graduate.
How to express interest
To participate in the February 2026 ACE recruitment intake, please contact us at: nursing@pinnacle.health.nz.
If your practice intends to hire a new graduate nurse outside of the ACE process and without Te Whatu Ora Health NZ Primary and Community Sector funding, we still encourage you to get in touch to discuss available support options.