N Z Med J. 2026 Mar 13;139(1631):66-75. doi: 10.26635/6965.7187.
ABSTRACT
AIM: We aimed to describe nurse practitioner (NP) workforce characteristics, clinical practice and enablers and barriers in Aotearoa New Zealand.
METHODS: Five cross-sectional, self-reported online surveys were distributed biannually in collaboration with Nurse Practitioners New Zealand. Eligible participants were registered Aotearoa New Zealand NPs. Quantitative items covered demographics, practice activities and work environment; qualitative items captured priorities for change. Data were cleaned and reclassified to ensure comparability across survey rounds, and descriptive statistics were used to report findings. Ethics approval: Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, Human Ethics Committee, 2024/HE000107.
RESULTS: Of the 1,004 valid responses (52-74% of the workforce per survey), most respondents were practicing clinically (>94%). By 2022, prescribing was near-universal (98%), with most ordering laboratory (92%) and radiology (70%) investigations. Employment was concentrated in district health boards/Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, with increasing representation in primary health organisations, private practice, non-governmental organisations and self-employment. Respondents reported barriers to practicing at full-scope of practice, limited succession planning and challenges to workforce sustainability.
CONCLUSION: NPs are an established part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s health workforce. However, persistent structural barriers, limited succession planning and variable support for full-scope practice continue to constrain their contribution. Strengthening integration and sustainable policy support are essential to realise the full potential of the NP role.
PMID:41818760 | DOI:10.26635/6965.7187
