What are the benefits?

New Zealand needs more doctors, midwives and nurses in a number of communities and specialties. Hard-to-staff communities and specialties struggle with higher vacancy rates, higher locum use, higher use of overseas trained professionals and longer waiting periods than their counterparts.

The Voluntary Bonding Scheme is designed to encourage more medical, midwifery and nursing graduates to move into hard-to-staff areas.

Research shows that the longer new graduates stay in a community or specialty during their training years, the more likely they are to stay on once their training is complete.

Young doctors, nurses and midwives can take control of their own careers and decide if they wish to be part of the Scheme. The Scheme is voluntary and individuals can withdraw at any time, although a minimum of three years' service is required in order to receive payment.

The Scheme has been built with flexibility in mind so it can be as responsive as possible and adapt to changing workforce needs.

For any questions regarding the Scheme please contact bonding@moh.govt.nz.