International nurses are flocking to our shores - but not with the skills required.

Gore Hospital recently had 80 nurses apply for an emergency department role - but say only 98 percent of applicants had the relevant qualifications.

It comes as the country is four and a half thousand nurses short.

Gore Health chief executive Karl Metzler told Mike Hosking that they're being turned away due to a skill issue - not a lack of understanding in New Zealand culture.

He says the hospital employs Russians, Germans, Filipinos and Indians - and prides themselves on being diverse.

LISTEN ABOVE