Labour says there's no excuse for keeping the nursing hiring freeze in place.
It's promising to give every graduate nurse a job offer once they pass their exams.
The policy would cost $525 million over four years, using currently unallocated funding increases set aside in each Budget to cover health system cost pressures.
Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall told Mike Hosking it includes a four-day-a-week job – traditionally offered to graduates so they can spend some time continuing studies.
She says they've been offered three days a week under this Government, with the aim of cutting costs.
LISTEN ABOVE

Mike's Minute: Fast-track needs to get back to infrastructure, not housing
02:09

Miller Yule: Kiwi musician on his upcoming album 'Surrender', four year break
12:32

Full Show Podcast: 01 September 2026
1:30:05