Greens promise $380 weekly payments for trainee nurses, teachers and health workers
The Green Party says it will pay students $380 a week during compulsory placements in health and education roles, costing $74–80 million annually.
What happened
The Green Party has proposed paying students $380 per week while they complete compulsory practical placements to train as nurses, teachers, midwives, dentists, vets, and other health and social support workers. The payment would sit on top of existing student loans or allowances and run for the duration of their placements. The party estimates the policy will cost $74 million to $80 million a year. Students who must relocate for placements could receive up to $1500 to cover moving costs. Co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick said unpaid placements force students out of sectors where New Zealand has critical workforce shortages, and that requiring 30 hours a week of unpaid work is unjust. The policy would apply to around 20 health professions, psychology, counselling, teaching and social work, administered through Studylink.
Why it matters
This is part of the Green Party's 2026 election campaign, which has included transport policy (rail, free buses and trains for children), employment guarantees for 16–24 year-olds, AI regulation, a $6 billion economic plan, and a pledge to reverse public sector cuts. The paid placements policy addresses the party's theme of supporting New Zealanders in essential roles and expanding opportunity across sectors facing workforce shortages.
Follow the whole thread: Green Party 2026 election campaign
Key facts
- Weekly payment: $380
- Annual cost: $74–80 million
- Relocation payment: $1500
- Applies to approximately 20 health professions, teaching and social work
Covered byNZ HeraldNewstalk ZBOtago Daily TimesNot covered byRNZStuff1NewsNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz
Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
Where the outlets differ
The Otago Daily Times states the four-year cost as around $311 million, while the NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB cite only the annual cost of $74–80 million. ODT leads with a broader range of professions (vets, dentists) in the headline.
What outlets are saying
NZ Herald
Election 2026: Greens want universal weekly payments for nurses, teachers, health workers
Greens want to attract more people to become nurses and teachers.
Newstalk ZB
Election 2026: Greens want universal weekly payments for nurses, teachers, health workers
Students who undertake practical training for health and education jobs would receive a universal weekly payment of $380, under a proposed Green Party policy.