Who Are We?
Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand | Waitaha Canterbury (formerly CDHB) administers funded scholarships via HWD (Health Workforce Directorate, formerly HWNZ) for postgraduate nursing certificates, diplomas and masters qualifications for nurses in the Canterbury Health System.
Each year approximately 200 Canterbury nurses are undertaking HWD funded postgraduate nursing courses.
Postgraduate Study
Postgraduate nursing study is designed to prepare nurses to meet the challenges of a changing Canterbury healthcare environment and to provide enhancement of individual nursing practice. It is a commitment to both personal and professional development.
Nurse Practitioner Training Program (NPTP)
For nurses who are undertaking the final year of their Nurse Practitioner training, there is another funding source available. See following link for further information: National NPTP information
Applications are currently open and can be completed via the link above. We would also encourage you to apply for the Canterbury Health Workforce Development Postgrad funding (link at top right of page) as there are limited NPTP places available.
HWD Funding for Postgraduate Study
Funding is available for payment of University Fees, study release and for attendance at compulsory study blocks. There is also the ability to receive a subsidy for flights and accommodation costs where required by a course that is not offered locally (at the discretion of the relevant Director of Nursing).
Funding is not paid directly to the trainee.
Further information is available in the HWD Funding Policy document:
Canterbury HWD Postgraduate 2019-20 Policy
Canterbury HWD PG 2019-20 Policy
Before applying please ensure that you meet the funding eligibility requirements:
- CDHB and Pegasus nurses must have successfully completed PDRP (CDHB designated senior nurses exempt).
- All applicants must be registered as a nurse or a nurse practitioner under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003)
- Hold a current annual practicing certificate (APC) with no restrictions on that APC that would negatively impact on their ability to participate in the programme.
- Be currently employed as a registered nurse by a health service that is funded by the CDHB or Ministry of Health from Vote Health
- Be a New Zealand citizen or hold a New Zealand residency permit as conferred by the New Zealand Immigration Service
- Have evidence of support by their current employer to meet the training requirements
- Meet the entry criteria required by the education provider
The HWD Postgraduate Nursing Training Specification document gives more information about eligibility:
HWNZ Postgraduate Nursing Training Specifications.doc
Applications for the 2023 academic year are now closed.
There will not be a Sem 2 application round for 2023.
The application round for 2024 funding will open on Monday, August 28th 2023 until Friday, October 6th 2023.
If you have any questions in relation to this, please contact the Postgrad Nursing Office at PostGraduateNursingOffice@cdhb.health.nz
Please note that CDHB and Pegasus nurses applying for HWD funding to study postgraduate nursing education are required to have an endorsed PDRP (Professional Development Recognition Programme) portfolio at the time of application. Endorsement can be at competent, proficient or expert level. CDHB nurses working in designated senior nursing roles are exempt from this.
Nurses considering applying for funding in any funding round should ensure that portfolios are submitted in plenty of time for assessment prior to applying for funding.
If you have any queries regarding your eligibility, or your intended study pathway, please contact please contact the Postgrad Nursing Office at PostGraduateNursingOffice@cdhb.health.nz
Career Planning
Career planning is the process of formulating career goals and identifying the steps and resources needed to achieve these goals. It is an on-going future-focussed professional pathway and not limited to specific jobs.
Short Term (1 year) career planning is centred on specific job skills and knowledge with short term goal setting.
Long Term (3-5 year) career planning is developmental and focussed on future interests and development intentions.
Career planning support is available from your line manager, nurse educator, senior nursing colleagues, Postgraduate Nursing Coordinator and mentors. It is important that formal discussions take place with your line manager regarding your career aspirations, strengths and development needs.
The following links may be useful:
Nursing Council Website- Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Council Website- Nurse Prescriber
Postgraduate Nursing Education Fair 2023
The PG Education Fair will be held in at the main campuses within Te Whatu Ora (Burwood, Hillmorton, Christchurch Hospital, Manawa, Pegasus Health and Ashburton). The purpose of the Fairs is to provide an overview of educational programmes offered at undergraduate and postgraduate level as well as highlighting what HWD funding/study assistance is available. Representatives from Tertiary providers (see useful links) will also be present to offer career advice as well as the Postgraduate Nursing Office for funding guidance.
The Postgraduate Nursing Education Fair 2023 will run from Monday, August 7th to Thursday August 10th. Keep an eye out for futher details.
Gerontology Acceleration Programme (GAP)
The Gerontology Acceleration Programme (GAP) commences mid-year and is a 12-month nursing acceleration programme which provides extended learning and experience for Registered Nurses working with our older adult population. This programme provides the opportunity for nurses to participate in clinical rotations which may include acute medical or surgical, older persons' health and aged residential care settings, in conjunction with postgraduate education to enhance participant's knowledge, skills and understanding of the older persons journey through the care continuum.
Applications are welcomed from any Registered Nurses who are working in acute care and older persons health and rehabilitation services, as well as those working in Aged Residential Care.
Potential applicants please discuss your application with your line manager first.
For any queries around this please contact: arcnursing@cdhb.health.nz
Child Health Acceleration Programme (CHAP)
Applications for CHAP are currently closed.
The Child Health Accelerated Programme (CHAP) focuses on enhancing professional development for RNs working within Child Health in the Canterbury District Health Board by providing clinical experience through rotations to other clinical areas within child health, access to mentor support, the opportunity of postgraduate education and participation in PDRP.
PG Forum
This group meets quarterly and is responsible for setting the strategic direction for postgraduate nursing education for the Canterbury DHB region. The group consists of representatives from Canterbury District Health Board, Tertiary Education providers, NGO organisations, and others involved in postgraduate nursing education.
Contact Us
Jacinda King
Nurse Manager; Postgraduate Coordinator (interim)
Jo Greenlees-Rae
Postgraduate Coordinator
Olivia Smith
Postgraduate Administrator
Any queries or concerns, please contact:
PostGraduateNursingOffice@cdhb.health.nz
The Postgraduate Nursing Education office is located at:
Manawa Building
Level 5
276 Antigua Street
Christchurch 8011