A group representing rural doctors and nurses says a skills shortage is starting to ease as the global recession propels ex-pat New Zealanders home again.
For the first time in two years, the number of New Zealanders leaving for Australia is declining and more people are returning home.
The Rural General Practice Network says the number of approaches received from New Zealand-trained doctors and internationally trained graduates has increased markedly over the last quarter.
However, chief executive Michelle Meads says many people wanting to move here are being hampered by difficulties selling homes and businesses in Britain or Australia.
She says it will take from nine months to three years for some of them to get to New Zealand.
