After months of despair, frustration and mounting pressure on the health system, nurses and midwives have finally been added to the immigration green list fast-track for residency - with immediate effect.

Several other roles including teachers, drain layers, and motor mechanics can apply for the second-tier green list from next March - they still have to work for two years here before being eligible for residency.

There’s also a new temporary residence pathway for bus and truck drivers, through a sector agreement to help employers attract workers.

But there are doubts the shake-up will ease the nursing shortage, Kerri Nuku from the Nurses Organisation told Tova O'Brien the changes fail to address the elephant in the room.

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