clipped from: www.nzherald.co.nz 
The expected influx of Chinese nurses will bring multiple benefits to New Zealand's health system, experts say. Photo / Reuters
The nursing shortage could be slashed by this week's signing of the free trade agreement with China.
Up to 1000 Chinese workers, in 20 trades classified as being understaffed in New Zealand, can now live here for up to three years, provided they meet qualification standards.
He said there had been tension in the past with a belief in some quarters that there were too many foreign nurses in New Zealand.
"But we really welcome the added value these foreign nurses bring into the country. We're really positive about this move."
Chinese people make up the largest group of New Zealand's 354,552-strong Asian community - the country's fastest growing ethnic group.
She said her organisation would welcome nurses who wanted to work in New Zealand and would do what it could to help them adapt.