Scholarships of up to $50,000 are being offered to more graduate nurses to work in doctors' practices in high-need communities this year.
Last September the Government launched a one-off, $1.5 million scholarship fund to enable 30 graduate nurses to work in doctors' practices in communities with the greatest need.
Health Minister Tony Ryall said 48 scholarships will now be offered under a new programme.
Mr Ryall said there has been a lot of interest from nurses and doctors' practices which can struggle to recruit in certain areas.
They're expected to work in communities including Kaikohe, Waitakere, Mangere, Murupara, Kawerau, Wairoa, Whanganui and Aranui.