Plunket is committed to equipping our people and supporting them to succeed. One of the ways we do this is through the Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP).
Plunket's PDRP aims to:
- Uplift and celebrate the health professionals within Whānau Āwhina Plunket
- Bring greater visibility to diverse kaimahi expertise
- Reflect the core principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Pae Ora
- Make engagement with professional development a choice, not a chore
- Ensure kaimahi are supported to thrive in their role, both today and into the future.
Changes to PDRP
What is changing?
PDRP is evolving to reflect the Nursing Council of New Zealand Standards of competence for registered nurses (2025). These changes will:
- Align with the Standards of competence (PDF, 312KB) for registered nurses
- Increase capability, engagement, and participation so more nurses actively use PDRPs
- Strengthen partnerships with Māori and Pacific nurses to encourage greater participation
- Establish a nationally consistent approach to professional development.
Transition timeline
- December 2025: PDRPs will transition from the previous domain-based portfolios to the Standards of competence (Pou)
- Until 5 January 2026: Whānau Awhina Plunket will continue to accept domain-based portfolios
- From 1 February 2026: All portfolios submitted must align with the Standards of competence (Pou) .
Submitting for PDRP
As a registered nurse or health worker, here's all the information you need for submitting for PDRP.
Handbooks
Your go-to document for all you need to know about PDRP at Plunket:
Te Māra Module
The PDRP Te Māra module is under review and will soon be updated to reflect the new standards.
Registered Nurses
What level of PDRP can I submit for?
There are four PDRP levels for registered nurses: Competent, Proficient, Expert, and Designated Senior Nurse.
For further information:
- View and download the Whānau Āwhina Plunket PDRP Template - Registered Nurse (DOC, 127KB)
- See page 12 of the Registered Nurse PDRP Handbook (PDF, 500KB) for PDRP Levels of Practice Definitions
- View the PDRP Levels, Registered Nurse (Whānau Āwhina Plunket, 2026 (PDF, 366KB)
Health workers
Community Karitāne
Kaiāwhina
What level of PDRP can I submit for?
There are two PDRP levels for Community Karitāne and Plunket Kaiāwhina: Proficient and Accomplished. For further information refer to page 6 of the template for definitions.
I want to submit for PDRP, what do I need to consider first?
First, you need to decide which level of PDRP to submit for. A discussion with your Clinical Leader or manager is needed to decide the PDRP level, their support is a mandatory requirement for PDRP.
When can I submit for PDRP?
Nurses submitting for Competent and Senior Nurse can do so at any stage during the year.
For health workers submitting for Proficient and Accomplished levels and nurses submitting for Proficient and Expert levels, there are three set timeframes during the year when you can submit (see table below).
If you wish to submit your PDRP, please complete the below expression of interest form at least two months prior to your planned submission date.
Please submit your portfolio on the due dates to the PDRP inbox: PDRP@plunket.org.nz.
Portfolios
|
Portfolio assessment
|
Outcome
|
| 1 March | March | 31 March |
| 1 June | June | 30 June |
| 1 October | October | 31 October |
Need help?
If you need help at any stage, please contact the PDRP Coordinator (PDRP@plunket.org.nz).
Your line-manager or colleagues on PDRP may also be able to offer you some guidance and support.
PDRP submission for nurses completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Nursing (Well Child Tamariki Ora Strand)
While completing the Post Graduate Certificate you will complete a portfolio assignment. Your portfolio will automatically be assessed for PDRP and registered on the database if PDRP requirements are met.
For further information please contact the Post Graduate Certificate Programme Leader.
Can I transfer my PDRP into Plunket?
If you are already on a NCNZ approved PDRP, for example, from Te Whatu Ora / Health NZ or any other health care service, your level can be transferred.
To transfer, you don’t need to present your portfolio, but you must complete a PDRP transfer application form (PDF, 365KB) and provide evidence that shows you are currently on an approved PDRP programme.
You are required to submit for Whānau Āwhina Plunket PDRP within 12 months of starting employment. You are only able to transfer onto Whānau Āwhina Plunket PDRP for 12 months from commencing employment or until the previous portfolio expiry date (whichever comes first).
For further information please see the Registered Nurse PDRP Handbook page 9, or email pdrp@plunket.org.nz.
