Abstract: This article reports on the New Zealand part of an international study, using agreed study design and instruments, to determine the direct and indirect costs of nursing turnover. These costs also include the systemic costs, estimated by determining the impacts of turnover on patient and nurse outcomes. It presents the findings from the pilot study conducted in six countries to test the availability of costs and suitability of the instrument. Reports the results from a survey of directors of nursing in 20 of the 21 district health boards on turnover and workplace practices.