Background There are numerous studies examining the experiences of migrant nurses. However, there is less literature related to the concomitant experience of host nurses. Objective This is the first identified study of the cultural influences on perceptions, practices and cross-cultural communication interface between Registered Nurses (RNs) from diverse ethnicities across the Aotearoa-New Zealand (NZ) health sector. Design A mixed-methods online questionnaire survey was designed to identify key influences on RNs in a rapidly culturally-diversifying healthcare environment. The critical incident technique provided further insight into cultural influences on communication and practice. Participants 259 respondents completed the questionnaire sent to a random sample of RNs in the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) database. Methods The survey identified key factors present in the cross-cultural interface between host and migrant nurses. Principal components analysis uncovered the underlying structure of variables and thematic analysis of the qualitative data provided enhanced insight. Results Three key areas accounted for 57.23% of variance: Factor 1: teamwork (40.2%); Factor 2: management (12.2%) and Factor 3: Organisational culture (4%). Sub-themes accompanied each factor to illustrate the impact on both groups of RNs. Conclusion There was a clear desire for RNs, both host and migrant nurses, for support to enable them to foster good working relationships in collaborative teams. Empathetic, culturally-competent managers and organisational resources are required to facilitate this process.