28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1180 views
The nationwide Top Up campaign, launched in August to promote the Five Ways to Wellbeing, has reached over 3.2 million New Zealanders and attracted 115,000 website visitors in four months, exceeding expectations. The campaign encourages simple, evidence-based daily actions to boost mental health and aims to shift the focus from crisis to prevention, supported by government funding for community initiatives. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey highlights the strong public engagement as a positive step toward reducing stigma and fostering proactive mental wellbeing across all communities.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1274 views
Health New Zealand will invest $27.1 million over three years to expand stem cell transplant services, addressing critical delays and increasing capacity by 27–38% to save more lives. This funding supports hiring 79 new staff, expanding hospital beds, upgrading infrastructure, and introducing a digital tool for better transplant scheduling nationwide. These efforts build on a prior $6.11 million boost and aim to provide timely, life-saving treatment for patients with blood cancers and related conditions across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
943 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced new appointments to the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee, naming Tā Mark Solomon as permanent Chair and three members for three-year terms starting December 1, 2025. The Committee, established under the Healthy Futures Act, advises the Minister on Māori health matters and plays a key role in improving Māori health outcomes and ensuring equitable healthcare access. Brown acknowledged the outgoing Chair, Parekawhia McLean, who will continue supporting Māori health through the Health New Zealand Board.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1260 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has presented Health New Zealand’s Annual Report and issued a Letter of Expectations emphasizing the need to devolve decision-making closer to frontline services while maintaining national planning and meeting government health priorities. The letter outlines key focuses such as strengthening primary care, growing the health workforce, improving infrastructure, and ensuring efficient, transparent operations with strong governance and accountability. Brown stresses the importance of reducing bureaucracy, improving recruitment, meeting health targets, and delivering timely, accessible care to achieve better patient outcomes.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1108 views
The New Zealand government is funding Whakarongorau to develop a mental health AI navigation platform that will help people easily find and access available mental health services, including telehealth and in-person options. This digital tool aims to reduce barriers by guiding users to appropriate support, offering online resources, and enabling direct bookings, thereby addressing the fragmented mental health system. The platform seeks to improve early intervention, increase awareness of existing services, and provide faster, 24/7 access to mental health support across the country.
25 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1177 views
Today is White Ribbon Day, a national event encouraging people to oppose violence against women and celebrate men who promote healthy relationships. The day marks the start of the ‘16 Days of Activism’ campaign, which raises awareness about gender-based violence and calls for an end to discriminatory attitudes. Government officials and high-profile women are collaborating with organizations like UN Women Aotearoa to share messages and resources aimed at creating safer communities and supporting victims.
25 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1294 views
New Zealand is launching a 10-year Health Digital Investment Plan to modernize its healthcare system by replacing outdated, paper-based records with a single Electronic Medical Record system that enables seamless information flow between GPs, specialists, and hospitals. The plan focuses on improving patient outcomes, supporting clinicians, stabilizing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and enhancing data-driven decision-making through phased implementation and investments in technologies like remote monitoring, national radiology, and AI tools. To ensure success, the government has established the Centre for Digital Modernisation of Health and initiatives like HealthX to accelerate digital transformation and deliver faster, safer, and more coordinated care.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1170 views
The Social Investment Fund has allocated $50 million in its first round to seven projects supporting over 1,600 children affected by parental incarceration, care system experience, or early school suspension. These initiatives, selected for their measurable impact, aim to improve health, safety, housing stability, skills, income, and family support, with ongoing monitoring of outcomes. The government has committed $190 million for the fund in Budget 2025, with another funding round planned for early next year.
22 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1185 views
The new Photon Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) scanner at Kenepuru Hospital has significantly improved diagnostic imaging by providing faster, more detailed scans that detect previously undetectable abnormalities and reduce invasive procedures. Since its operation began in October, it has increased outpatient CT activity by 37%, clarified diagnoses for 20 patients, and enabled non-invasive cardiac scans for 18 patients, leading to earlier treatment and shorter hospital stays. Plans are underway to expand these advanced diagnostic services into the community, enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing hospital pressure for Porirua and nearby areas.
21 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1265 views
The New Dunedin Hospital project has completed pile capping for the inpatient building, marking a major construction milestone and enabling progress to substructure work. Construction is advancing with the formation of basement and ground-floor slabs, preparation for steel framework installation, and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The project supports local employment and businesses, with over 900 jobs expected at peak construction and significant economic benefits for the Otago and Southland region.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1136 views
On World Children's Day, Minister Karen Chhour highlights the vital role of over 2000 caregivers in New Zealand who provide stability and care for children in need. The government and community share responsibility in supporting diverse caregivers through training, guidance, and improved resources to meet various care needs. Individuals who are patient and committed are encouraged to consider becoming caregivers to help children feel secure, nurtured, and able to thrive.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1320 views
On World Children's Day, Minister Karen Chhour highlights the vital role of over 2000 caregivers in New Zealand who provide stability and care to children in need. Caregiving is a community responsibility requiring diverse individuals who are patient, kind, and committed, with Oranga Tamariki offering training and ongoing support. The need spans from short-term respite to permanent homes, encouraging more people to consider becoming caregivers to help children thrive.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1279 views
The New Zealand Government, on World’s Children Day, reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of young Kiwis through its Child and Youth Strategy, focusing on supporting early childhood, reducing child material hardship, and preventing harm. Key initiatives include tax relief for families, affordable early childhood care, targeted funding for parenting programs, and prioritizing children with complex needs through the Social Investment Fund. Additionally, the government has accepted all recommendations from the Dame Karen Poutasi Review, enhanced child protection systems, increased financial support for families, and invested in social housing and community food programs to address child poverty and safety.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1237 views
One year after launching New Zealand’s first Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Plan, the Government has increased the frontline workforce by around 10%, reduced vacancy rates and wait times, and expanded training and new roles in key areas. Budget 2025 boosted funding for psychology internships and psychiatry registrar positions, surpassing targets and enhancing clinical training capacity. The updated plan, released alongside a $30 million investment to combat meth harm, focuses on faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a stronger crisis response to ensure timely help for those in need.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1165 views
The Cabinet has agreed to introduce new safeguards on prescribing gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, restricting their use for new patients with gender dysphoria or incongruence until further clinical trial results are available, while maintaining access for existing patients and those with other medical conditions. This precautionary approach follows a lack of high-quality evidence on the benefits and risks of these treatments for gender dysphoria and aligns New Zealand’s regulations with those of the UK and other countries. The government emphasizes ensuring treatments are safe, evidence-based, and accessible through continued support and centralized youth gender services.