24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2154 views
Frontline services are implementing enhanced training to support staff in responding to family and sexual violence, aiming to train 10,000 workers within the next two years. Minister Karen Chhour emphasizes the importance of this training in providing best practice support for victim-survivors and enabling staff to effectively address such violence. Progress against the Te Aorerekura Action Plan includes training for Ministry of Justice, Department of Corrections, and Police recruits, with a focus on collaboration and commitment to improve support for victim-survivors.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2129 views
A new digital model of care for heart failure in Hawke’s Bay is improving patient outcomes by offering faster treatment and reducing hospital visits. The remote patient monitoring pathway allows for tailored, home-based care with medication adjustments made from home. Results show significant improvements, including zero hospital readmissions within 30 days, improved appointment attendance, and faster medication titration, leading to increased capacity for clinical teams and quicker access to care for patients.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2028 views
The Government is revoking 2023 regulations mandating removable batteries in vaping devices to address a court challenge by Mason Corporation Limited. Cabinet decided this action would resolve the case, allowing withdrawal of proceedings related to regulations introduced by the previous Labour government. The change will be implemented on September 1, eliminating the requirement for removable batteries in vaping devices, with no anticipated adverse effects on smoking or vaping rates due to prior legislation banning disposable vapes popular among youth.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2237 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey supports Gumboot Friday, an initiative aiding youth mental health. Government funding has enabled over 30,000 counseling sessions for 10,000 young New Zealanders. The initiative plans to expand, with 700 counselors registered and aims to reach 15,000 youth with 40,000 sessions in 2025/26.
22 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2566 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's new consumer working group to improve its collaboration with health consumers, emphasizing the importance of patient input in decision-making processes. The working group, led by Dr. Malcolm Mulholland, includes members representing various health conditions, aiming to reset the relationship between Pharmac and the consumer community. The government's support includes increased funding for Pharmac to negotiate better deals for medicine and enhance access for patients and their families.
21 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2122 views
The University of Waikato will establish a new medical school with a focus on primary care and rural health, receiving significant funding from the Government and the University. The school will offer a graduate-entry program to attract diverse students and strengthen the medical workforce. This initiative is part of the Government's investment in health system and workforce, adding 120 doctor training places annually from 2028 and contributing to regional development and education in the Waikato.
21 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2185 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has outlined clear expectations for Pharmac to enhance innovation and optimize services for better healthcare delivery to New Zealanders. Pharmac has made improvements in consultation processes, funding criteria adjustments, and appointed new leadership to drive positive change. The focus is on modernizing Pharmac, adopting AI technologies, engaging stakeholders proactively, and increasing transparency to ensure timely access to medicines and medical devices for all Kiwis.
19 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2287 views
A new state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation lab at Tauranga Hospital enhances diagnostic and treatment services in the region, replacing the old suite that had been in use since 2017. The upgraded facility offers advanced technology for cardiac care, reducing the need for patients to travel to other hospitals for complex procedures. With plans to increase operational sessions, the lab aims to provide a wider range of interventional services locally, improving access to quality healthcare and outcomes for patients in the Bay of Plenty and surrounding areas.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1969 views
The New Zealand government is funding 11 community projects, totaling nearly $250,000, to support and promote the use of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) among families of Deaf children and teenagers. Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston highlights the importance of these initiatives, including NZSL classes, community events, a directory website in NZSL, a code of ethics review, and skills development programs for interpreters. The NZSL Board, which advocates for NZSL use, invests approximately $1 million annually to enhance NZSL initiatives and projects.
14 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1973 views
Childhood immunisation rates in New Zealand have increased to 79.3% at 24 months, reflecting the government's commitment to improving health outcomes for children. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes the importance of protecting children from preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough. Progress has been seen nationwide, with districts such as Auckland and South Canterbury showing significant improvements in immunisation coverage.
12 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3183 views
A new dialysis unit is set to open in Blenheim, providing crucial support for local patients and their families, reducing the need for extensive travel to Nelson Hospital. The initiative aims to ease the burden on patients, support self-dialysis capabilities, and address the growing need for kidney care in the region. The project is a collaborative effort involving various healthcare providers, local charities, and community organizations, showcasing a commitment to responsive and locally led healthcare services.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3187 views
When someone is making the brave step of reaching out for help whether it’s you, your child, a friend or family member, this Government is committed to ensuring we have the right support in place to answer that call, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says. “It is promising to see reports showing New Zealand’s mental health and addiction workforce is growing. This will help us ensure that people are getting the support they need, when they need it and no one’s call is going unanswered,” Mr Doocey says.
09 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3367 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to improve access to asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025. “For the first time, Pharmac has its own Minister. Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines – this is committed to in the Act-National Coalition Agreement,” Mr Seymour says.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2009 views
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey is in Gore today for the rural health roadshow happening across the country. “The rural health roadshow is an opportunity for me to hear direct feedback from the public and those who are working in rural health about what’s working well and where the barriers may be. The roadshow is also a great opportunity to hear how well the Rural Health Strategy is being implemented,” Mr Doocey says.
07 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2294 views
The Government is today announcing the reestablishment of the Health New Zealand Board, with new appointments to drive its priority of ensuring timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. The re-established Health New Zealand Board will take over from the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners appointed last year to stabilise the organisation and set a clear direction. “Under Professor Lester Levy’s leadership as Commissioner, Health New Zealand has delivered a strong financial plan, and a clear Health Delivery Plan is now in place.