28 Apr 2026
5 months ago
928 views
Kaitaia Hospital has introduced a local scar therapy clinic and expanded audiology services, significantly improving access to specialist care for Far North residents. These enhancements reduce travel burdens, increase appointment availability, and shorten wait times from up to 12 months to around four months. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that these upgrades align with Health New Zealand’s commitment to providing timely, quality healthcare closer to home, especially in rural and underserved areas.
28 Apr 2026
5 months ago
944 views
New Zealand is reviewing its Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 to prevent BSE (mad cow disease) from entering its cattle and protect the $4.9 billion beef export sector. The review focuses on preventing cross contamination and accidental exposure to ruminant protein in cattle feed, which is crucial for maintaining the country's negligible-risk status recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasizes that getting the regulations right is vital for keeping international markets open, with public consultation running from April 28 to June 12.
24 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1007 views
Veterans Affairs has increased private vehicle mileage reimbursement rates by 50 percent to help veterans manage rising fuel costs when traveling for treatment. This temporary measure, funded within the existing budget, applies until petrol prices drop below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks and aims to ensure veterans continue accessing essential care. The government emphasizes supporting veterans amid global fuel price volatility, prioritizing those with limited transport alternatives.
22 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1032 views
Whangārei Hospital has opened a new rooftop helipad after a $2.2 million upgrade, enabling helicopters to land directly beside emergency and surgical services, which will save precious time in critical patient transfers. The new 18.3 x 18.3 meter helipad replaces the old, smaller deck and is designed to support modern rescue helicopters up to 6.8 tonnes, meeting current aviation and safety standards. This upgrade strengthens the hospital’s role as Northland’s key emergency hub, ensuring faster, safer patient handovers and better outcomes for the community.
15 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1226 views
From June, New Zealand will expand funded treatment services through community pharmacies to provide easier and more affordable care for children’s common health conditions, reducing reliance on GP appointments. Pharmacists will be authorized to assess patients and supply subsidized medicines for issues like pain, fever, scabies, and urinary tract infections, supported by a $5 million annual fund to ensure nationwide availability. This initiative aims to improve timely access to healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas, by leveraging pharmacists as accessible and trusted health professionals.
15 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1400 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced the opening of the second South Island Crisis Recovery Café in Dunedin, providing a calm, peer-led, non-clinical space for people experiencing mental distress as an alternative to busy emergency departments. The cafés, operated by the Otago Mental Health Support Trust, will run at two sites in South Dunedin and North East Valley, offering 16 hours of support weekly and connecting individuals to long-term community services. This initiative is part of a broader mental health plan to enhance crisis response through increased peer support workers and faster access to care.
14 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1421 views
South Island’s first Crisis Recovery Café has opened in Christchurch, providing a calm, peer-led space for people experiencing mental distress as an alternative to emergency departments. The café, run by local organizations with lived experience in mental health and addiction support, offers immediate access without referrals and connects clients to long-term community services. This initiative is part of a broader mental health plan aimed at faster crisis response, increased frontline workers, and expanded peer support across various settings in New Zealand.
14 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1108 views
Nelson Hospital’s emergency department has undergone a $10.6 million expansion, increasing treatment spaces from 23 to 29 and adding modern clinical areas, including fast-track zones and dedicated mental health rooms, to improve patient care and efficiency. The upgrade has enhanced patient flow, privacy, and overall experience, leading to better performance in meeting the Government’s shorter stays in ED target. Alongside infrastructure improvements, workforce capacity has been strengthened with 28 permanent full-time roles, supporting the hospital’s ongoing redevelopment to provide modern, patient-centered facilities for the community.
13 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1180 views
New Zealand is expanding community infusion services with 14 new centres and 14 expansions to provide thousands more cancer treatments closer to patients’ homes, supported by a $210 million investment from Budget 2024. This initiative responds to a 12% increase in demand, adding 218 more chair-days weekly and addressing the need for increased capacity following the introduction of 33 new cancer medicines funded by Pharmac. The government aims to improve cancer outcomes by ensuring timely, accessible treatment nationwide, while recruiting additional healthcare staff to support the expanded services through 2028.
09 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1212 views
A new 30-bed specialised spinal rehabilitation centre will be built at Manukau Health Park, replacing the outdated 20-bed Ōtara Spinal Unit and expanding rehabilitation capacity to improve patient care and ease pressure on Middlemore Hospital. This $128.5 million investment includes refurbishing Middlemore Hospital’s adult rehabilitation ward, resulting in a total of 58 rehabilitation beds to meet rising demand through 2040. The modern facility will feature enhanced therapy spaces, integrated clinical services, and improved patient access, reflecting a patient-centred design aligned with the new Model of Rehabilitation.
08 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1151 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing access to eating disorder support by introducing peer support workers across regional services and increasing funding by $4 million annually to reduce wait times and improve early intervention. Peer support workers, who have lived experience with eating disorders, are being implemented to aid recovery, alongside expanded support for families and carers through organizations like Eating Disorders Carer Support and the Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand. This initiative aims to strengthen community support networks and ensure timely, comprehensive care for individuals and their families affected by eating disorders.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1224 views
Home and community support workers in New Zealand will receive a temporary 30% increase in mileage rates, from 63.5 to 82.5 cents per kilometre, to help offset rising fuel costs caused by global conflicts. This increase, effective immediately and lasting up to 12 months or until petrol prices drop below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks, applies to workers contracted to Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Social Development, and ACC. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasized that this targeted support ensures the continuity of essential healthcare services for vulnerable New Zealanders by easing cost pressures on frontline workers.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1163 views
The Government’s 2024/25 Annual Report on the Child and Youth Strategy highlights positive progress in reducing youth offending, child abuse, and food insecurity, while improving school attendance and parental support. Despite these gains, challenges persist with 14.3% of children experiencing material hardship and an increase in households receiving main benefits amid tough economic conditions. The Government remains committed to practical, evidence-based solutions through coordinated programs targeting education, health, housing, and welfare to further improve outcomes for children and young people.
31 Mar 2026
6 months ago
1198 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to fund Trikafta and Alyftrek for all children with cystic fibrosis regardless of age from April 1, 2026, expanding access beyond the previous age limits. Pharmac will also widen access to Kalydeco for all eligible patients and allow doctors to prescribe these lifechanging treatments based on clinical judgment, addressing the urgent needs of young children affected by cystic fibrosis. This decision follows positive public consultation and reflects Pharmac’s commitment to working with the cystic fibrosis community to improve health outcomes and reduce pressure on the health system.
27 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1321 views
Health New Zealand is seeking proposals from landowners in Drury to secure a large site for a new hospital to address the growing health needs of South Auckland and north Waikato. The chosen location aims to support a major health precinct with modern facilities, leveraging Drury's proximity to key transport links for better accessibility. This initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen health infrastructure and ensure future services can meet the demands of rapidly expanding communities.