29 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1928 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown reports a 15% decrease in the orthopaedic surgery waitlist in the Midland region since November 2023, with the number of people waiting dropping from 3,125 to 2,668 between November 2023 and March 2025. The reduction in wait times has led to improved quality of life for patients, with fewer individuals waiting longer than four months. The government is investing in workforce expansion and surgical capacity to ensure 95% of patients receive treatment within four months by 2030, though there is acknowledgment that more progress is needed to further reduce wait times for orthopaedic patients in Midland.
28 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3189 views
Farmer confidence in New Zealand has reached an eight-year high, indicating the resilience of the sector and progress towards doubling export value. The shift in sentiment is evident from the latest Federated Farmers Confidence Survey, showing a significant increase in confidence levels. This positive trend is attributed to the hard work of rural New Zealanders and government support, with key improvements in profitability, productivity, and mental health reported.
26 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2354 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announces the removal of a workforce barrier for over 330 experienced counsellors in publicly funded mental health services through a revised accreditation process with Health New Zealand and NZAC. The strengthened accreditation pathway aims to address workforce shortages and increase timely mental health support for New Zealanders. The initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce vacancies, utilize underutilized workforces, and improve access to mental health services.
26 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2865 views
A new outpatient hysteroscopy service at North Shore Hospital combines specialist assessments and diagnostic procedures in a single visit, reducing delays and stress for women. This streamlined approach allows women to have both assessment and procedure in one appointment, leading to fewer hospital visits and quicker diagnoses, especially for those with suspected cancer. The initiative aims to improve the quality and timeliness of care for women undergoing gynaecological investigations and supports faster cancer treatment targets by expediting diagnosis and treatment initiation.
25 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3516 views
The Government, led by Health Minister Simeon Brown, is enhancing access to healthcare for New Zealanders by focusing on improved funding for rural practices, faster GP access, and bolstering the GP workforce through training and retention initiatives. Changes to GP funding will better reflect patient needs by updating the capitation model to include factors like multimorbidity and socioeconomic deprivation, effective from July 1, 2026. A new national health target aims to ensure over 80% of people can see a primary care provider within one week, aligning with efforts to improve access to mental health services, while targeted investments in GP training seek to attract and retain more doctors, especially in rural and high-needs areas.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2069 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
1989 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
2150 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.
23 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2954 views
Dr Shane Reti, Pacific Peoples Minister, attended the Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Suva, Fiji, reaffirming New Zealand's commitment to Pacific-led priorities and announcing new support for climate resilience and public health initiatives. The Forum focused on strengthening regional ties, addressing economic development, banking access, and labor mobility challenges. Dr Reti launched Fiji's NZ$3.2 million participation in the Pacific Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Land Management Partnership to develop climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices, and announced NZ$4 million in support of Fiji's response to its national HIV outbreak to reduce transmission and fight stigma.
22 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2524 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
2041 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.
19 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2221 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
2270 views
Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome ANZCA and RANZCO medical conferences coming to New Zealand in 2026, with 3300 delegates expected, generating millions in economic activity. ANZCA will bring 1500 delegates, injecting over $3 million, while RANZCO's congress will host 1800 delegates, contributing more than $2 million. The Government's move to end the prohibition on advertising medicines at conferences aims to boost the economy, provide knowledge to medical professionals, and enhance access to healthcare innovations.
14 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1910 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
3117 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.