29 Oct 2026
3 hours ago
22 views
A new building at Mātai Medical Research Institute will expand medical research, specialist healthcare and education opportunities in Tairāwhiti, supported by a $20 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “In its short history, Mātai has put Tairāwhiti on the map with what it has achieved in advanced medical imaging and neuroscience research. They are true pioneers in translating preventative and predictive healthcare research into real-world health solutions,” Mr Jones says.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
596 views
Construction has begun on Nelson Hospital's new 128-bed inpatient building to address growing demand and bed shortages, with initial site preparation expected to take around 12 months. The new facility will add at least 41 adult medical and surgical beds and include various patient and support services, marking stage two of the hospital redevelopment funded through Budget 2025. Additionally, a 28-bed rapid-build inpatient ward made of off-site manufactured modules is arriving on campus to quickly increase capacity with minimal disruption.
19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
640 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour praises Pharmac’s progress in responding to the 2025/26 Letter of Expectations, highlighting improvements in patient involvement, timeliness of decision-making, and sector collaboration. Key achievements include trialling streamlined assessment pathways, enhancing consumer engagement, updating rare disorder policies, and advancing digital investments, all contributing to a clear multi-year organisational improvement programme. While progress is noted as impressive and transparency has increased, Seymour emphasizes that continued efforts to listen to patients and improve access to medicines remain essential.
21 Jul 2026
3 months ago
784 views
Keren Blakey and Mandy Pattinson have been appointed to the TVNZ Board to enhance governance and provide valuable expertise amid evolving media challenges. Blakey offers extensive financial and audit experience, including leadership roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Southern Cross Medical Care. Pattinson contributes over 20 years of media industry experience, with strengths in revenue generation, media law, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
07 Jul 2026
3 months ago
919 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for approximately 1,000 Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) employed by Health New Zealand, which includes pay increases of 2.5% in 2026 and 2% in 2027. The agreement supports a transition to seven-day service provision, enhancing scanning capacity to enable quicker diagnosis and treatment for patients. This ratification follows similar approvals for various other healthcare professional groups, reflecting constructive engagement between APEX and Health New Zealand.
26 Jun 2026
4 months ago
951 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has outlined clear expectations for Pharmac to deliver medicines and medical technology efficiently within its fixed budget, emphasizing the need for continued patient-focused processes, improved transparency, and enhanced collaboration with stakeholders. Pharmac has made significant progress by changing its culture, strengthening consumer and supplier partnerships, and improving access to medicines, supported by the Government’s largest-ever budget allocation of $7.2 billion over four years. Despite achievements, including funding decisions benefiting over 680,000 patients, Seymour stresses that ongoing efforts are needed to listen to patients and advance Pharmac’s long-term improvement programme.
09 May 2026
5 months ago
908 views
Auckland City Hospital’s new Central Plant Complex, now fully operational, provides essential infrastructure such as power, cooling, water, and medical gases critical for safe and reliable hospital operations. This complex, part of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme, was transitioned through extensive planning and testing while the hospital remained fully operational, highlighting the project's complexity and importance. Additionally, a purpose-built underground services tunnel connects the complex to the hospital, enhancing resilience and ensuring the long-term reliability of essential services amid Auckland’s growth.
07 May 2026
5 months ago
980 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for approximately 5,500 senior doctors represented by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS). He emphasized the critical role senior doctors play in the healthcare system and their contribution to achieving government health targets. The agreement follows similar approvals for other health sector groups and reflects constructive engagement between ASMS and Health New Zealand to ensure continued patient care.
22 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1065 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.
13 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1198 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.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1282 views
A Rural Training Hub will be established in the Wairoa District to grow and retain frontline health workers by coordinating clinical placements, training, and support locally. This initiative, the second of four nationwide, aims to improve access to quality healthcare for rural New Zealanders by bringing education and work opportunities closer to home. The hubs will be co-designed with local communities and provide dedicated coordinators to help health workers settle and connect with local services, enhancing the rural health workforce.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1260 views
Health New Zealand will directly employ all first-year GP trainees to simplify their transition from hospital training and maintain continuity of employment conditions, encouraging more doctors to choose general practice. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners will continue overseeing the training program, while the government implements initiatives such as increasing medical training places, establishing a new medical school, and funding overseas-trained doctors to strengthen the GP workforce. These changes aim to improve access to primary care by building a stronger pipeline of GPs and making general practice training more attractive and accessible.
04 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1186 views
Wairarapa Hospital has introduced a new $2.46 million CT scanner to enhance diagnostic services, providing faster, more reliable imaging and improving patient access. The upgrade will increase output by around five percent, supporting quicker diagnoses, stronger cancer pathways, and better regional care coordination. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that this investment strengthens frontline infrastructure, ensuring quality, modern healthcare for regional communities now and in the future.
13 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1300 views
Oranga Tamariki staff will soon be trained and authorized to administer emergency injectable medications like EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, improving response to severe medical reactions in residences. This change allows young people to access Nurse Practitioners' services while retaining the option to see Medical Practitioners and receive prescribed medications from authorized prescribers. Implementation is expected by mid-2026, with ongoing training and support to ensure staff confidence and competence in emergency situations.
12 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1349 views
Health New Zealand is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance breast screening services, aiming to support radiologists, reduce workload, and improve early detection for women. This initiative involves consulting experts and assessing international AI applications to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered screening while maintaining clinical oversight. The effort builds on recent program improvements and seeks to future-proof breast screening, ensuring timely access and better outcomes for New Zealand women.