Articles tagged with Simeon Brown
Showing 15 of 257 articles
New Zealand Invests $23M to Expand Skin Cancer Checks and Removal at Local GPs
31 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 322 viewsNew Zealand is investing $23 million to shift skin cancer detection and treatment from hospitals to local GP clinics, starting with suspicious skin spot removal, to ensure earlier and more accessible care nationwide. This initiative includes upskilling GPs in dermoscopy and skin excision, aiming to create a consistent national approach and reduce hospital wait times by allowing specialists to focus on complex cases. The investment builds on previous primary care enhancements and reflects a broader strategy to deliver more healthcare services in the community, closer to patients' homes.
Tags: New Zealand Simeon Brown melanoma skin cancer GP clinics community healthcare dermoscopy skin excision hospital wait times primary careNew Zealand Launches Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme to Support Businesses
31 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 367 viewsThe Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, launched by the New Zealand government, aims to help businesses reduce reliance on gas by providing loan guarantees covering 80% of default risk, enabling banks to offer better lending terms and unlock up to $1.2 billion in financing. This initiative supports regional industries facing high gas prices and supply uncertainty by promoting energy efficiency and alternative energy investments to maintain competitiveness and protect jobs. Additionally, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority offers independent support to help businesses assess energy options and plan practical transitions.
Tags: Nicola Willis Simeon Brown Shane Jones Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority ANZ ASB BNZ KiwibankNew Zealand Government Responds to COVID-19 Inquiry with 63 Accepted Recommendations
28 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 332 viewsThe Government has accepted all 63 recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19, aiming to provide timely, targeted support and release key pandemic advice within five working days in future crises. It acknowledges past mistakes, including prolonged restrictions and misallocated funds, and commits to restoring fiscal discipline while reviewing the Health Act to balance public health, the economy, and individual rights. Emphasizing transparency and trust, the Government has proactively released all COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group advice and pledges to strengthen New Zealand’s resilience to future shocks.
Tags: Simeon Brown Royal Commission New Zealand Ministry of Health Labour Government CV TAG Health Act Emergency supportNew Advanced LINAC Machine Enhances Cancer Treatment at Wellington Hospital
26 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 372 viewsWellington Regional Hospital has introduced a new advanced radiation therapy Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine, enhancing precise cancer treatment for patients across the region as part of a $12.6 million investment to modernize oncology services. This latest generation LINAC uses camera-based surface guidance for accurate patient positioning, minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue, and supports clinical innovation and staff training. The upgrade ensures continued high-quality care during installation, with a second LINAC replacement planned, contributing to a nationwide effort to expand and improve cancer treatment capacity.
Tags: Simeon Brown Wellington Regional Hospital LINAC radiation therapy cancer treatment Capital Coast Hutt Valley New Zealand Hawke's Bay Cancer Centre AucklandNew Appointments and Reappointments Announced for Medical Council of NZ
26 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 377 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown announced four new appointments—Dr Derek Sherwood, Dr Manoja Kalupahana, Dr Roderick Mulgan, and Andie Cook—and two reappointments of Dr Kenneth Clark and Dr Hinamaha Lutui to the Medical Council of New Zealand. He acknowledged the contributions of outgoing members and highlighted Dr Clark’s ongoing leadership as Chair, with Ming-chun Wu as Deputy Chair. The Minister emphasized the Council’s crucial role in safeguarding public health by ensuring medical practitioners are fit and competent.
Tags: Simeon Brown Derek Sherwood Manoja Kalupahana Roderick Mulgan Andie Cook Kenneth Clark Hinamaha Lutui Rachelle Love David Ivory Simon WattHealth NZ to Offer 1800 Graduate Nurse Roles Nationwide in 2024
22 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 377 viewsHealth New Zealand plans to offer around 1800 graduate nurse roles in the coming year to strengthen the nursing workforce with locally trained professionals. Last year, 1716 offers were made, resulting in 1845 graduate nurses employed across various health sectors, including hospitals, primary care, and community services. Recruitment will continue nationwide throughout the year, covering diverse specialties and supporting nurses into frontline, primary, and community care roles.
Tags: Health New Zealand Simeon Brown graduate nurse roles nursing workforce registered nurses enrolled nurses primary care community services emergency departments mental health servicesNew Dunedin Hospital Inpatient Building Rises as Steel Installation Begins
15 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 416 viewsThe New Dunedin Hospital’s inpatient building has begun vertical construction with the installation of structural steel, marking significant progress on the project after contract signing and site preparation. The 11-level facility, designed to improve patient care and flow, involves extensive fabrication and transport of over 15,200 steel pieces by New Zealand companies, supporting local jobs and the economy. Scheduled for completion in late 2030 and operational by 2031, the hospital will serve Dunedin and the wider Otago and Southland regions for generations.
Tags: New Dunedin Hospital Simeon Brown Cadbury site CPB Contractors Auckland Christchurch Southern region Otago Southland New ZealandJohn Harbord Appointed Chair of New Zealand Electricity Authority for 3 Years
15 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 441 viewsJohn Harbord has been appointed Chair of the Electricity Authority for a three-year term, bringing over 20 years of experience in law, governance, and public sector policy. Energy Minister Simeon Brown emphasized the Authority's role in ensuring an abundant, affordable, and reliable electricity supply that supports economic growth. Harbord succeeds Erik Westergaard, who will remain on the board as Deputy Chair.
Tags: John Harbord Simeon Brown Erik Westergaard Electricity Authority New Zealand Shipping Federation Major Electricity User’s Group Energy Minister Electricity market Governance professional Public sectorNew Collective Agreement Boosts Pay and Services for Medical Imaging Technologists
06 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 529 viewsHealth 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.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health New Zealand Medical Imaging Technologists APEX PSA STONZ ASMS NZNO collective agreement healthcareNew Clyde Primary Maternity Unit to Bring Quality Care Closer to Home by 2027
03 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 428 viewsThe new $5 million Clyde Primary Maternity Unit in Central Otago will provide modern, comprehensive maternity care closer to home, replacing the existing Alexandra facility and opening in mid-2027. Designed with families and healthcare professionals in mind, it features private ensuite rooms, a birthing pool, flexible clinical spaces, and strong connections to existing health services. This investment supports the Government’s commitment to strengthening regional maternity services, ensuring quality care for families while integrating with specialist services as needed.
Tags: Simeon Brown Central Otago Clyde Primary Maternity Unit Alexandra Queenstown Wānaka Health New Zealand Dunstan Hospital Queenstown Lakes New ZealandNew Zealand Passes Law to Put Patients First with Better Healthcare Access
01 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 492 viewsNew Zealand’s new Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Act prioritizes patients by strengthening accountability, reducing bureaucracy, and ensuring timely access to quality healthcare with measurable outcomes. The legislation replaces vague principles with clear health targets to improve system performance, transparency, and delivery after years of poor results under the previous government. Early improvements include reduced emergency wait times, faster treatment, higher immunization rates, and increased investment in hospitals and primary care.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health Minister New Zealand Healthy Futures Amendment Act Health New Zealand Government Patients Health system Health targets HealthcareNew Zealand Launches Home Bowel Test to Speed Up Cancer Diagnosis and Screening
01 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 512 viewsNew Zealand is rolling out a home faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for people with bowel cancer symptoms to prioritize colonoscopies for those at higher risk, thereby reducing wait times and freeing specialist capacity. This initiative supports the government’s goal to lower the bowel screening age from 60 to 56 and beyond, enabling earlier detection and treatment of bowel cancer. By reducing unnecessary colonoscopy referrals by up to 30%, the test helps manage increased demand while improving timely access to care for symptomatic patients.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health Minister New Zealand bowel cancer colonoscopy FIT test bowel screening Health New Zealand GP cancer symptomsNew Rules Introduce Time-of-Use Power Plans to Lower Your Electricity Bills
30 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 558 viewsNew rules require large power companies in New Zealand to offer time-of-use pricing plans that reflect varying electricity costs throughout the day, allowing customers to save by shifting usage to cheaper periods. These plans include peak, off-peak, and night pricing, and also reward customers who export solar power back to the grid, encouraging renewable energy adoption. This initiative is part of the Government’s broader strategy to provide affordable, reliable energy and give consumers more control over their power bills.
Tags: Simeon Brown Electricity Authority Energy Minister New Zealand Government power companies solar batteries power bills electricity exportNew Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre to Provide Local Radiation Treatment
26 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 705 viewsConstruction has begun on the new Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre, which will provide the region's first local radiation treatment service, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care. The $44.8 million project includes advanced technology such as a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine and will offer comprehensive oncology and haematology services, improving treatment outcomes and patient comfort. This centre is a key part of the wider Hawke’s Bay Hospital redevelopment aimed at enhancing healthcare access and capacity for the growing population.
Tags: Simeon Brown Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Palmerston North Linear Accelerator LINAC Hawke’s Bay Hospital Health Minister cancer treatment radiation treatmentTaranaki Base Hospital New East Wing Opens, Boosting Patient Care and Capacity
24 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 548 viewsThe New East Wing of Taranaki Base Hospital has officially opened, marking a major milestone in the $462.6 million redevelopment to modernize healthcare services in the region. This new facility significantly expands capacity by 57%, integrating emergency, intensive care, maternity, diagnostics, and an Acute Assessment Unit to improve patient flow and treatment speed. The redevelopment also includes enhanced infrastructure like a rooftop helipad and an Integrated Operations Centre, ensuring better coordination and future-proofing healthcare delivery for Taranaki residents.
Tags: Simeon Brown Matt Doocey Taranaki Base Hospital New East Wing healthcare redevelopment emergency department maternity services neonatal unit Acute Assessment Unit hospital expansion