23 Oct 2026
2 days ago
101 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has today welcomed Pharmac’s decision to extend the 12-month transitional access funding limit for Pertuzumab with trastuzumab (Phesgo) for people receiving treatment for certain types of breast cancer in private clinics. “In the past, when Pharmac funded a new cancer treatment, people already paying for that treatment privately are forced to make a very difficult choice: spend their savings to continue private treatment undisrupted, or transfer to a public hospital. The latter can be detrimental to their recovery,” Mr Seymour says.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
481 views
The independent Crown Review into the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant failure identified longstanding systemic weaknesses in governance, accountability, asset management, and risk management as key factors behind the 2026 flooding event, rather than a single technical fault. Recommendations for Wellington City Council, Tiaki Wai, and the Minister of Local Government focus on restoring compliance, improving communication, strengthening governance, and linking risk management to investment decisions, with many improvements already underway. The review underscores the importance of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms to enhance oversight, accountability, and resilience in New Zealand’s water infrastructure to prevent similar future failures.
21 Aug 2026
2 months ago
584 views
The number of children waiting for dental surgery in Auckland has dropped from 2,200 to 743, significantly reducing wait times. This improvement is due to initiatives such as increased theatre capacity, better support for families, and a pilot program offering publicly funded sedation for dental treatment as an alternative to general anaesthetic. These efforts have freed up hospital resources for more urgent cases and ensured faster access to dental care for children.
21 Aug 2026
2 months ago
530 views
The number of children waiting for dental surgery in Auckland has dropped by over 1,400, reaching its lowest level in years due to various initiatives like increased theatre capacity and better collaboration between hospital and community teams. A pilot program offering publicly funded sedation for dental treatment has provided an alternative to general anaesthetic, helping 340 children receive faster care and reducing the surgical waitlist. These efforts have freed up hospital capacity for more urgent cases and improved timely access to dental treatment for children.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
597 views
New Zealand is nearly doubling peer-led acute alternative mental health beds from 25 to 45 to provide faster, community-based crisis support outside hospitals, with 12 new beds opening in Auckland and eight in the lower South Island. This expansion is part of a $61.6 million government investment that also includes additional frontline staff, peer support workers, and Crisis Recovery Cafés to improve mental health crisis response nationwide. Trusted local organizations with extensive community experience will deliver these services, ensuring people in crisis receive timely, supportive care in a home-like environment connected to their families and communities.
10 Aug 2026
2 months ago
588 views
The Delmore residential development in Auckland, covering over 61 hectares and including 1,200 dwellings, commercial areas, parks, and ecological restoration, has received Fast-track approval, marking it the 30th such project approved. The development will contribute $1.22 billion to the local economy over 25 years and features a privately managed water and wastewater system designed to meet current and future needs, with conditions ensuring environmental and infrastructural compliance. Overall, 30 projects have been approved through the Fast-track process, with 59 currently progressing and 65 referred, reflecting the government's ongoing commitment to accelerating infrastructure and housing developments.
27 Jul 2026
3 months ago
702 views
Wellington 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.
26 Jun 2026
4 months ago
1074 views
Construction 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.
23 Jun 2026
4 months ago
778 views
New Zealand's health system has shown continuous improvement across all five Government health targets, with more people receiving timely treatments and shorter wait times for elective procedures, specialist assessments, and cancer care. Key metrics such as childhood immunisation rates, emergency department stays, and volumes of care delivered have all increased compared to the previous year, reflecting steady progress in planned care, cancer services, and prevention. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that these results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Government’s focus on accountability and patient-centered care, signaling positive momentum toward a better and faster health system for New Zealanders.
15 Jun 2026
4 months ago
807 views
Dargaville residents now have improved access to healthcare with a new acute care service operating daily from 8:00am to 8:30pm, reducing the need to travel to Whangārei for urgent treatment. Additionally, a new oncology infusion service provides local cancer treatments, supporting around 70 patients annually and minimizing travel burdens. These initiatives align with the Government's goal to ensure timely, quality healthcare within a one-hour drive for 98% of New Zealanders, particularly benefiting rural and regional communities.
04 Jun 2026
4 months ago
986 views
The new radiation oncology service at Whangārei Hospital, featuring Northland's first Linear Accelerator, is now complete, allowing most local cancer patients to receive radiation treatment closer to home and reducing lengthy travel to Auckland. This $60.9 million facility will initially treat around 370 patients annually, with capacity to expand, and includes expanded chemotherapy services and plans to become a training site for radiation therapists by 2027. The project, part of the Whangārei Hospital Master Plan and supported by 35 staff, aims to improve timely access to cancer care in Northland and ease pressure on Auckland’s services.
21 May 2026
5 months ago
993 views
Pink Ribbon Day highlights the importance of early breast cancer detection, with over 16,440 women aged 70 to 74 already benefiting from free screening since eligibility was extended last year. The nationwide age extension, part of a four-year rollout, has led to the detection of 190 breast cancers in this group, potentially improving treatment outcomes through earlier diagnosis. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that expanding screening programs supports early detection, better recovery chances, and strengthens New Zealand's healthcare future.
19 May 2026
5 months ago
858 views
Southland Hospital has installed a $994,000 upgraded fluoroscopy machine that provides higher-quality, real-time X-ray imaging with clearer images at lower radiation doses, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. This dual-purpose system supports various procedures, including over 400 annual PICC line insertions, and also functions as a general X-ray room, improving efficiency and reducing wait times. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that this investment advances timely diagnostic services, enabling faster treatment decisions and supporting the government’s goal of quicker specialist assessments and elective treatments.
13 May 2026
5 months ago
1219 views
Te Kūiti Hospital has launched a new infusion service providing local cancer treatments, reducing the need for patients to travel to Waikato Hospital. Initially operating one day a week with certified staff and on-site support, the service aims to expand as part of a nationwide effort to increase cancer treatment access in rural communities. Supported by significant government investment, this initiative focuses on patient-centered care, improving timely treatment access, and enhancing the overall experience for patients and their families.
10 May 2026
5 months ago
893 views
A new community-based cancer infusion centre is opening in Henderson, West Auckland, allowing patients to receive treatment closer to home and reducing travel to Auckland City Hospital. This service, operating five days a week with four treatment chairs, complements a recent infusion centre at Waitākere Hospital and is part of a nationwide effort to expand community cancer care. Supported by a $210 million investment from Budget 2024 and increased Pharmac funding, New Zealand plans to open 14 new infusion centres and expand 14 others to meet growing demand and improve patient access.