Articles tagged with Services
New Zealand's Aged Care Reform: Expert Report Guides Future Policy and Funding
1 week ago | 163 viewsThe Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) has released an independent report with 40 recommendations to reform New Zealand’s aged care system, aiming for an integrated, sustainable, and fair model that better meets future needs. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello emphasized the outdated funding model and the government’s commitment to carefully consider the report’s advice to improve policy and funding decisions. The government has already invested $446 million over the past three years to support the sector’s sustainability and operational improvements while further reforms are developed.
Tags: Ministerial Advisory Group aged care Casey Costello New Zealand Government Ministry of Health aged care reform funding model health services population agingNZ Government Reviews Ministerial Advisory Group Report to Reform Aged Care System
1 week ago | 159 viewsThe Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) has released an independent report with 40 recommendations to reform New Zealand's aged care system, addressing outdated funding models and aiming for an integrated, sustainable, and accessible system. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello emphasized the government's commitment to carefully consider these recommendations to improve care quality, funding sustainability, and system navigation as the population ages. The government has already increased sector funding by $446 million over three years and directed the Ministry of Health to develop advice supporting future policy and funding decisions.
Tags: Ministerial Advisory Group Casey Costello aged care New Zealand Government Ministry of Health funding model aged care reform health services population agingNZ Government Boosts Funding and Extends Contracts for Community Mental Health NGOs
1 week ago | 198 viewsThe New Zealand Government is providing over $34 million in additional annual funding from July 2026 to support community mental health and addiction organisations, recognizing their vital role. To ensure greater stability, most providers are being moved from one-year to three-year contracts, allowing them to invest confidently in their workforce and services. This approach aims to improve access to mental health support, strengthen frontline services, and enhance crisis response for vulnerable New Zealanders.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister New Zealand community organisations mental health addiction services NGOs Health New Zealand funding uplift frontline workersNew Zealand Boosts Community Mental Health Funding with Longer Contracts
1 week ago | 186 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced over $34 million in additional annual funding from July 2026 for community mental health and addiction providers, along with a 3.16% funding uplift for most eligible NGOs. The government is increasing contract certainty by shifting around 83% of providers onto three-year contracts, replacing the previous predominance of one-year agreements to enable better workforce investment and service delivery. These measures aim to support frontline organizations that serve over 82,000 people annually, ensuring faster access to mental health services and a stronger crisis response across New Zealand.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister New Zealand community organisations mental health addiction services NGOs Health New Zealand funding uplift frontline workersGovernment Supports 400+ Young Kiwis with Youth Development After Severe Weather
1 week ago | 195 viewsThe Government has invested $315,000 to support over 400 young Kiwis affected by severe weather events through six tailored youth development programmes across various regions. These initiatives focus on practical skills like forest restoration, safety training, employment readiness, and emotional wellbeing, helping young people re-engage with education and their communities. By providing safe spaces and targeted support, the programmes aim to build resilience, leadership, and positive pathways for youth recovery and future success.
Tags: James Meager Youth Minister Ngātiwai Trust Board Ngāti Maru Ki Hauraki Whitianga Community Services Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust Ignite Sport Trust Whenua Iti Trust New Zealand Government Youth Development ProgramsDisability Support Services Bill Updated with Key Amendments Reflecting Community Feedback
1 week ago | 172 viewsThe Social Services and Community Select Committee’s report on the Disability Support Services Bill includes amendments reflecting feedback from over 3,000 submitters, clarifying the Bill’s intent, reinforcing support for families, and ensuring disabled people have a stronger voice in decisions. The revised Bill aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Enabling Good Lives principles, providing a clear legal framework for Disability Support Services without changing current eligibility or entitlements. The Government has committed $2.1 billion in additional funding to improve consistency, fairness, and sustainability of services, with ongoing consultations planned for further improvements such as a carers’ package.
Tags: Louise Upston Social Services and Community Select Committee Disability Support Services Bill United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Enabling Good Lives Disability Issues Minister DSS Supreme Court Child Development Services Independent ReviewACC Restores Specialist Traumatic Brain Injury Rehab in Canterbury and West Coast
1 week ago | 152 viewsACC has reestablished specialist Traumatic Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation services in Canterbury and West Coast, ending a gap since 2020 that forced patients to travel far for care. Hauora Ability Services will deliver these services at The Granada Rehabilitation Centre in Christchurch starting July 2026, improving accessibility and client outcomes. This investment enables smoother recovery transitions, allowing clients to receive timely support close to home and maintain connections with family, community, and employment.
Tags: ACC Scott Simpson Nicola Grigg Canterbury West Coast Traumatic Brain Injury Hauora Ability Services The Granada Rehabilitation Centre Christchurch TBIRRGovernment Approves Kāinga Ora Arlington Reset to Deliver 104 New Social Homes in Wellington
1 week ago | 152 viewsThe Government has approved a reset of the Kāinga Ora Arlington development to deliver 104 new social homes in central Wellington, with construction expected between 2027 and 2029, and will provide up to $6 million to Wellington City Council to support housing services for vulnerable people. The redesigned project replaces a previously paused, costly plan of 301 apartments, aiming for a more cost-effective approach with a mix of one-, two-, and four-bedroom homes, funded through Kāinga Ora’s renewals programme. Additionally, part of the Arlington site may be returned to the Council for further housing development, maximizing the use of the site and supporting community housing initiatives.
Tags: Chris Bishop Andrew Little Kāinga Ora Wellington City Council Arlington development social housing New Zealand government Mount Cook housing services Cabinet approvalHawke’s Bay Gets New Air Ambulance Helicopter Boosting Emergency Care
1 week ago | 176 viewsNew Zealand is upgrading its emergency helicopter fleet, replacing aging aircraft with 16 new helicopters by 2025 to improve safety, reliability, and performance, especially in remote and regional areas. The latest addition, an Airbus H145 D3 in Hawke’s Bay, enhances automation, patient care, and operation in challenging conditions, supporting critical medical transport and inter-hospital transfers. This $27.3 million investment aims to strengthen air ambulance services nationwide, ensuring better outcomes for patients and recognizing the vital work of air ambulance personnel.
Tags: Casey Costello Hawkes Bay New Zealand Airbus H145 D3 Search and Rescue Services Limited air ambulance helicopter upgrade coalition government North Island ChristchurchNew Attendance Services Boost School Re-enrolment and Close NEN Cases in 2026
1 week ago | 176 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour highlighted that improved attendance services and increased funding have led to a decade-high school attendance and a significant rise in re-enrollment of non-enrolled students (NENs) in 2026. The Ministry has closed 11,579 NEN cases so far this year by focusing on individualized support and better case management, resulting in more students returning to school. Ongoing efforts include providing schools with additional resources, establishing Transition hubs, and aiming for 80% of students to attend school over 90% of the time by 2030.
Tags: David Seymour Associate Education Minister Ministry of Education attendance services NEN cases Budget 2025 Transition hubs Attendance Service Contingency FundsNew Child and Youth Mental Health Service Launched in Central Otago
2 weeks ago | 194 viewsA new child and youth mental health and addiction service, Hono ki te Ora, has been launched in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes to provide a single, coordinated point of access for young people aged 5 to 24 and their families. The service aims to simplify navigation of the mental health system, reduce fragmentation, and connect individuals to appropriate support without duplication, especially in this geographically isolated and fast-growing region. Since May, the service has received 80 referrals, actively supporting 35 young people and strengthening community relationships to ensure timely and effective care.
Tags: Matt Doocey Hono ki te Ora Central Otago Queenstown Lakes child mental health youth addiction service New Zealand mental health support young people community servicesNew Zealand Launches 10-Year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for All
2 weeks ago | 218 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched New Zealand’s first Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, setting a 10-year plan with a detailed three-year Implementation Plan featuring 50 actions to improve mental health and addiction outcomes. Key focuses include launching AI Navigation for easier access to services, integrating mental health with housing and employment support, eliminating seclusion, and co-designing a youth mental health roadmap. The strategy was shaped by feedback from nearly 900 people and organizations, aiming to create a more effective mental health system.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister New Zealand Healthy Futures Act Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Mental Health Bill youth mental health addiction services AI Navigation public consultationNew Zealand Launches Industry-Led Secondary Subjects for Future Careers from 2029
2 weeks ago | 364 viewsNew Zealand is launching industry-led, future-focused secondary school subjects from 2029 to better align education with emerging job markets in sectors like manufacturing, energy, health, and tourism. These subjects, developed with industry input and valued equally to traditional subjects, aim to equip students with practical skills and clear pathways into trades, university, or employment, supported by a $15 million investment. The initiative fosters student engagement by connecting learning to real-world careers, benefiting both employers seeking skilled workers and students preparing for rewarding futures.
Tags: Nicola Willis Erica Stanford Applied Intelligent Systems Construction and Built Environment Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Technology Food and Fibre Systems Health Services and Care Hospitality Food and BeverageHealth NZ to Offer 1800 Graduate Nurse Roles Nationwide in 2024
1 month ago | 284 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 Canterbury Mental Health Co-Response Team Shows Positive Early Results
1 month ago | 337 viewsA new mental health co-response team in Canterbury, combining mental health professionals and Police, has supported 35 people since May, showing positive early outcomes. This initiative addresses previous shortcomings where mental health distress calls received a criminal justice response, aiming to provide more appropriate and compassionate care. The model, proven effective in Wellington, reduces emergency department visits and police interventions, improving crisis support for those in mental distress.
Tags: Canterbury mental health Matt Doocey Police New Zealand crisis response Specialist Mental Health Services Mental Health Act Wellington