Health New Zealand’s plan targets shorter wait times

It focuses on the government's health priorities through 2027.

Health New Zealand has presented the “New Zealand Health Plan” to Parliament, outlining how the agency will deliver on the Government’s health priorities over the period 2024–2027.

The government’s key health targets include faster cancer treatment, improved childhood immunisation, shorter stays in emergency departments, and reduced wait times for first specialist assessments and elective treatment.

“These targets are backed by clear accountability and transparent reporting, so the public can track progress on a regular basis,” said Health Minister Simeon Brown.

In line with this, Health New Zealand will implement the “Elective Boost” programme, which aims to deliver an additional 21,000 procedures in the 2025/2026 year to address patient backlogs.

The plan also outlines measures to expand and support the health workforce, enhance clinical leadership and quality improvement, and invest in hospital infrastructure.

Meanwhile, other priorities include standardising service delivery and strengthening primary care.