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You may be able to access free or subsidised health and disability services if you meet the following criteria: a NZ citizen or permanent resident or an Australian citizen or permanent resident who’s lived, or intends to live, in NZ for at least 2 years or a work visa holder...

Our community health services were quite fragmented in the past, with GP services scattered around the community. In order to create a more integrated service, meet increasing demand, manage resources well and to utilise new innovation and technology then things needed to be done differently. Over recent years many health...

You can go to a public hospital if you are seriously unwell, and it is an emergency. For all other times you need to be referred by a health professional, usually your doctor. If it’s an emergency phone 111 and ask for an ambulance. If you’re near the hospital and...

The Accident Compensation Corporation is a no-fault injury scheme, where you may be able to get costs related to your injury paid for. Everyone in New Zealand is covered if they are injured in an accident. Following an injury, it is important to get treatment, for example, from your doctor,...

In recent years, significant changes were made to the way health services are delivered throughout New Zealand. Previously 20 regional District Health Boards (DHBs) provide or organise health services across the country. As of mid-2026: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora manages all health services, including hospital and specialist...

Opinions vary as to how often you should have these but once a year is a common standard for older people. Those who keep well are obviously not going to need to see their health advisor as often as someone who has more complex health needs, so the first step...

There are very good reasons for being involved in your healthcare journey. You are more likely to comply with a health plan or regime and ultimately be more satisfied with decisions that are made. Good preparation, active discussion, shared decision making, and taking responsibility for keeping abreast of your health...

A patient portal allows you to see your own health information. It is accessed via a secure website or app on your phone. Most general practices now offer one. You can generally join up via your healthcare provider's website or ask about it when you next visit. It usually allows...

Shared goals of care in New Zealand refer to a collaborative approach between people, healthcare professionals, and family/whānau, which aims to align their goals and expectations for a person's treatment and care. Shared goals of care outline how providers should approach discussions of care with adults and their whānau. They...

Personalised, precision, or functional medicine is a developing area of medicine where information about your genetic makeup helps inform your health professional about what’s required to keep you healthy and, if you are unwell, then what treatments and interventions might be most successful for you. It may also determine how...