Hauora Update from the Ministry of Health

Over the last few months, I have met with people across the

health sector, spoken at conferences and attended

stakeholder meetings. One thing that has struck me - other than the dedication of our health professionals - is that people are unclear on the role of the Ministry of Health, and what we are mandated to do.

The Ministry of Health is the Government’s lead adviser on health, ensuring the health system delivers for the current and future needs of all New Zealanders.

Audrey Sonerson

Director-General of Health

Our role is to provide evidence-based advice to help Ministers make informed decisions – based on their priorities. It is then the Ministry of Health’s responsibility to implement those decisions.

We do this through three core functions: policy, regulation, and monitoring. Our policy work advises the Government on how to deliver on their priorities through policies grounded in data and insights. As a regulator we make sure health services, products, and pharmaceuticals are safe. And by monitoring the performance of the health system, we track progress, identify risks, and report to Government—taking action when things aren’t on track.

These functions together enable us to uphold accountability, protect the health of New Zealanders, and drive continuous improvement across the health system.

We are currently recruiting for our Deputy Director-General (DDG), Regulatory Services. This DDG is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of regulatory systems, ensuring they are effective, trusted and aligned with Government priorities. More information on the role is available here, please share with your networks.

Ngā mihi

Audrey

Measles is in our communities

New Zealand is currently responding to a measles outbreak. Measles is a highly contagious and dangerous disease. There is a risk of getting measles if you have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine or have not already had measles.

The Ministry of Health is supporting Health New Zealand’s National Public Health Service with its nationally coordinated response.

Please help us share this simple message: if you are born after 1969 check your immunity.  If you need a vaccine, these are free for most people and can be booked online or over the phone. For more information, please go to the Health New Zealand website.

I want to thank everyone across the health sector for your efforts in responding to this outbreak. Your dedication and hard work are appreciated.

Delivering on Health Targets - a year of progress

Over the past year, the Government has made clear progress in improving timely access to quality health care. Key improvements in the April to June 2025 quarter over the same period last year include:

• 86.3% of cancer patients began treatment within 31 days, up from 83.5%, alongside a $604 million boost to Pharmac delivering 33 new cancer medicines

• Childhood immunisation rates rose to 82%, up from 76.5%

• Emergency departments treated or discharged 73.9% of patients within six hours, up from 71.2% - despite higher demand.

First specialist assessments and elective treatments have also seen steady improvement, supported by the Elective Boost programme, which delivered over 16,000 outsourced procedures between February and June 2025.

These gains reflect a concerted nationwide effort backed by record investment and a strong focus on delivery. There is more to do, with clear accountability and transparent reporting helping to sustain progress.

Thank you to everyone who turns up every day and works hard to deliver these results for New Zealanders.

Strengthening primary care

The newly established Primary Care Advisory Group has been formed to provide independent, evidence-based advice to the Minister of Health on how to maximise the contribution of primary care within New Zealand’s health system. Its purpose is to guide improvements in access, accountability, and performance, support delivery of the Government’s health targets, and explore ways to shift more services from hospitals into community settings.

The group brings together leading voices from across the sector, including Chair Dr Bryan Betty and Deputy Chair Dr Samantha Murton. Read more about the appointments to the Primary Care Advisory Group.

Modernising access and safety

The Medicines Amendment Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament. This amends the Medicines Act to improve access to medicines. It includes updates to prescriber settings and the introduction of a streamlined verification pathway for medicines approval (known as the ‘Rule of Two’).

The Government is also making progress on the Medical Products Bill, which will replace the outdated Medicines Act 1981 and deliver modern, risk-proportionate regulation for medicines and medical devices.

This new framework aims to improve access to safe, high-quality products, reduce unnecessary compliance burdens, and support innovation across the health sector. Key changes include new pathways to bring promising gene and cell therapies and risk-proportionate regulation for clinical trials involving medicines and medical devices. Safe access to medicines will be promoted through changes to how professions gain prescribing rights, and there will be more flexibility over the provision of pharmacy services.

The Bill reflects our commitment to better health outcomes and international best practice. The Government intends for the Bill to be introduced to Parliament in 2026 and we look forward to updating stakeholders as this important legislation moves through Parliament.

Listening and learning about rural health

The Rural Health Roadshow has now concluded after visiting 13 rural communities from Gore to Kaitaia. Over 1,200 people attended these events which provided a valuable opportunity for health officials and Ministers to hear directly from rural health workers, advocates, and community members about what’s working well and where improvements are needed.

Feedback gathered during the roadshow will inform ongoing implementation of the Rural Health Strategy, ensuring services are more accessible and responsive to the unique needs of rural communities.

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their experiences—your insights are helping shape a stronger, more connected health system for all New Zealanders.

Feedback 

I welcome your feedback on this newsletter and invite you to share it with your leaders, staff and networks. If this was forwarded to you – you can subscribe for future updates on our website

Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora🏠133 Molesworth Street, Thorndon✉ info@health.govt.nzℹ health.govt.nz