Our health system is struggling to get back to pre-COVID levels. In the March Quarter. In 2019, 86% waited less than 4 months for elective treatments; by March 2026, only 65% did. 89% had their first specialist appointment within the targeted 4-month period; by March 2026, this had fallen to 61%. 

There are large regional disparities. In Wairarapa, 90% met the target for elective treatments, but only 51% in Northland. 88% in the Lakes district had their first specialist appointment within 4 months, in Canterbury, only 51% did.

We performed better on the other health targets. Cancer treatment within 31 days was 88% in 2019; 86% by 2026. The percentage of patients with less than a 6-hour stay in Emergency Departments before admission was 85% in 2019; 74% in 2026. Immunisation of children at 24 months was 92% in 2019 and 84% in 2026.

While Labour’s proposal for free GP visits will be a big boost to improve our health, the health system will struggle to cope, especially with specialist appointments, unless we build capacity fast.

While NZ Health has set ambitious targets to achieve by 2030, New Zealanders are waiting too long for the health system to get back to health.