Friday, 1 May 2026, 11:48 am
Press Release: Health New Zealand
The lower North Island can expect to see better access to
health care this winter as Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
(Health NZ) steps up planning to meet seasonal
demand.
People are also encouraged to take steps to
stay well this winter through vaccinations and keeping homes
warm and dry.
Winter traditionally brings increased
pressure on the health system, particularly from respiratory
illnesses. In response, Health NZ’s Central region —
covering Hawke’s Bay, Whanganui, Palmerston North,
Wairarapa, Wellington, Hutt and Kāpiti — is expanding
access to care in the community and improving patient flow
through hospitals.
This includes extended hours at
some urgent care clinics, an expanded range of services
available at selected pharmacies, and continued work to
improve access to hospital services.
Executive
Regional Director Central Region Chris Lowry says supporting
people to receive care in the right place is a key focus as
well as encouraging people to take early action and think
about prevention.
“Where it’s safe to do so,
people often recover better and faster at home. This winter,
we’re strengthening coordinated care in the community to
support earlier discharge and smoother recovery,” she
said.
Hospitals across the region are also working to
improve patient flow once people present to emergency
departments, and to reduce wait times.
“The fastest
treatment is often the safest treatment. By moving patients
through our hospitals as efficiently as possible, we can
achieve better outcomes for patients during our busiest
months,” Ms Lowry said.
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As part of Winter Plan 2026,
Health NZ has invested $25 million nationally to support
services under the greatest pressure, helping ensure people
can access care when demand is highest.
Prevention
remains a priority, with Health NZ encouraging people to
stay well by keeping warm, getting vaccinated, managing
longterm conditions, and seeking advice early if they
become unwell.
Getting a flu vaccination early,
ideally before winter takes hold, is one of the best ways of
protection. It’s free for those most at risk, and
available through local health providers, participating
pharmacies and drop-in immunisation clinics.
Keeping
homes warm and dry is also key to preventing respiratory
illness, especially for young children. Simple steps such as
fixing leaks and ventilating the home often can make a real
difference, with practical support available through the
Healthy Homes Initiative.
People can access care
through local health providers, pharmacies, urgent care
clinics, online GP services, Healthline for free on 0800 611
116 or, in an emergency, your nearest Emergency
Department.
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