Simeon Brown thanks the country’s healthcare workers for their dedication. File photo supplied

The state of New Zealand’s public health system is set to be one of the key issues debated during this year’s general election campaign, and Health Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says the Government is delivering real results for patients.

He says Kiwis are receiving faster access to healthcare, with the latest quarterly results showing year-on-year improvements across all health targets despite a busy and challenging winter.

“Our frontline teams have made steady progress ensuring New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare when they need it.

“These improvements mean real benefits for patients – faster cancer treatment, more children protected from disease, and shorter waits for surgeries and specialist assessments that improve people’s lives.”

Key improvements for the July-September quarter in 2025 compared to the same time the previous year:

Faster cancer treatment: 86.8 per cent of patients started treatment within 31 days, up from 84.6 per cent in 2024. That’s supported by the Government’s $604 million Pharmac boost delivering 33 new cancer medicines.
Improved childhood immunisations: 82.6 per cent of children fully immunised by age two, up from 75.7 per cent in 2024 – the largest gain across all targets – protecting thousands more young Kiwis from preventable diseases.
Shorter emergency department stays: 68.9 per cent of patients admitted, treated or discharged within six hours, up from 67.5 per cent in 2024, despite higher attendances – meaning doctors and nurses are treating increased volumes of patients and still getting people seen faster.
Shorter waits for elective procedures: 65.9 per cent of patients received treatment within four months, up from 62.2 per cent in 2024.
Shorter waits for specialists: 62.3 per cent of patients had their first assessment within four months, up from 61.2 per cent in 2024.

“Strong improvements in immunisation rates mean parents giving more Kiwi kids the best start to life, protecting them and others from preventable diseases,” Brown says.

“Despite union strikes cancelling around 13,500 procedures and appointments between July and September [in 2025], patients are still spending less time waiting than last year for life-changing elective surgery.

“Our Elective Boost has delivered thousands of additional hip and knee replacements, cataract surgeries, and other procedures since February, helping more Kiwis get ready for an active summer.

“This is about getting Kiwis back to work and helping them return to the activities they love with their families. Making it easier to access care when you need it is a key priority for our Government.

“While our health targets are driving progress, we know too many Kiwis are still waiting too long to be seen.

“I want to thank our healthcare workers for their dedicated work throughout a challenging winter, and for continuing to put patients first.

“Together, with a record $30 billion annual investment and more doctors and nurses on the frontline, we’re rebuilding the system around patients, strengthening accountability, and driving better outcomes.”

But Labour Party health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says Brown is “patting himself on the back on progress for his health targets, ignoring the fact all five of them fall short”.

“National’s failing health targets don’t show an accurate picture of how New Zealanders are getting the healthcare they need,” she says.

“The targets focus on pushing people out the door, whether or not they’ve received the care they need. They’re a failure.

“Under National, it’s harder and more expensive to see a doctor when you need one with GP fees nearing $100. Currently 650,000 Kiwis can’t afford to see a doctor when they need to. National is completely out of touch.

“Labour will make it cheaper and easier to see a doctor, with three free doctor’s visits each year for every New Zealander.”