Hands Around the Beehive — A   National Day of Remembrance for Health

Global Dignity Day

Behind every health statistic is a human being.

Hands Around the Beehive — A National Day of Remembrance for Health

This is not a protest. It is an opportunity to remember people whose lives have been affected by difficulties accessing healthcare, acknowledge those who continue to face barriers to care, recognise the families and communities who share these experiences, and give thanks to the healthcare workers who care for people every day.

Above all, it is an opportunity to come together in compassion, solidarity and hope for a healthier future.

An invitation to join us Nationally and Around the World

On Wednesday 21 October 2026, UCAN for Health warmly invites like-minded organisations, faith-based groups, cultural communities, workplaces and individuals to join us in marking this day of remembrance.

What began as a national initiative is now reaching beyond our shores. We are grateful to everyone who has taken an interest in sharing this message, including Dignity in Care in the United Kingdom, which has kindly shared our invitation through its Facebook page and discussion page.

We have reached out to organisations and communities in the hope of bringing people together across cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. We are encouraged by the interest and support received so far, and warmly welcome others who share these values to join us.

Coming Together in Remembrance

Our main gathering will take place at Parliament Grounds in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. We will gather from 1.15pm, with speakers beginning at 1.30pm. 

Speakers include:

• Debbie Leyland, Chairperson of UCAN for Health

• Dr Sandra Grey, President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU)

• Reverend Katie Lawrence, Dean of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul (Anglican)

• Luca Zampese, Youth Co-Spokesperson, Kaitiaki Hauora

• We will also hear from Free Fares NZ.

The National Minute of Silence for Health will take place at 2.00pm New Zealand time.

We invite organisations and communities around the world to mark the occasion in their own way, in a manner that feels appropriate to their cultures, beliefs and traditions.

This might include prayer or karakia, a minute of silence, quiet reflection, gathering with whānau, family, friends or colleagues, or simply taking a quiet moment on your own.

We recognise that time differences, work and other commitments may make it difficult for everyone to participate at the same time. If you cannot join us at 2.00pm New Zealand time on 21 October, we warmly welcome you to participate at a time that suits you between 21 and 25 of October 2026.

There is no single right way to take part. Every act of remembrance, however it is observed, can help carry this message of dignity and shared humanity.

A shared message of dignity and hope

As Aotearoa New Zealand approaches the general election on 7 November 2026, we hope this initiative will encourage thoughtful conversations about the future of health and the importance of making healthcare a priority.

Our message is simple: healthcare is a human right, health matters to every community, and every person matters.

We hope this shared moment will help people feel connected through a common concern for one another. We also hope it will encourage decision-makers to look beyond the statistics, recognise the human lives behind them, and work towards ensuring everyone can access the care they need.

Perhaps somewhere, someone will hear about a gathering or learn that people have taken time to remember those affected by difficulties accessing healthcare. They may be reminded that people care, that they are not forgotten, and that their life does matter.

Help us create a global picture

If your organisation, community, workplace, faith group or whānau takes part, we would love to hear from you.

Take a photo and please send it  to

ucanforhealth@gmail.com

Please share a photograph of your gathering and any message you would like to share. With your permission, these photographs will help us create a global digital mosaic celebrating compassion, dignity, unity and hope for a healthier future.

Together, these images can help send a powerful message to decision-makers: healthcare matters, every person matters, and access to healthcare must be a priority.

Thank you to everyone who has supported or shared this initiative, and to those who choose to join us. We also extend our appreciation to healthcare workers who support people and communities, often in challenging circumstances.

Every act of remembrance, however simple, helps carry this message further.

Together, across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, we can affirm the dignity of every person and our shared hope for healthcare as a human right.

Because behind every health statistic is a friend, a family member, a neighbour, or a work colleague.

HEALTH IS AN ELECTION ISSUE

Healthcare is a Human Right — Every Person Matters

Before you vote,  please look at the Evidence Below

Are people in Aotearoa New Zealand getting the healthcare they need, when they need it?

Access to Healthcare

• About 1 in 4 adults (25.5%) and 1 in 5 children (19.5%) missed out on seeing a GP because the wait was too long.

• About 1 in 7 adults (14.9%) did not visit a GP because of cost.

• About 2 in 5 patients (38%) waited longer than four months for a first specialist assessment.

• About 1 in 3 patients (36.1%) waited longer than four months for elective treatment.

Health Workforce Shortages

• 1,810 doctors, including 220 GPs — the modelled workforce shortages identified by Health New Zealand.

• 587 nurses per shift — the average nursing shortfall in public hospitals in 2024.

These figures represent real people, families and communities. Poverty, housing, education and the strength of our public services also affect health.

Which political parties will improve access to healthcare, reduce waiting times and support our health workforce?

We need a Government that will improve Health Services for all Kiwis. Not just for those who can afford it. People should not have to make the decision: do I go to a Doctor or put some money on the power bill?

Please use your vote to support political parties and policies that put people’s health and wellbeing first.

Sources: 

Ministry of Health — Health Survey 2024/25 

Health and Independence Report 2025 

Health New Zealand — Doctor workforce analysis 

NZNO — Nursing workforce report