Hands Around the Beehive

A National Day of Remembrance for Health

Wednesday 21 October 2026 | Parliament Grounds, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

On 21 October 2026, people gathered at Parliament Grounds in Wellington for Hands Around the Beehive — A National Day of Remembrance for Health.

We came together peacefully to remember those affected by barriers to healthcare, stand in solidarity with people and families, and reaffirm our belief that healthcare is a human right.

At 2.00 pm New Zealand time, we linked arms and observed a national Minute of Silence for Health. As we stood together, the bells of St Paul’s Cathedral rang across the road. At the end of the minute, all the bells rang out together, a moving moment that brought a sense of hope and togetherness.

A big thank you to all our Speakers:

• Dr Sandra Grey, National President of the CTU

Council of Trade Unions

• Reverend Katie Lawrence, Dean of

   Wellington Cathedral of St Paul 

• Luca Zampese, Youth Co-Spokesperson

Kaitiaki Hauora

• Patrick O’Connor, National Organising Member

Free Fares NZ

Dignity in Care UK Champions joined us in spirit, taking time to pause and remember. Liz Taylor shared a photograph of residents gathered in their lounge for a moment of prayer, thought and reflection. We are really grateful to the Champions and everyone who took part, wherever they were

The invitation was also shared with the Muslim Association, extending the opportunity for people from different faiths and communities to join this moment of remembrance and reflection.

People also joined the remembrance beyond Wellington, including the Bay of Plenty, Invercargill, Auckland and Matamata.

A big thank you to everyone who attended, supported the gathering, shared the invitation or took part in their own way. Every contribution helped make the day meaningful.

The gathering brought people together in a shared expression of remembrance and solidarity, and its message was clear: every person matters, and everyone deserves access to the healthcare they need.

Photos from Hands Around the Beehive 

Supporters of Hands Around the Beehive

Dignity In Care UK

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