Photos from Hands Around the Beehive

Speakers:

• Luca Zampese, Youth Co-Spokesperson

Kaitiaki Hauora

• Dr Sandra Grey, National President of the CTU

Council of Trade Unions

• Debbie Leyland, Chairperson, UCAN for Health

UCAN for Health

• Patrick O’Connor, National Organising Member

Free Fares NZ

• Reverend Katie Lawrence, Dean of 

   The Wellington Cathedral of St Paul 

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