Why The Charter Matters

Health Facts 2024 - 2026

Aotearoa New Zealand has a broken health system. Too many people still face barriers to getting the healthcare and support they need to live healthy, secure and dignified lives. 

The latest New Zealand Health Survey shows that cost, access and other barriers continue to affect people's health. ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE In 2024/25: 43.0% of adults avoided dental care because of cost. 14.9% of adults did not visit a GP because of cost. 

For Pacific adults, 25.1% did not visit a GP because of cost. For Māori adults, 18.7% did not visit a GP because of cost. 25.5% of adults reported that the time taken to get a GP appointment was too long. 3.6% of adults did not collect a prescription because of cost. 

These figures show that cost and timely access remain barriers to healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

 MENTAL HEALTH 

Mental health is an essential part of overall health. In 2024/25, 14.3% of adults experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the four weeks before the survey. 

This was almost double the 7.4% recorded in 2019/20. Source: Ministry of Health — New Zealand Health Survey 2024/25. 

HEALTH INEQUALITIES 

Health outcomes are not the same for everyone. The New Zealand Health Survey reports differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare by ethnicity, disability, age, gender and neighbourhood deprivation. 

The differences in the ability to access healthcare because of cost, including the higher rates reported by Māori and Pacific adults, demonstrate why reducing health inequalities must remain a priority. Source: Ministry of Health — New Zealand Health Survey 2024/25. HEALTH IS ABOUT MORE THAN HEALTHCARE 

Good health depends on more than medical treatment. Housing, income, transport, food, affordable power and safe living conditions all affect people's ability to stay healthy and access the services they need. 

That is why UCAN's Charter looks beyond healthcare alone and supports practical policies that address the wider conditions that affect health and wellbeing.

 TIMELY ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE Access to primary care is a national priority. 

A new primary care health target came into effect on 1 July 2026, with the aim that more than 80% of people should be able to access an appointment with a general practice provider within one week. The first national results against this target are expected to be published in late 2026. Source: Ministry of Health.  Primary Care Health Target. Why this Matters

These facts show that access to healthcare is not equal for everyone. People should not have to choose between seeing a dentist and paying for other essentials. They should not be unable to see a GP because of cost or wait too long to receive care. And people experiencing mental health difficulties should be able to access appropriate support when they need it. Health is connected to every part of our lives. UCAN for Health believes Aotearoa can do better. 

We are calling for practical policies that put people's health and wellbeing at the centre of decision-making. 

SOURCES 

Ministry of Health — New Zealand Health Survey

2024/25.

Ministry of Health — New Zealand Health Survey 2024/25 Annual Update of Key Results 2024/25: New Zealand Health Survey Ministry of Health — Primary Care Health Target Information on the primary care target introduced on 1 July 2026. 

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