New Zealand’s healthcare system is facing critical issues of equity, accessibility and financial sustainability.
Health funding often focuses on short-term cost containment rather than long-term investment in service innovations that can improve consumer
participation and independence. A new approach is needed. The ACC model, which effectively incentivises prevention, early diagnosis, and rehabilitation, provides valuable insights. Lengthening the financial horizon for health service funding and encouraging working with other social sector organisations could improve health outcomes.
Health Innovators’ Summit: Inspiring Action for Better Care
In August 2024, we ran a members' event called Health Innovators’ Summit, an event bringing together politicians, members of The New Zealand Initiative, professional health associations, and senior journalists to learn about innovative solutions for better healthcare in New Zealand.
With keynote speakers sharing their experiences and insights, attendees will be inspired to take action and improve the current healthcare system.
Watch the 8 keynote sessions here.
Two weeks ago, New Zealand by Numbers asked whether New Zealand was improving. Our latest report asks a harder question: is it keeping up? Read more
This is The New Zealand Initiative’s 2026 Prescription for Prosperity. Since 2017, the Initiative has prepared a briefing for the incoming government. Read more
This research note reveals how adding GP clinic data to government databases could transform healthcare outcomes while cutting costs. The research note, “Better health through better data” by Adjunct Fellow Dr Prabani Wood, shows that while government can track hospital visits, prescriptions and even school attendance, it cannot see clearly what happens in GP clinics – where most healthcare occurs. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Medicines Amendment Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
This report highlights the economic benefits of investing in general practice, finding significant potential to ease pressure on hospitals and improve patient care. The Heart of Healthcare: Renewing New Zealand's Primary Care System examines the economic case for strengthening GP services, as Health Minister Simeon Brown recently announced initiatives to address GP shortages. Read more
Wellington (Wednesday, 22 July 2026) – Two weeks ago, New Zealand by Numbers asked whether New Zealand was improving. A new report from The New Zealand Initiative asks a harder question: is it keeping up? Read more
Wellington (Wednesday, 8 July 2026) – Is New Zealand a country in decline or a quiet success story? A new report from The New Zealand Initiative argues it is neither. Read more
Small countries in a big world can choose to be nimble or they can choose to be stupid. When it comes to medicines, New Zealand has chosen the second path. Read more
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) exists to mend people. If you are hurt in an accident, the scheme pays for your care and some of your lost wages. Read more
In this episode, Jamuel talks with Oliver Hartwich about his report Half a Turnaround, which examines how ACC's outstanding claims liability more than doubled over a decade as more injured New Zealanders became stuck on long-term support. Oliver argues that ACC has halted the financial deterioration through tighter claim decisions, not yet through proven gains in rehabilitation, and sets out reforms including a 28-day rehabilitation guarantee to restore the scheme's original promise of getting injured people back to work. Read more
