Health Funding Analysis Ahead of Budget 2026
By Dr Jackie Cumming and Dr Bill Rosenberg
New analysis examining the level of funding likely to be required to maintain New Zealand’s public health system under current pressures.
Kaitiaki Hauora has released a new analysis ahead of Budget 2026 examining the level of funding likely to be required to maintain New Zealand’s public health system in the face of rising demand, workforce shortages and ongoing access pressures.
Written by Dr Jackie Cumming and Dr Bill Rosenberg, the report explores health spending trends, demographic and cost pressures, international comparisons, unmet need, and what current funding settings are likely to mean in practice.
The analysis argues that while headline funding increases may appear substantial, much of the projected spending is likely to go toward keeping pace with existing pressures rather than significantly improving services or reducing inequities.
What’s in the report
how much is needed to meet cost and demographic pressures
health funding pressures
workforce shortages
unmet need and access to care
primary care pressures
OECD comparisons
what current funding levels are likely to mean in practice
For media enquiries or interview requests, contact media@kaitiakihauora.nz
Media coverage
The report has already generated national discussion around health funding, system pressures and what Budget 2026 is likely to mean in practice.
RNZ
RNZ’s coverage focused on Kaitiaki Hauora’s analysis showing that around $1.405 billion in additional health funding is needed in Budget 2026 just to maintain current levels of service. The story also explored how New Zealand compares internationally on health spending, and included commentary from health economists and policy experts on workforce pressures, primary care investment and long-term system sustainability.
Read the coverage here
RNZ also featured Kaitiaki Hauora’s Budget 2026 funding analysis in radio news bulletins throughout the day, highlighting concerns that the planned health funding increase may do little more than maintain existing services. The coverage focused on growing system pressures, international health spending comparisons and warnings that ongoing underinvestment is continuing to affect access to care across the country.
NZ Doctor
NZ Doctor’s coverage examined Kaitiaki Hauora’s warning that the projected $1.37 billion increase in health funding is unlikely to keep pace with rising costs, population growth and healthcare demand. The story also highlighted wider funding gaps across primary care, hauora Māori, workforce capacity and dental health, alongside concerns that underinvestment is placing increasing pressure on frontline services and access to care.
NZ Doctor is an industry title for subscribers. If you are a member, you can read the story here.
Pharmacy Today
Pharmacy Today covered Kaitiaki Hauora’s analysis of Budget 2026 health funding pressures, including concerns that the planned funding increase will largely be absorbed by inflation, workforce costs and growing demand across the health system. The coverage also explored the downstream impact underfunding is having on primary care, prevention services and equitable access to healthcare.
Pharmacy Today is an industry title for subscribers. If you are a member, you can read the story here.
Big Hairy News Podcast
The report was also discussed on Big Hairy News, where hosts Pat and Chewie were joined by Dr David Galler and Dr Bill Rosenberg for an in-depth conversation about the findings. The livestream unpacked the key funding gaps, healthcare priorities and what the Budget 2026 numbers are likely to mean in practice, with more than 500 viewers actively engaging in the live chat discussion.
