ADVOCACY

Allied Health: The Heart of a Thriving Health System 

New Zealanders deserve a health system that does not just respond to illness, but actively supports wellness. Currently, our system is under pressure, and many people are waiting too long for the care and support they need. We believe much of this pressure is preventable. 

Every New Zealander deserves timely access to the right health care in their own community. 

To achieve this, allied health must be recognised and embedded as an essential part of tier 1 community and primary services—not an optional add-on. 

Allied health professionals are trained and ready to ease pressure on the GP workforce while improving outcomes and patient experience. As our population grows and ages, the health system must shift from treating illness to actively keeping people well, with allied health funded as a frontline prevention workforce delivering health promotion, early intervention, and rehabilitation. 

To plan effectively, allied health must also be visible in national health data and workforce planning. And above all, access to care must not be a postcode lottery—New Zealand’s 30,000-strong allied health workforce can help deliver equitable, locally grounded services, but only if resourced to reach those currently missing out.

To read the four priorities AHANZ proposes to achieve this click below to download the documents.

2023

2023

December 2021

June 2021

June 2018

May 2018

April 2018

April 2018

May 2017

January 2017

May 2016

December 2015

April 2016