Hospice services across New Zealand will receive additional funding to support high-quality palliative care and improve access for patients and families during critical stages of life.
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that Health New Zealand will provide a $12 million funding increase to hospices for the 2026/27 period. The investment aims to strengthen services, address funding differences, and ensure communities can access compassionate end-of-life care when needed.
The funding follows a review of hospice services carried out by Health New Zealand in partnership with Hospice New Zealand and local hospices. The review identified differences in funding levels, service models, and the availability of care across the country.
Currently, government funding covers a significant portion of hospice service costs, while the remaining costs are supported by the hospice sector. However, funding levels vary widely between individual providers, creating challenges in maintaining consistent access to specialist palliative care.
The new funding approach will provide every hospice with a baseline increase while directing additional support based on community needs. This will help create a more balanced system and strengthen the delivery of specialist care nationwide.
The investment also builds on broader efforts to improve palliative care services, including additional funding announced to establish a nationally consistent specialist paediatric palliative care service across New Zealand.
The Government said the combined investments will help hospices continue providing essential support to patients and their families. The funding also recognizes the contribution of hospice workers and volunteers who deliver compassionate care during some of the most challenging moments in people’s lives.
