Health NZ has released their Scorecards for April-June 2025, and while there are some encouraging trends it is clear that the hospital service we receive depends on where we live. Post Code Health is still alive unfortunately. Only with targeted funding, resources, and greater support for primary care will we see the situation improve.
The June 2025 target goal for 62% of patients wait less than 4 months for a first specialist appointment was achieved by only 55% of the DHB districts. The poorest 25% in achieving this target were Taranaki, Nelson-Marlborough, Southern, and Canterbury. High performers were Lakes, South Canterbury, MidCentral & Whanganui.
For waits of less than 4 months for elective surgery, the target was 63% for June 2025, and 30% failed to meet this target – Taranaki, Counties-Manukau, Auckland, Southern, Northland and Hutt Valley. Really tough for those living in Taranaki, and Southern where there were high barriers to seeing a specialist, and a prolonged delay for elective surgery.
There was pleasing progress for achieving faster cancer treatment with the June 2025 goal of 86% of patients receiving therapy within 31 days of decision to treat being achieved by 62% of the regions. Pleasingly Waikato, Tairawhiti & Bay of Plenty already meeting the 2030 goal of 90% of patients treated within 31 days. Counties Manukau, Canterbury, Hawkes Bay, Capital & Coast, and Lakes were the bottom 25%, all failing to meet the 2025 goal.
The June 2025 target for 74% of patients admitted, discharged or transferred from A&E was achieved by 60% of regions. With West Coast, Tairawhiti, Northland & South Canterbury being the best performers. The bottom 25% that failed to achieve the goal were Capital & Coast, MidCentral, Counties Manukau, Hutt Valley, and Waikato
To see the nationwide scores go to https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/assets/Corporate-information/Planning-and-performance/Health-targets/Quarter-4-2024-25/Health-targets-Factsheets.pdf
