Health New Zealand will provide a $12 million funding increase to hospices for palliative care services in 2026/27.
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced the increase following a review Health New Zealand carried out in collaboration with Hospice New Zealand and individual hospice providers. The review identified considerable differences in how much funding hospices receive, the models they use to deliver services, and what services they offer across the country.
Government funding currently covers around 64% of total hospice costs nationwide, with the sector raising the remaining 36%. But support for individual hospices ranges from 22% to 91%.
The allocation will be more closely aligned with need while ensuring every hospice receives a baseline increase, according to the announcement. The uplift was informed by information hospices provided through Hospice New Zealand.
Brown said ensuring people receive quality, compassionate end-of-life palliative care is "deeply important" to him.
Thousands of New Zealanders and their families use hospice care each year.