The government has announced a $35 million funding package over four years aimed at strengthening New Zealand's ambulance services, with new Auckland hubs, upgraded technology and additional frontline support planned as part of Budget 2026.
By elocal Health Desk: Source RNZ Health Correspondent Kate Green
The announcement was made in Auckland by Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, who said the investment is designed to improve response capability while helping ambulance services meet growing demand across the country.
What's Included In The Funding Package?
According to the announcement, funding will go toward:
- Establishment of two new Auckland ambulance hubs, with one confirmed for South Auckland
- Introduction of an electronic Patient Clinical Record system allowing real-time information sharing
- Additional training support for ambulance communications staff
- Increased clinical welfare checks for patients
The electronic record system is intended to improve coordination between ambulance services and wider healthcare providers by allowing faster access to patient information.
Additional Funding Still To Come
The $35 million package sits alongside separate negotiations between Health New Zealand and ACC regarding broader road ambulance funding requirements.
The wider package is expected to include:
- Additional frontline ambulance crews
- More 111 call handlers
- Recruitment and retention support for volunteers, particularly in rural areas
- Expanded clinical telephone support services to reduce unnecessary emergency responses
Costello said the enhanced clinical hub would allow more patients to receive advice and treatment support without necessarily requiring an ambulance dispatch.
Rising Demand Driving The Changes
Ambulance demand is expected to continue climbing significantly.
According to Costello:
"Emergency ambulance demand is expected to increase by 95,000 incidents over the next four years, to an estimated 735,000 incidents."
The government estimates that the investment could reduce avoidable emergency department transports by approximately 23,000 cases annually by 2029/30.
Ambulance Hubs Described As A "Game Changer"
Speaking on Midday Report, Costello described the Auckland hubs as a major operational improvement.
"It's about having a base where the ambulances can be stopped, can be cleaned, maintained, and then sent out to work."
She said local ambulance stations would remain while administrative and logistical functions become more centralised.
Union Calls Funding A "Band-Aid Fix"
Not everyone believes the announcement goes far enough.
Workers First Union national ambulance organiser Faye McCann welcomed the additional funding but described the package as a temporary measure.
"We're just in this continuous cycle of needing top-ups from the government for the ambulance service."
McCann argued ambulance services should receive full government funding rather than continuing to rely on ongoing supplementary support.
The report released by Workers First Union also highlighted:
- Wage differences between New Zealand and Australia
- Declining donations to St John
- Pressures linked to fuel costs and operational expenses
Debate Continues Around Long-Term Funding
Green Party and Labour representatives also welcomed additional investment but questioned whether the system's current structure remains sustainable.
Concerns were raised around continued dependence on charitable funding and patient charges to support essential emergency services.
Looking Ahead
Since 2023, Health New Zealand and ACC have already provided an additional $77.7 million for road ambulance services, bringing overall funding to approximately $452 million for the 2025/26 financial year.
As emergency demand continues rising and pressure on healthcare services increases, the latest Budget investment signals a focus on expanding frontline capability.
Whether the package represents a long-term solution or simply another step in an ongoing funding cycle is likely to remain part of the wider discussion.