New Zealand's health tech sector grows to $3.7 billion industry

NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth 

New Zealand's health tech sector has grown into the country's second-largest tech sub-sector, now valued at over $3.7 billion and growing by eight percent a year, says associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey.

Speaking at the Digital Health Festival in Melbourne, the Minister said the government was “committed to driving transformative and innovative ideas across the health sector and modernising our systems, services and digital infrastructure to ensure we are keeping pace with the latest developments.

"We know that technological advances in emerging technologies such as AI and genomics, based on high-quality patient-centred data, create opportunities to make care more accessible, more efficient and more cost-effective, while reducing pressures on the workforce," he said.

The Minister told attendees that technology has become New Zealand's third-largest export, behind only dairy and tourism, and the government is prioritising the sector, with changes to the science, innovation, and technology system.

"This includes creating four future-facing public research organisations that will focus on accelerating research and innovative excellence," he said. 

Doocey, who is also Minister for Mental Health, told the festival that health tech has become a major player in the overall growth of New Zealand’s tech sector and the sector is expanding by more than 8 percent each year.

“In the last 20 years, our health tech industry has transformed into a multi-billion dollar business that is highly respected worldwide,” he said.

He added that the best technology often comes from collaboration, and talked about Kiwi companies teaming up with Australian healthcare providers to enhance workforce management and patient care.

“New Zealand's stable business environment, connected ecosystem, and global outlook make us great partners in this respect,” he said.

Doocey also talked about New Zealand exploring AI-powered navigation services to help Kiwis access mental health support more easily, as surveys show a big gap in care.

"I could input that I am Matt, 53, living in a small rural town called Rangiora in North Canterbury and I deal with anxiety and depression. The navigation service would then show me available options and even book me in,” he explained.

“Harnessing digital tools, including AI, has the potential to make a significant difference to improving access to services across the health system.”

Read more about the Minister’s plans for a Digital Mental Health Hub in eHealthNews.

Image: Minister Doocey speaking at the Digital Health Festival on May 13, 2025

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