Healthpoint & Whakarongorau Aotearoa formalise partnership to support health navigation and access

SECTOR UPDATE - Healthpoint & Whakarongorau Aotearoa

Healthpoint and Whakarongorau Aotearoa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising a long-standing relationship that sets a shared direction for how the two organisations will continue to supportnwhānau to find the right care, at the right time, in an increasingly complex health system.

The MoU reflects more than a decade of collaboration across national telehealth, after-hours care, mental health, sexual harm services, and crisis response. It provides a clear framework for how Healthpoint and Whakarongorau will work together - not as owners of pathways, but as trusted stewards within a wider health and social services ecosystem, supporting access, navigation, and trusted information across the system.

Healthpoint Chief Executive Officer Kate Rhind says this formalised partnership will help to strengthen triage and navigation across all health and social services.

“Sometimes, systems become harder to navigate as new services and tools are added. This partnership is
intentionally working toward the opposite future.

“As services change and new ways of accessing care emerge, we will not lose sight of the human relationships at the centre of care. We want people to encounter clearer information, fewer obstacles, and less repetition. Navigation is never static. And it’s there to improve access not just for those who already know how the system works, but especially for people who have historically faced barriers.

“Whether someone starts with a google search that points them to a phone call to Healthline about an unwell tamaiti, a text for help to a 1737 counsellor, or a webchat, they are supported by a system that is increasingly joined-up,” says Ms Rhind.

At a time when health system integration and trusted navigation are increasingly critical, this agreement provides clarity and continuity for partners across the sector.

Whakarongorau Aotearoa Chief Executive Officer Glynis Sandland says the MoU is a moment to honour what has already been built, and a commitment to strengthening the relationship with intent.

“Together, we are focused on providing equitable access, supporting trusted navigation, and ensuring whānau can move through the health system with confidence, dignity, and trust.

“Healthline and Whakarongorau support millions of interactions each year. Our services are designed to help people from first contact, seamlessly through to trusted local care when required, in a way that fits their needs and their circumstances easily and safely — without being left to navigate complex pathways on their own.

“Wherever people begin, together with Healthpoint, we’re continuously improving a health system that grows with their needs,” she says.

At the heart of the partnership is a values-led approach for equity, cultural safety, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognising that whānau experience the health system in different ways and that access must be designed to meet people where they are. Both organisations act as trusted kaitiaki, holding information and relationships with care, independence, and integrity, and enabling collaboration across government, community, iwi and sector partners.

The MoU recognises that any door is the right door - whether people seek support through telehealth, digital tools, community services, or frontline providers. Healthpoint and Whakarongorau will continue to support a diverse ecosystem of providers, technologies, and partners, prioritising interoperability, openness, and choice, and ensuring navigation pathways remain open, adaptable, and responsive to local and national needs.

It creates space for ongoing discovery, reflection, and responsible innovation across health and social services, informed by real-world delivery and system insight.

The partnership complements existing operational and contractual arrangements and provides a shared
foundation for future collaboration that supports public sector priorities, community-and wellness-led models of care, and a resilient, connected health ecosystem that can continue to evolve alongside the needs of whānau.

Source: Healthpoint & Whakarongorau Aotearoa media release

Sector updates are provided by organisations to eHealthNews.nz and have not necessarily been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the organisation issuing the release.

Do you have an item to add to sector updates?

Email your information to us at updates@hinz.org.nz

Return to eHealthNews.nz home page