The Aged Care Association has today launched The Long Drive, a nationwide campaign highlighting what happens when the care an older New Zealander needs is not available close to home, as years of inadequate funding and planning have left many communities without the aged care services they need.

The campaign is informed by real experiences from New Zealand families and aims to bring the human consequences of inequitable aged care access to the forefront of the election conversation.

Aged Care Association data shows 27 aged residential care facilities have closed between 2021 and 2026, representing approximately 1,120 beds lost across the country. More than half of New Zealand's general electorates have no long-stay psychogeriatric beds, and under the Ministerial Advisory Group report’s “do nothing” Scenario A, the national shortfall in residential care capacity is projected to reach 9,360 bed years by 2037/38.

Aged Care Association Chief Executive Hon Tracey Martin says The Long Drive puts a human face on what can otherwise sound like a system or funding issue.

"When someone moves into aged care, the address may change, but their right to care, dignity and connection should not. The Long Drive brings to life the reality too many families face: travelling long distances to spend time with a husband, wife, parent or grandparent because suitable care is not available close to home.

"No family should have to drive for hours because there is no appropriate care available in their own community," says Martin.

One West Coast family involved in the campaign knows that reality well.

After caring for his wife at home for as long as he could, a Hokitika man faced the difficult decision to move her into secure dementia care as her Alzheimer's disease progressed.

With no appropriate secure dementia care available in Hokitika, she moved to a facility in Westport. The couple had been married for almost 60 years, and for her husband, staying connected meant making the 240-kilometre return journey twice a week to visit her. The fatigue took its toll and, over time, safety concerns on the road meant he had to reduce his visits.

A family member says the experience was not about choosing a preferred facility, but finding somewhere able to provide the care his mother needed.

"It wasn't about choosing where Mum would go. There really wasn't a choice. If she needed that level of care, Westport was where she had to go."

Martin says stories like this show why aged care access must be looked at through the eyes of older people and their families.

“This isn't about families preferring one facility over another. It is about whether the care their mother, father, husband or wife actually needs exists anywhere near where they live.

“Having care somewhere in the system is not the same as having the right care available in your community. 

“We also need to remember who is being asked to make these journeys. Often it is another older person, a husband or wife trying to stay connected to the person they have shared their life with.”

Report reinforces need for action
The campaign follows the recent release of the Ministerial Advisory Group report, A place to grow old: Securing the future of aged care, which recommended major reform of New Zealand's aged care system.

The report reinforces that aged care is under significant pressure, with growing demand, bed shortages, service closures, financial pressure, workforce constraints and carers under strain.

Martin says the report adds further weight to the Aged Care Association's longstanding message that aged care cannot be treated separately from the wider health system.

"Aged care is health care. When appropriate aged care is not available, the pressure does not disappear. It is carried by older people and their families, and it flows into hospitals and other parts of the health system.

"We need a sustainable system that provides the right mix of care in the right places, whether that is residential care, dementia care, psychogeriatric care, respite, recovery support or end-of-life care. Every New Zealander deserves the right care, in the right place, at the right time."

Aged care must be an election issue
With the 2026 General Election approaching, the Aged Care Association is calling on all political parties to set out how they will protect access to quality aged care close to home.

The Long Drive campaign will share real stories from New Zealand families and provide information about publicly available party positions on aged care.

Martin says the question for every candidate is simple.

"What will you do to ensure older people in your electorate can access aged care close to home?

"This is not about telling people who to vote for. It is about making aged care an election issue and asking every political party to be clear about how it will support older New Zealanders, their families and the communities they live in."

Source: Aged Care Association media release

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Enhancing the hospital care of tamariki with autism, a significant decarbonisation investment, a transformational health & safety programme, and a lifetime of dedicated service.

These were some of the achievements recognised at a Gala Awards Dinner held at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland tonight, in conjunction with the annual New Zealand Private Surgical Hospital Association Conference.

NZPSHA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says the new Awards programme was introduced this year to celebrate outstanding achievements.

“Our sector is highly innovative and constantly striving to find ways to do things better and deliver great patient care. And we have some incredibly dedicated individuals working in our hospitals and clinics.

“The quality of entries was extremely high and in one category, our judges couldn’t separate the top two, so we have joint winners.”

The 2026 Award winners are:

Cubro Innovation Award
Boulcott Hospital  Hutt Valley   A centralised intelligence platform
Facing severe patient flow bottlenecks, outdated paper-based workflows, and siloed data systems, Boulcott Hospital identified a critical need to modernize its operations ahead of a major expansion. The hospital integrated its previously disconnected patient, staffing, and financial management systems into a single, centralized intelligence platform. The initiative used  innovative data entry and data storage techniques, improved and added staff rostering resources, and established precise KPIs around theatre utilization, patient flow, and workforce efficiency. This innovation has transformed how Boulcott Hospital operates, governs, and plans.

Capes Medical Sustainability Award
St George’s Hospital Christchurch     Replacing LPG-fired boilers
By displacing LPG-fired boilers with an electric steam boiler and two electric hot water boilers, St George’s Hospital has achieved independently verified emissions reductions of up to 905 tCO₂ annually while maintaining uninterrupted delivery of critical clinical services. The initiative combined technical innovation with practical implementation in a complex, live healthcare environment. It has delivered measurable economic benefit, with approximately $375,000 in annual energy savings, confirming the commercial viability of sustainability investment.

UniMed Employer of Choice Award  Joint winners
Mercy Hospital Dunedin         Leadership in Action
Mercy took a courageous approach to leadership development by using employee feedback to shape its leadership capability programme. Drawing on engagement data, employee feedback, organisational insights and leadership observations, a bespoke leadership programme was designed and delivered, focused on the leadership behaviours employees identified as most important, including approachability, communication and coaching. Rather than adopting an off the shelf solution, the programme was tailored to lived experiences of Mercy employees as well as the hospital’s unique culture, values and strategic priorities.

Southern Cross Healthcare     A transformed leadership and learning approach
Southern Cross Healthcare’s 10-year strategic plan acknowledges that exceptional patient outcomes require a strong, capable workforce. An opportunity was seen to strengthen leadership capability and create a more consistent, connected approach to learning and development across the network. The transformed leadership and learning approach has delivered: More capable and confident leaders, higher participation in learning and improved staff engagement. Most importantly, fostering a culture where people feel supported to learn and improve every day, strengthening the consistency and quality of care delivered.

Logiqc Safety Culture Award
Braemar Hospital Hamilton      Evidence-based leadership programme
Braemar designed and delivered a structured, evidence-based leadership programme grounded in both the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Root Cause Analyses and Actions (RCA²) methodology and the Health Quality & Safety Commission's Learning from Harm framework. This programme equipped leaders to shift the frame from finding fault, to learning and system thinking. This resulted in leaders who model psychologically safe culture, acting with compassion when reviewing adverse events. Braemar Hospital has made measurable, lasting change in how they learn from harm.

Complicity Patient Experience Award       
Grace Hospital Tauranga         Enhancing the care of Tamariki with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The project has directly improved the care of vulnerable tamariki with Takiwātanga (autism) and demonstrates a commitment to patient and whānau experience. Kāwanatanga – a Tamariki plan of care was co-designed directly with whānau. Tino rangatiratanga – forming relationships and working together with patients and whanau. Oritetanga - personalised contact ensuring understanding and equity of outcomes. And Wairuatanga –working together with whānau to form a plan of care specific to the needs of their tamariki and fully recognising the interconnectedness of Te Whare Tapa Whā.

Hardy Group Emerging Leader Award
Emma Ladley Forte Health Christchurch
Theatre Team Leader and Clinical Nurse Specialist, Emma has more than six years' experience in the perioperative environment, specialising in orthopaedics. She has rapidly progressed into senior roles including team leader, theatre coordinator and clinical educator. Emma is known for her proactive engagement with her team, clear communication style, and commitment to continuous improvement—ensuring her team is well-informed, supported and equipped to deliver excellent patient care. With a Master's in Health Practice and experience as Chair of the Perioperative Nurses College of the NZNO, Emma represents an outstanding emerging leader with strong potential to influence the future of perioperative nursing.

Multigate NZ Healthcare Champion Award
Julie Hedley Southern Cross Healthcare
National Education Lead – Clinical Engagement at Southern Cross Healthcare, Julie makes a sustained and exceptional contribution to nursing, workforce development, and patient care across Aotearoa New Zealand. Over nearly two decades, she has led the national delivery of critical programmes including the Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP) and Nurse Entry to Practice Programme (NETP), strengthening clinical capability across an 18-hospital network. Her work supports thousands of nurses and sustains a national PDRP community of nearly 100 assessors, ensuring consistent, high-quality professional standards. She also oversees major investment in workforce development, enabling widespread access to tertiary education and professional growth. Julie's legacy is enduring and sector-wide.

Nib Lifetime Achievement Award
Nicky Van Praagh Anglesea Hospital Hamilton
A 40-year career defined by exceptional leadership, integrity, and lasting impact on healthcare delivery. As founding General Manager of Anglesea Hospital, Nicky led its transformation from a small day surgery unit into a highly respected private hospital, renowned for patient-centred care, clinical excellence, and a deeply supportive culture. She has combined strategic vision with humble, values-driven leadership. Beyond her organisation, Nicky has strengthened the wider health sector through mentorship, voluntary advisory support, and workforce development initiatives. Widely respected for her quiet capability and lack of ego, she creates environments where people feel valued and empowered to excel. Her legacy is reflected not only in organisational success, but in the trust, collaboration, and compassion she has inspired across the healthcare community.

All of the winners received a $1,000 cash prize to celebrate their achievements with their colleagues.

Source: New Zealand Private Surgical Hospital Association media release

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Valentia Technologies New Zealand Limited plans to create 35 new high-value technology jobs in Hamilton. The expansion will make the city a key centre for the company's next generation of AI and digital healthcare solutions for the Asia-Pacific region.

It follows the successful deployment of Valentia's healthcare technology across oncology, patient engagement, primary care, telehealth and emergency medical services. That work includes the Maha/Raurau oncology system and the OctansCare patient engagement platform. The new roles will form part of Valentia's Asia-Pacific Centre of Development in Hamilton. From Hamilton, the team will build and implement secure, cloud-based AI solutions for healthcare organisations across New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific.

Investing in New Zealand

Valentia has been developing healthcare technology in New Zealand for over 10 years. The new positions will span AI, software engineering, cloud technologies, healthcare informatics, product development and quality assurance. They reinforce the company's commitment to supporting advanced healthcare technology development in New Zealand.

Expanding AI Across Healthcare and Well-being

Healthcare organisations will remain a primary focus. Building on OctansCare, Valentia will also develop AI-powered tools for personalised health management, wellbeing, nutrition and fitness, connected to appropriate healthcare services. Valentia also plans to partner with healthcare, technology and specialist organisations to further develop and deploy its VIVASTA connected continuity-of-care platform.

Dr. Ahmad Javad, Chief Executive of Valentia Technologies, said:

"New Zealand has been an important part of our technology journey for over a decade. We have built products for this market, employed highly skilled people here and worked closely with the health sector, from primary and community care, cancer care through Maha/Raurau to patient engagement through OctansCare.

"Creating 35 jobs in Hamilton reflects our confidence in New Zealand's technology capability. We want to develop the next generation of AI-enabled healthcare solutions here and take that innovation into the wider Asia-Pacific. Our objective is not simply to develop individual AI tools, but to create an ecosystem that supports continuity of care, connecting healthcare organisations, clinicians, consumers and complementary services around the individual."

New Zealand Innovation for the Asia-Pacific

The Hamilton centre positions New Zealand not simply as a market for Valentia's products, but as a base for creating and exporting digital health innovation across the region.

Source: Valentia Technologies media release

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A digital assistant designed to reduce administrative burden in primary care has helped general practices across Aotearoa recover more than $500,000 in previously unclaimed ACC funding, delivering a significant financial boost to practices at a time of increasing cost pressures.

Developed by Health Accelerator, the national primary care innovation hub, the tool acts as an automated auditor within practice management systems. It identifies eligible ACC consultations that have not been billed within ACC's 12-month claiming period and automatically prepares the claims for submission on behalf of participating practices.

Since reaching its first milestone of $180,000 in recovered funding in late 2025, the digital assistant has more than doubled its impact. The Indici practices currently using the tool have now recovered more than half a million dollars that may otherwise have remained unclaimed.

On average, participating practices have recovered unclaimed funding, providing additional revenue that can be reinvested into patient care, workforce support and practice operations.

Paul Roseman, Chief Executive at Health Accelerator, says: “The result demonstrates the value of practical innovation that solves everyday challenges for busy primary care teams. General practice teams are under enormous pressure and every dollar counts!

“Clinicians and administrators don't have the time to manually sift through thousands of patient records to identify missed funding opportunities. The ACC ‘robot’ does that work automatically, helping practices receive the funding they're entitled to for the care they've already provided,” continues Roseman.

Bindi Norwell, Co-Chair at Health Accelerator says: "Recovering more than half a million dollars across participating practices shows what's possible when we use technology to remove administrative friction. Rather than spending time chasing paperwork, practices can focus on caring for patients and strengthening their services.

"Importantly, this isn't about doing more work. It's about making sure practices are properly compensated for the work they're already doing," conclude Norwell.

The tool is part of Health Accelerator's broader programme to identify and scale solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability and outcomes across primary care.

More information about the digital assistant is available at: https://www.healthaccelerator.co.nz/digital-assistant-case-study

Source: Health Accelerator media release

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AI scribes are moving from hype to reality. But what actually helps adoption in allied health, and what gets in the way?

Join STAH Digital on 16 September at 12:00pm NZST for a practical discussion with international experts exploring their research into benefits realisation and adoption barriers of implementing clinical scribes in allied health.

About our experts:

Dr Rachel Wenke is the Director of Allied Health Research at Gold Coast Health and Adjunct Associate Professor at Griffith University. Rachel has led significant research into the benefits realisation of clinical scribing in allied health, including the factors that support or hinder successful adoption. Alongside her research career, she has nearly 20 years' experience as a Speech Pathologist.

Dominic Wall is a pharmacist and health informaticist leading AI Medical Scribe implementation at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service. Dominic brings practical insights from the front line of implementation, including the challenges, opportunities and considerations involved in introducing AI scribes into clinical practice.

Whether you're exploring AI scribes or already on the journey, join us to learn what works, what doesn't, and what comes next.

Source: STAH Digital media release

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The 2026 HL7 New Zealand Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 19th August at 3:00pm virtually via ZOOM.  

Annual Reports from the Chairman and Treasurer, presented to the Meeting, can be found in the minutes.

At the meeting, the following members were elected to the Board:

John Carter
Peter Jordan
Prashanth Koval
Kyle Martin
Daniel Thomson
Matthew Valentine.

At the first meeting of the new Board, held directly afterwards, the following officers were unanimously re-elected for two-year terms up to the 2028 AGM: John Carter (Chair) and Peter Jordan (Secretary). 

Peter Sergent (Vice-Chair) and David Moorhouse (Treasurer) will continue in their roles up to the 2027 AGM, having been elected to serve two-year terms directly following the 2025 AGM.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the 2026 Digital Health Week Conference in Auckland on November 18-19 and we are planning to co-host a Standards Workshop with HISO, also in Auckland, on November 17.
 
Ngā mihi
 
Executive Board - HL7 New Zealand

Source: HL7NZ media release

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Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Telstra Health has received the 2026 APAC Company of the Year Recognition in the native healthcare enterprise interoperability platforms industry for its outstanding achievements in healthcare interoperability, digital health transformation, and customer-focused innovation. The recognition highlights the company's ability to deliver secure, standards-based interoperability solutions that strengthen care coordination, improve clinical workflows, and enable connected healthcare ecosystems across Asia-Pacific.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Telstra Health excelled in both by aligning its long-term strategy with the evolving needs of healthcare organisations while consistently delivering scalable, clinically driven interoperability solutions that support better patient outcomes.

"Telstra Health has established a differentiated position in the APAC healthcare interoperability market by combining standards-based innovation with a clinician-led development model that ensures technology aligns with real-world healthcare delivery. Its phased implementation approach, FHIR-native architecture, and commitment to secure, connected care enable healthcare organisations to modernise with confidence while building a strong foundation for future digital transformation," said Sowmya Srinath, Director at Frost & Sullivan.

Guided by a long-term strategy centred on digital health transformation, healthcare interoperability, and strategic collaboration, Telstra Health continues to help health and care organisations modernise information exchange while preserving existing technology investments. This commitment extends beyond individual implementations, supporting the broader advancement of connected healthcare across Asia Pacific and beyond. 

At the centre of this approach is Telstra Health Corus™, the company’s connected care ecosystem. Its interoperability foundation, Corus iX™, uses Smile Digital Health’s FHIR-native platform, OmniVera HDP. Together, they provide a standards-based enterprise interoperability and workflow orchestration platform that enables trusted, governed health information to follow patients seamlessly across the care continuum. 

Innovation remains central to Telstra Health's approach. Corus iX™ delivers a FHIR-native interoperability layer, connecting hospitals, primary care providers, aged care organisations, pathology providers, public health agencies, and digital health applications through a single governed platform. Embedded consent, audit, privacy and compliance controls enable trusted healthcare information to be shared securely across care settings. 

By replacing fragmented point-to-point integrations with standardised information exchange, Corus iX™ reduces complexity, improves consistency and establishes the trusted data foundation that enables secure, scalable, and clinically meaningful data sharing while supporting AI-enabled healthcare, predictive analytics, and future digital innovation.

"We are honoured to receive this recognition in APAC. However, what makes it particularly meaningful is that it acknowledges the work being done to solve a challenge shared by health systems around the world: how to connect information, people and services in ways that deliver better health outcomes for everyone. At its heart, connected care is about ensuring that no one needs to tell their story more than once, and that clinicians have access to the right information when and where they need it,” said Elizabeth Koff AM, Managing Director, Telstra Health. 

Koff continues, “The future of digital health is not about adding more technology to already complex systems. It is about creating intelligent, connected foundations that reduce complexity, strengthen collaboration and turn information into meaningful action. Corus iX™ is helping health and care organisations do exactly that by bringing data and insights into workflows to support safer, more informed and sustainable care for all of us.”

Telstra Health's commitment to long-term customer partnerships further reinforces its market leadership. The company works closely with healthcare organisations throughout implementation and platform evolution, embedding clinical expertise into product development through multidisciplinary teams and continuous customer collaboration. Its phased deployment methodology reduces implementation risk while enabling organisations to realise measurable value early, creating a scalable foundation for connected care.

Frost & Sullivan commends Telstra Health for setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and market responsiveness. The company's clinician-led innovation, standards-based interoperability expertise, and sustained investment in future-ready digital health infrastructure are helping shape the future of healthcare interoperability across Asia Pacific and beyond.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honour companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organisations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.

Contact us: Start the discussion.

Source: Telstra Health media release

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Last month, Tamanu EMR went live across all inpatient wards and departments at Samoa's Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) in a single day. It was the largest single-day digital health go-live in the Pacific this year, and the result of twelve months of preparation.

For readers, the interesting part isn't the ‘flip the switch’ moment, it's the model behind it. In lower-resourced settings, the well-resourced go-live approach, with dedicated project offices, months of parallel running and considerable budgets - simply doesn't apply. Achieving a safe, complete transition to digital records across a 200-bed tertiary hospital happens with a fraction of the resource. But lower-resourced does not mean lower-standard. It means different, and it means smarter. 

In the week before go-live, BES staff and Samoa's own Change Champions worked ward by ward in high-vis vests, testing equipment and fielding questions, backed by control rooms on-site and in Suva running around the clock. After a final walk-through the night before, Tamanu switched on across all 19 wards at 6am on the 13th of July. 

The staff who mattered most weren't the most technically credentialed; they understood what it means to run a busy ward with a shared laptop between three nurses and intermittent power as the norm. Placing people with that lived experience alongside local teams changes a go-live entirely.

Samoa’s Ministry of Health IT and Health Information teams led the project throughout, with BES providing technical support. From go-live, every incoming patient at TTM now has a fully digital experience, all clinical data running through Tamanu, making huge strides in providing continuity of care.

TTM is now the sixth national (and second largest)  hospital in the Pacific to run Tamanu across all departments, part of a regional effort spanning New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and Samoa, building a peer network that can eventually work independently of BES. The data backs it: since 2021, Tamanu has recorded 1.2 million encounters and 4.6 million clinical events across Samoa, with 74,000 patients now having encounters logged across multiple facilities, demonstrating real longitudinal, connected care that supports a people-centred approach to health service delivery.

Delivered with support from DFAT's Partnerships for a Healthy Region, the World Bank Group, and Palladium's Tautua Human Development for All Program.

Source: BES International media release

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Awanui Group has launched Awanui Horizon, a dedicated innovation, research and test development programme designed to accelerate the development of new diagnostic solutions, research partnerships and healthcare innovations that improve patient outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.

As New Zealand’s largest community pathology laboratory network, Awanui serves clinicians, healthcare providers and patients nationwide. Horizon has been established to provide a structured pathway for identifying, evaluating and scaling opportunities that strengthen pathology services and support the future of healthcare delivery.

The initiative brings together innovation, research and test development activities under a single framework, enabling clinicians, researchers, industry partners and Awanui teams to advance ideas with the potential to deliver meaningful clinical and operational impact.

“Awanui Horizon creates a structured way for great ideas to become real-world outcomes,” said Heather Phillips, Chief Strategy Officer at Awanui Group.

“Horizon gives innovation a home, ensuring opportunities are assessed consistently, supported rigorously and aligned to the strategic priorities of the organisation. Our goal is to connect science, research, technology and clinical expertise in ways that improve healthcare outcomes for New Zealanders.”

Supporting better patient outcomes

The launch comes at a time when healthcare systems are increasingly focused on earlier diagnosis, improved patient access and more efficient delivery of services.

Through Horizon, Awanui will focus on opportunities that:

• Advance clinically validated diagnostic tests that address unmet healthcare needs.
• Improve patient experiences through faster results and less invasive sampling approaches.
• Support healthcare innovation through research, collaboration and evidence-based development.
• Deliver measurable value through improved efficiency, new service opportunities and strengthened sector capability.
  

Three core areas of focus

Awanui Horizon will operate across three key streams:

New Tests and Diagnostic Products
Development of innovative diagnostic tests, sample collection methods and testing solutions that help address emerging healthcare needs.

Research and Strategic Partnerships
Collaboration with research institutions, healthcare providers, universities and industry partners to support scientific discovery, innovation and research-led healthcare improvements.

New Processes, Systems and Technology
Identification and development of improved workflows, technologies and customer experiences that enhance service delivery, quality and operational performance.

Building the future of pathology

Awanui believes that innovation is essential to meeting the changing needs of patients, healthcare providers and the wider health sector.

By creating a dedicated platform for innovation, Horizon aims to accelerate the translation of ideas into practical solutions that improve diagnostic services and support better healthcare outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Researchers, clinicians, healthcare organisations, industry partners and Awanui team members with ideas, technologies or opportunities that could improve pathology services are encouraged to connect with the Horizon team through horizon@awanuigroup.co.nz.

Source: Awanui Group media release

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InterSystems, a creative data technology provider powering more than one billion health records globally, today announced it has been recognised as a Leader in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Electronic Health Records (EHR).

A Gartner Magic Quadrant is a culmination of research in a specific market, giving you a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the market’s competitors. By applying a graphical treatment and a uniform set of evaluation criteria, a Magic Quadrant helps you quickly ascertain how well technology providers are executing their stated visions and how well they are performing against Gartner’s market view.

“Healthcare organisations are under pressure to modernise while continuing to deliver safe, reliable care everyday” said Don Woodlock, President of InterSystems. “The strength of our approach has always been combining proven global scale, deep interoperability, and enterprise-ready AI capabilities that help clinicians and organisations modernise at their own pace while continuing to provide world-class care for their patients.”

InterSystems continues to be at the forefront of interoperability in regional and national health information exchanges and regulatory approvals through their EHR’s recent European Union Class IIa Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certification. With deployments in 29 countries outside the United States, InterSystems brings a globally proven approach to delivering interoperable, adaptable healthcare technology.

InterSystems continues to invest significantly in advancing its EHR capabilities, supported by flexible deployment options, including on-premises, hybrid, vendor-managed, and public cloud models, continuous enhancements delivered through a bimonthly release cycle, and predictable subscription and SaaS pricing models that include advanced AI capabilities. This progress is reflected across both platforms:

InterSystems IntelliCare™ is a next-generation EHR designed with AI at its core. The platform is tailor-made to help healthcare organisations improve productivity, streamline clinical workflows, and reduce administrative burden through embedded artificial intelligence and automation.

InterSystems TrakCare® is a proven, comprehensive healthcare information system used globally by over 600 hospitals. TrakCare supports integrated care delivery across hospitals, community settings, and national health systems, providing a unified patient record and interoperable platform for coordinated care.

Source: InterSystems media release

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Southern Cross Healthcare is proud to announce that Chief Digital Officer Mark Phillips has been named a finalist for New Zealand CIO of the Year in the 2026 New Zealand CIO Innovation Awards.

The CIO of the Year category recognises outstanding digital leaders who demonstrate strategic thinking, innovation, and transformative leadership, helping shape the future of technology and digital excellence in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This prestigious recognition reflects not only Mark's leadership, but also the collective efforts of employees, leaders, technology teams, clinical teams, and partners across Southern Cross Healthcare who are driving innovation and supporting our digital transformation journey.

Being named a finalist validates the progress we have made and reinforces our ambition to be a leader in digital excellence within New Zealand's healthcare sector.

Our investments in technology are focused on enhancing experiences for patients and whānau, empowering our people with better tools and capabilities, and strengthening healthcare delivery across our network of hospitals and healthcare providers.

By harnessing digital capabilities, Southern Cross Healthcare is creating more connected, efficient, and patient-centred services that support better healthcare experiences and outcomes.

"This recognition belongs to the many people across Southern Cross Healthcare who contribute every day to improving how we deliver healthcare," says Mark Phillips.

"Our digital transformation journey is a team effort, and I am incredibly proud of what we are achieving together."

As we continue our transformation journey, this recognition provides an opportunity to pause and celebrate the remarkable progress we have made together and the people who drive it forward.

Source: Southern Cross Healthcare media release

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AMS has unveiled a refreshed brand identity that reflects the business it has become: a modern New Zealand workforce technology partner helping organisations solve some of the country's most complex workforce challenges.

The refreshed identity introduces a clearer, more contemporary brand while reinforcing what has always set AMS apart: deep local expertise, practical workforce technology, and a long-term commitment to organisations operating in high stakes environments.

Rather than simply modernising its visual identity, the refresh brings greater clarity to how AMS communicates its purpose and the value it delivers.

"We've grown significantly over the years, and this new brand better represents who we are today and where we're heading tomorrow." said Ben Barlow, CEO, AMS (Workforce Management).

The refreshed identity has been introduced across AMS's website, digital channels and customer communications.

Source: AMS media release

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Farmers, growers, farm workers and their whānau across Aotearoa now have easier access to free mental health and wellbeing support through a new partnership between Farmlands, Rural Support Trust and ignite.

Announced at Fieldays 2026, the three-year initiative will provide more than 1,500 free wellbeing sessions, connecting rural New Zealanders with counsellors, psychologists and other mental health and wellbeing professionals. Support can be accessed online, by phone or in person, helping overcome common barriers such as travel time, cost and limited local services.

The initiative aligns with the Government's draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026–2036, which identifies rural communities as experiencing poorer mental health outcomes:
https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/2026-04/Draft-Mental-Health-and-Wellbeing-Strategy-2026-2036.pdf

The service is available through Rural Support Trust, which provides confidential support across 14 regions across New Zealand. Bookings are now open via https://ruralsupport.ignite.org.nz/providers

Source: Ignite Aotearoa media release

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We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ny Brunenberg as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective 06 July 2026.

Ny has been a valued member of the Collaborative Aotearoa team since November 2023, bringing broad experience across primary care, quality improvement, and strategic delivery. Ny has played a key role in supporting members, advancing models of care, and strengthening sector collaboration across Aotearoa.

In stepping into the role, Ny will focus on continuing to support members, strengthening partnerships, and sustaining momentum in the delivery of innovative, equitable models of care across the motu.

“It is a privilege to take on this role and support Collaborative Aotearoa through this next chapter. I am particularly honoured to contribute to the continued evolution of models of care across Aotearoa, while ensuring we deliver value for members, strengthen sector connections, and improve outcomes for communities and whānau,”  says Mrs Brunenberg. 

Collaborative Aotearoa looks forward to continued progress under Ny’s leadership, with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and supporting the primary care workforce. Ny will commence her role as Interim CEO from the 6 July 2026. 

Source: Collaborative Aotearoa media release

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Will brings a distinguished track record in leading technology enabled transformation of health systems to the CEO role. Most recently CEO of Spark Health and a senior leader in Accenture’s Global Health Team, Will is passionate about the role of technology in reimagining healthcare. Will has a demonstrated ability to build high performing teams, deepen customer relationships in complex markets and scale technology businesses. He joins Medtech at an exciting time — with strong products in market, a clear growth strategy, and an experienced leadership team in place. 

Will’s immediate focus will be on accelerating adoption of Medtech AI and Medtech Connect, strengthening relationships with customers across New Zealand and Australia, and driving continued growth across the region.

It’s an exciting time to join MedWech Global with Primary and Community Care in Australia and New Zealand at an inflection point. The convergence of workforce pressures, financial sustainability challenges, growing patient expectations and technologies like AI are driving an ever-increasing need for a Connected Care Ecosystem. MedWech Global has a significant role to play in this ecosystem now and in the future. With the support of Banyan and the MedWech Leadership Team I look forward to working with current and future customers to support their transformation journeys. Dr Will Reedy, incoming CEO, Medtech Global

Jeremy van de Klundert

Jeremy van de Klundert, who has served as CEO, will remain with Medtech as the Chief Revenue Officer with a strategic focus on leading Medtech’s expansion into Australia — one of the company’s most significant growth opportunities. Jeremy’s deep industry relationships and market knowledge make him ideally placed to drive this next phase of Medtech’s growth.

Medtech Global thanks Jeremy for his significant contribution as Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure as CEO, Jeremy played a pivotal role in strengthening

Medtech’s capabilities, market position, and product offering — including the development of Medtech AI and Medtech Connect.

Innovation at the Forefront: Medtech AI and Medtech Connect

Medtech AI introduces artificial intelligence capabilities directly into clinical workflows, enabling healthcare providers to surface actionable insights, reduce administrative burden, and make more informed decisions at the point of care. Medtech Connect is Medtech's new telehealth and booking solution. Multiple providers can join the same appointment remotely, making specialist collaboration straightforward and efficient. For patients, it removes traditional barriers to access, whether that's distance, mobility, or availability. Medtech Connect also works alongside AI scribe tools such as Medtech AI, helping organisations reduce administrative burden and keep the focus on care.

Source: Medtech Global media release

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Workforce management software company Simplifi is expanding to Australia with a pledge to maintain a human customer service team in the face of AI job cuts.

Simplifi is NZ’s leading cloud-based SaaS platform dedicated to transforming workforce management. Founded in New Zealand, the company supports over 2,300 organisations including NZ’s largest company, Foodstuffs, to manage their permanent and casual employees.

Australian organisations face two overlapping challenges; complex awards systems mean rostering errors and compliance risk, while labour shortages increase reliance on expensive casual staff. 

Meanwhile, Australia has seen major AI redundancy rounds at Atlassian, Wisetech and Block (previously AfterPay), as well as cuts at companies like Commonwealth Bank focussed on customer service and call centres. Experts say a 16 per cent collapse in customer service roles in the US thanks to AI could be a harbinger of what’s to come in Australia .

Simplifi is initially focussing on sectors with complex awards such as the healthcare, aged-care, disability and retail sectors. The company expects to have staff in the Queensland, NSW and Western Australian markets by the end of 2026 to grow sales and handle customer queries. Simplifi’s overall headcount is expected to rise to 25 by the end of 2026.

Simplifi Founder and Managing Director Rhys Greensill said the company is exploring AI solutions that can enhance experience within the platform. But adds Simplifi would remain a human-centric organisation, as incumbent platforms rely on ticketing systems and significant manual override by the customer.

“We’re living through unprecedented times,” Greensill said. “On the one hand, our healthcare, aged-care and disability sectors are struggling to fill rosters amid staff shortages. On the other hand, AI is coming for our call centre jobs.”

“Simplifi has gained traction in the New Zealand market because we’ve listened to our customers. They wanted a system that minimises their compliance risk, eliminates manual work, and negates the need for unnecessary, expensive casual staffing. We see the same problems going unsolved in the Australian market at a much bigger scale.”  “More importantly they want someone who can answer their questions at the other end of the phone”.

Greensill said Simplifi’s superior platform meant they could maintain dedicated account managers for each of their customers.

“AI-powered customer service teams are the hallmark of a bad product. We employ humans because we’ve built a product that works.”

Source: Simplifi media release

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Five Faces, an Australian patient experience software provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Alcock AO as Chair of the Board and Non-Executive Director.

Mr Alcock brings extensive experience across healthcare governance, corporate leadership and public sector stewardship, with a career spanning senior leadership roles in health, finance, law and higher education.

He has also played an important governance role within the Australian health system, serving as Chair of Western Sydney Local Health District and Deputy Chair of Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the community through health management, corporate governance, higher education and the law.

Five Faces CEO Nicole Nixon welcomed the appointment: "We are delighted to welcome Richard as Chair of the Five Faces Board," she said. "He brings an exceptional understanding of healthcare leadership, governance and strategy. His insight will be invaluable as we continue to grow and support healthcare organisations across Australia and internationally."

Five Faces Co-Founder and CTO Abdul Alabri said Mr Alcock's appointment would strengthen the company's ability to support large-scale healthcare transformation. "Healthcare organisations are increasingly looking to deliver more connected and consistent experiences across entire health systems," he said. "Richard's experience will provide valuable perspective as we continue to evolve our technology and support the future of digitally enabled care."

Mr Alcock said he was pleased to join Five Faces at a time when health services are increasingly focused on improving how consumers access and navigate care.

"Five Faces has built a strong reputation for helping healthcare organisations improve the experience of consumers through practical and innovative digital solutions," he said.

"Throughout my involvement in healthcare, I have seen the importance of combining strong clinical and operational leadership with innovation. I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team as they continue to grow their impact and help healthcare organisations navigate increasing demand, rising patient expectations and the need for more accessible and connected care.”

The appointment further strengthens Five Faces' Board as the company continues to expand its work with public, private and not-for-profit healthcare providers and scale its impact across Australia and overseas.

Source: Five Faces media release

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New Zealand’s health system is facing rising demand, workforce shortages, ageing infrastructure and growing expectations from patients. At the same time, AI, digital health and better data use are creating new ways to improve access, lift productivity and support better outcomes.

The opportunity is not simply to add more technology. It is to redesign care around what New Zealanders need most such as timely access, equitable outcomes, trusted information and services that are easier to navigate.

PwC’s Global Health Report highlights several shifts shaping healthcare globally, including AI, connected data, consumer-led care and healthier longevity. For New Zealand, three priorities stand out.

First, AI should be used to support clinicians and improve access. Its greatest value will come from reducing administrative burden, improving triage, supporting diagnostics, forecasting demand and helping clinicians identify risk earlier. In a system where timely access remains a key measure of performance, AI should be judged by whether it helps patients receive the right care sooner. Strong governance will be essential, including transparency, privacy protection, clinical oversight and safeguards against bias.

Second, New Zealand needs more connected, secure and useful health data. AI and digital-enabled care depend on accurate information that can move safely across the system under the right permissions. Better data sharing can reduce duplication, help patients avoid repeating their story and give clinicians a fuller picture of care needs. But public trust is critical. People need to understand how their information is used, how it is protected and supports better care.

Third, more care needs to move closer to people, homes and communities where clinically appropriate. Digital tools, virtual care, remote monitoring and stronger community-based services can help reduce pressure on hospitals and make care easier to access. This shift matters for all, but it must be designed with Māori, Pacific peoples, rural communities, disabled people and older New Zealanders in mind.

For health leaders, the message is clear. Transformation should be practical and outcomes-led. 

New Zealand does not need to replicate every global model. Its advantage can come from being focused, pragmatic and human-centred. The goal should be a health system where technology supports better care, data supports better decisions, and patients experience a system that is simpler, safer and more connected.

Source: PwC media release

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MERAS welcomes the funding announced in the budget for three-day post-natal stay. This will support midwives to enable mothers who want to stay longer in a maternity unit with their baby to do so. 

There are over 50 primary maternity units across the country. In these units post-birth care and support can be provided in a more relaxed setting. Being able to stay for three days will also support mothers in the busier secondary and tertiary maternity services.

Being able to stay in a maternity service provides access to 24-hour care, support to recover from the birth and establish breastfeeding, as well as building confidence in the transition to parenthood.

MERAS recognises that not all women and whānau will want to make use of the extended stay, but it is important this option is available to all mothers and whānau who opt for this service.

In some localities this new entitlement could put pressure on secondary and tertiary maternity services where there are not local primary maternity units available to those communities. Funding must be made available to support the build of additional primary maternity facilities where these are needed. All whānau in Aotearoa should have access to a primary birthing unit close to their home.

MERAS is the union representing over 95% of midwives employed in the maternity services across the country, this includes Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and other maternity facility providers.

Source: MERAS media release

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Alcidion announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire the business and assets of Kyra Patient Flow Manager, Kyra Queue Manager and Kyra IQ (collectively, the ‘Kyra flow products’) from Telstra Health.

This acquisition further strengthens Alcidion’s position as a leading provider of enterprise patient flow solutions across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Highlights:

• The Kyra flow products are a proprietary set of digital solutions that address patient flow and data access challenges across hospital inpatient and outpatient settings
  
• This acquisition expands Alcidion’s presence across Australia, notably into Queensland where Kyra Patient Flow Manager and Queue Manager products are used by the majority of Hospital & Health Services, and adds several new customers in Victoria, WA and Tasmania, across both public and private sectors 
  
• Only two of the Kyra flow products customers are existing Alcidion customers, expanding Alcidion’s footprint into more than 30 customers.

Alcidion is a market leader in patient flow in ANZ and the UK, with its Miya Precision platform enabling healthcare providers to digitise bed allocation, optimise progression of care, and use clinical decision support to enhance the delivery of patient care and eliminate administrative burden for care workers.

The acquisition of Telstra Health’s Kyra flow products expands Alcidion’s footprint to more than 30 additional healthcare providers across Australia building upon Alcidion’s patient flow presence at Hume, Peninsula Health, Western Health and Alfred, among others.

The Kyra flow products business have customers in five of six Australia states with a significant presence across the Queensland market, a strategically important market noting Alcidion’s recent 5-year contract with Gold Coast Health and several customers in Victoria.

Alcidion CEO and Managing Director, Kate Quirke said: 

“This acquisition is highly complementary to our core business and further consolidates our market position in the Australian patient flow market.  We see strong strategic and financial alignment as we continue to build a scaled, recurring revenue driven health technology company.”

“We look forward to building on Telstra Health’s long-standing customer relationships and believe Alcidion, as an international leader in patient flow, is one of the few industry players with the infrastructure, credibility and expertise to continue delivering the level of support that enterprise government and private health service customers expect.”

“Patient flow continues to be a critical pain point across the healthcare setting with an aging population and increasing rates of hospital admission expected to only further compound the need for validated enterprise digital solutions that both simplify decision support and also remove administrative burden.”

“Alcidion looks forward to welcoming the Kyra customers to our community and to providing continued, excellent service alongside an opportunity to share what Alcidion can offer them as they look to evolve the value they receive from their digital investments for patients and staff.”

“We also look forward to maintaining a relationship with Telstra Health, to leverage the complimentary nature of our respective product suites.”

Telstra Health Managing Director, Elizabeth Koff AM added: 

“Telstra Health is building a care intelligence ecosystem, one that connects care, patients and clinicians across the care continuum.  

To support that, we’re making clear choices about where we focus, where we invest, and where we partner.   

Telstra Health’s Kyra Flow products are a strong set of hospital patient flow and operational solutions, however they do not align with our future roadmap for connecting care. Choosing the right owner for this product suite to continue to support hospital care was critical and required careful consideration. Alcidion fulfilled the criteria comprehensively.

Alcidion brings strong capability, deep industry expertise and a proven track record supporting hospitals. We are confident they are well placed to continue to evolve these products for customers. 

For Telstra Health, our new care intelligence ecosystem will serve, connect and enable clinicians and care providers from primary, community and aged care, to hospitals and government services - across every health journey.

Our priority is to ensure a smooth transition for the Kyra Flow products to Alcidion, with continuity of service and support for customers and their teams.”

About Kyra Flow Products

The Kyra flow products include three complementary inpatient and outpatient hospital focused patient flow solutions:

• Kyra Patient Flow Manager – provides clinicians and administrative teams real-time access and oversight of a patient’s hospital journey from admission through to discharge. It enables proactive decision making to streamline bed management and internal resourcing.
  
• Kyra Queue Manager – is a comprehensive outpatient solution enabling patient check-ins, wayfinding, referral management, triage and billing capability.
  
• Kyra IQ – is a data warehouse that consolidates health data from multiple disparate systems into real-time operational dashboards and administrative reports.
  

Source: Alcidion media release

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“Really great range of speakers and attendees. The talks and panels from investors, design and manufacturing experts, and founders helped me understand the things I need to consider in my translation journey. It also led to an excellent range of people to connect with outside of the formal programme.”

“That feedback really captures what HealthTech Week is about,” says Dr Diana Siew, co-lead of Te Tītoki Mataora | MedTech Research Translator and a long-standing leader in New Zealand’s MedTech ecosystem.

“HealthTech Week brings together the people building the future of New Zealand’s health technology sector and creates the conversations and connections that help move ideas into real-world impact. It is where researchers, clinicians, founders, investors, industry and health system leaders come together to exchange ideas, start new collaborations and shape the future of MedTech in Aotearoa.”

Now marking its 10-year milestone, HealthTech Week 2026 will reflect on the evolution of New Zealand’s MedTech ecosystem while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges shaping the next decade.

Delivered collaboratively by the Consortium for Medical Device Technologies (CMDT), the HealthTech Activator and the Medical Technology Association of New Zealand (MTANZ), the programme combines research translation, industry insight, policy discussion and networking across the health technology sector.

Te Tītoki Mataora Forum

Running from 1–3 July, the Te Tītoki Mataora Forum will focus on translational research, emerging ventures and the future capability needed to grow New Zealand’s MedTech sector.

The programme is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging collaboration, new partnerships and the “accidental collisions” that often spark new ideas and opportunities.

“If you’re part of the early-stage healthtech commercialisation community, this forum is designed to challenge thinking, expand networks and help accelerate translational journeys,” says Siew.

Speakers include:

• Brian Ward, founder of Aroa Biosurgery 
• Adrian Ng, developer of RapiDose 
• Anthony Butler, co-founder of MARS Bioimaging 
• Ella Guy, developing at-home lung function monitoring technologies 
• Eric UfiPoa Taule'ale'ausumai, bringing lived experience perspectives into MedTech innovation 
  

MTANZ Sector and Industry Summit

The MTANZ Sector and Industry Summit will focus on the changing operating environment for medical device suppliers, including major regulatory and policy reforms.

“This year’s programme is on issues shaping the future operating environment for medical device suppliers, including the Medical Device Management Transition and the Medical Products Bill,” says Cushla Smyth, CEO of MTANZ.

“These reforms will redefine how medical technologies are evaluated, procured and regulated in New Zealand.”

Speakers include:

• Catherine Epps, Director of Medical Devices, Pharmac
• Leanne Hartge, Head of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, ANZ, Solventum
• Sarah Hogan, Deputy Chief Executive (Wellington) and Principal Economist, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research
• Chris James, Group Manager Medsafe, Ministry of Health
• Aislin Weir, General Counsel, Aroa Biosurgery.
  

As HealthTech Week enters its second decade, the focus is firmly on strengthening New Zealand’s position as a globally connected, innovation-driven MedTech ecosystem and ensuring the next generation of health technologies delivers meaningful clinical and economic impact.

Source: HealthTech Week media release

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Australian patient experience provider Five Faces has deployed a Patient Check-In and Queueing solution for ambulatory care appointments at Peninsula University Hospital in Frankston, Melbourne.

Commissioned by the new hospital’s builder, Lendlease, the system aims to improve the patient experience and flow for pre-booked hospital appointments for outpatient care and check-in on the day of surgery.

Patients use their mobile device to access a Patient Hub that guides their journey before, during and after their outpatient appointment. This includes viewing and managing appointments, receiving information and resources, completing digital forms, using secure messaging, checking in, and completing surveys.

The solution is designed to address patient needs related to accessibility, cultural and language differences, and digital skills. For example, checking in to an appointment can occur via mobile, a multi-lingual kiosk, or with staff assistance.

Administration and clinical staff gain workflow efficiencies and real-time visibility of patient status on the day of the appointment.

The $1.1 billion project was delivered in January 2026 by the Victorian Government as a public private partnership. Peninsula University Hospital will remain as a public hospital with all clinical services operated by Bayside Health. Other facilities on the hospital campus have implemented a similar Patient Check-In and Queue Management solution from Five Faces as Phase 1 of the overall project, supporting multiple specialist areas across the Peninsula University Hospital site, including Women’s and Children’s, Orthopaedics, Oncology, and the Frankston Public Surgical Centre.

“This dynamic digital solution is helping to improve the overall journey for our patients,” said Paul Butler, Executive Director, Strategy, Capital and Digital at Bayside Health Peninsula. “We are delighted that this cutting-edge facility is matched by equally modern, seamless technology that meets the needs and expectations of our patients.” 

“We are delighted to modernise the patient experience for the new and existing facility in Frankston,” said Nicole Nixon, CEO of Five Faces. “Patients now expect a digital-first approach that not only gives them more control over their journey, but also keeps them informed every step of the way. Whether it’s managing appointments, understanding next steps, or receiving updates on expected wait time, they want clear communication and transparency. At the same time, staff benefit from reducing the burden of manual administration, making it a win-win situation for both patients and healthcare providers.”

Source: Five Faces media release

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Brisbane, Australia – Rauland Australia and New Zealand, a leading digital health solutions company, today launches a new dedicated aged care platform Concentric Care Unify. The Unify platform is specifically designed to unify messaging, alerts and analytics into one central place simplifying communication, workflows and reporting for residential aged care providers. Introducing first at the ITAC 2026 conference in Brisbane, Australia; the solution directly addresses one of the sector’s most persistent operational challenges: fragmentation.

Concentric Care Unify has been purpose-built to resolve this complexity. By bringing critical workflows into a single, intelligent platform, it enables providers to streamline operations, strengthen governance and empower care teams with timely, actionable information.

“Providers don’t need more technology, they need better-connected technology,” said Jessica Poy, General
Manager – Aged Care, Rauland Australia and New Zealand. “Concentric Care Unify removes the friction caused by multiple fragmented, standalone systems and replaces it with a unified, intuitive platform that supports faster decision-making, reduces administrative burden and enables staff to focus on what matters most - delivering quality care.”

At the heart of the platform is an advanced messaging engine that intelligently routes alerts, manages escalation pathways and enables multi-channel communication across mobile devices, wearables and on-site systems. This is complemented by a powerful analytics layer, delivering real-time dashboards, cross-site visibility and compliance-ready reporting.

The platform is designed to deliver measurable impact across key operational areas:

• Improved response times, with alerts directed to the right staff at the right time
• Reduced manual processes, through automation and standardised workflows
• Greater organisational visibility, including multi-site benchmarking and performance insights
• Enhanced resident experience, supporting quieter, more home-like environments
• Stronger compliance and audit readiness, underpinned by consistent, traceable data
  

Importantly, Concentric Care Unify is built on an open, interoperable architecture, enabling seamless integration with existing nurse call systems and broader facility infrastructure. This ensures providers can extend the value of their current technology investments while modernising their operational backbone.

For multi-site healthcare providers, having all their existing systems connected and visible through one central platform can been a game-changer - for staff and for the residents in their care. One of such providers who has experienced the benefits of Rauland’s aged care solutions is Apollo Care Alliance. “Our objective was to integrate technology in a way that streamlines the way staff work and optimise care outcomes for residents. Rauland’s solution has delivered on both, improving safety and reporting along the way,” said Kylie Radburn, Chief Governance Officer, Apollo Care Alliance.

“Concentric Care Unify reflects our long-term commitment to innovation that is both practical and impactful,” said Jacqueline Leeds, CEO, Rauland Australia and New Zealand. “The platform is not simply about connecting systems, it’s about enabling a more responsive, resilient and insight-driven model of care. We are equipping providers with the tools they need to meet today’s demands while preparing for the future of aged care.”

Delivered as a fully managed, cloud-hosted solution, the platform is scalable across multi-site operations and supported by Rauland’s local implementation, training and service teams.

Aged care providers attending ITAC 2026 are invited to experience Concentric Care Unify firsthand at booth 57 and explore how intelligent integration can transform aged care delivery.

Source: Rauland Australia and New Zealand media release

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The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) welcomes the final approval from Te Whatu Ora to establish thePHO, marking a major step forward for a more streamlined, patient-focused primary care system in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Source: General Practice Owners’ Association media release

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A major new survey of health professionals has confirmed what the PSA has been saying for more than a year: the Government's reckless cuts to digital services are destroying confidence in the health system's ability to deliver safe, modern care.

The Korero Mai report from Health Informatics NZ, based on conversations with more than 200 clinicians, administrators, technologists and other experts, found trust in digital health transformation is eroding because the workforce is exhausted by change that repeatedly fails to deliver.

"This is a damning indictment of the Government's approach to health IT. The health workers on the frontline are tired of being promised transformation only to watch systems get mothballed, budgets slashed and the experts who maintain critical infrastructure shown the door," said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

"This ultimately impacts patient care which is what we have been warning all along. You can’t slash Health NZ’s Digital Services workforce and still expect clinicians to deliver the safe and timely health care 24/7 that patients need."

The Digital Services workforce has been reduced by nearly 1000 roles by the Coalition Government with $100m slashed from its budget.

The report lays out the concerns of health workers loud and clear.

‘Participants stressed that digital transformation is not a cost-saving exercise in the short term but requires sustained investment in people: This involves training, change management and roles dedicated to making systems work in practice,’ the report says. It notes reductions in digital service roles have left fewer people available to train, support and optimise systems.

"The Government ignored every warning. Now we have repeated outages across the country, hospitals reduced to whiteboards and paper forms during outages, and a workforce that has lost faith the system will ever be properly resourced.

"This survey confirms what digital services experts have been telling us. The problem is not skills. Health workers have the capability to use modern systems. The problem is that systems keep being pulled out from under them, budgets keep being cut and the people who keep things running keep being made redundant."

"The Government cannot announce a 10-year digital health investment plan on one hand and gut the workforce needed to deliver it with the other. You can't modernise a health system on the cheap.

"Documents the PSA obtained under the OIA showed Health NZ knew last year that cutting digital roles would increase risks to patient care and hospital resilience. That internal assessment warned risks would become unsustainable as technical debt mounted. The outages that followed proved it.

"They were the predictable consequence of a government that chose tax cuts for landlords over functioning hospital systems.

"Our members who work in health IT are dedicated professionals who have been keeping an ageing, fragile patchwork of systems running against the odds. They deserve investment and support, not redundancy notices.

"The Government needs to stop pretending it can cut its way to a modern health system. It must reverse the damage, rebuild the digital workforce and properly fund the infrastructure New Zealanders' lives depend on."

Source: PSA media release

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