New Zealand’s Palliative Care System Falls Further In Global Ranking

New Zealand's palliative care system is facing a crisis, as the number of deaths is projected to double over the next thirty years.

Once ranked third in the world for palliative care, New Zealand slipped to 12th pace in 2021 – and now ranks 15th in the 2025 World Map of Palliative Care Development report. Germany came out on top, followed by Netherlands and Taiwan.

The 2025 report presents the first global rankings of palliative care based on World Health Organisation (WHO) indicators and highlight disparities across 201 countries and territories. It highlights growing disparities in access to care and provides a framework for countries to identify gaps and strengthen their services.

Dr Catherine D’Souza, spokesperson for Australia and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM), warns that urgent action is needed. “The number of people dying is set to double within thirty years,” she says. “If we don’t act now, already stretched health services will struggle even more — and risk falling apart.”

ANZSPM is calling for immediate investment and coordinated national action to prevent further decline and ensure quality end-of-life care for all New Zealanders.

Critical shortages, lack of funding and outdated policy

New Zealand has less than one-third of the recommended number of palliative care specialists per capita, and many are nearing retirement, according to the New Zealand Medical Journal. Yet there is insufficient funding to train replacements.

Specialist services, such as hospices, remain deeply valued by communities, but are under severe financial pressure. Public financial support is keeping them afloat.

ANZSPM says renewed government investment and implementation of a comprehensive national strategy are essential to ensure every New Zealander can access quality end-of-life care. The country’s last comprehensive national palliative care strategy was written in 2001. A 2017 action plan was developed but never funded, and more recent health frameworks mention palliative care but fail to make it a policy priority.

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