Health Targets Still “Well Short” Despite Improvements

Kaitiaki Hauora says the Government’s latest health target results show some improvement, but remain well short of what patients and staff need.

Kaitiaki Hauora Chair Rob Campbell says the figures reflect the effort of a workforce under sustained pressure, rather than a system that is working.

“This is great work by staff, despite inadequate funding and staffing.”

“Even on these narrow measures, performance is still well short. Patients are waiting too long, and unmet need remains high.”

Clinician Dr David Galler says the focus on targets is also part of the problem.

“Measurement is often used for compliance, but seldom used for improvement.”

“What clinicians need are real-time, clinically relevant measures that actually help improve care. That’s not what these targets are doing.”

Kaitiaki Hauora Māori co-spokesperson Louisa Wall says the results also fail to address persistent inequities in the health system.

“These measures do not ensure equity. Māori and Pasifika continue to be overrepresented in poor health outcomes.”

“Any progress is a testament to frontline staff, but they cannot be asked to sustain this level of pressure indefinitely.”

Kaitiaki Hauora says the focus on a small number of targets risks masking wider system issues, including workforce shortages, access to primary care, and growing demand.

The group is calling for:

• Proper funding for public health so everyone gets care when they need it
• Honouring te Tiriti, with Māori leadership at the centre of equity
• Keeping healthcare public, so it serves people, not profit

“This is not a system that is working,” says Campbell.

“It is a system under strain, with staff carrying more than they should have to.”

About Kaitiaki Hauora

Kaitiaki Hauora | Together for Public Health is a nationwide alliance working to protect and strengthen public healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. It brings together health professionals, unions, and community voices to advocate for a system that is properly funded, equitable, and kept in public hands.

The group advocates for a health system that serves people, not profit.

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