$12.9m Maternity Ultrasound Boost A Step Forward, Says Sonographers Union

APEX Union welcomes Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora’s announcement of a $12.9 million funding boost for maternity ultrasound services.

An interim contracting approach will protect longstanding regional ultrasound subsidies and access, while injecting new funding into the radiology sector alongside new national copayment caps of $30 for Community Services Card holders and $90 for all others.

In February 2026, APEX released its report Prenatal Ultrasound in Aotearoa: An Image of Inequalities, which highlighted a postcode lottery in maternity ultrasound provision across former DHB regions. The report also identified excessive patient copayments — in some cases exceeding $150 per scan — that have been deterring pregnant women from accessing these essential services.

“We welcome Health New Zealand’s announcement of additional funding and price controls for maternity ultrasound as a step in the right direction. Thousands of expectant parents will no longer have to worry about large bills for required ultra-sounds,” said Dr Deborah Powell, APEX National Secretary.

“Ultrasound imaging is a powerful tool in obstetric screening and care planning, and our union wants to see it available to all pregnant women.”

“A truly united national health system must prioritise equitable health outcomes across the country. Today’s announcement is a positive step forward, and we look forward to continued engagement to ensure future changes deliver for patients and sonographers alike,” Dr Powell concluded.

Notes:

APEX Union is the specialist union representing more than 6,000 allied, scientific, and technical health professionals, including over 350 sonographers employed by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and private radiology providers.

Sonographers are registered health professionals trained in the specialised field of ultrasound medical imaging, including obstetric (pregnancy) ultrasound and a range of other diagnostic applications.

© Scoop Media