Hato Hone St John welcomes the Government’s increased investment in health announced in Budget 2026, including more than $5.8 billion in new health operating funding across the forecast period and a $1.37 billion annual uplift to address frontline cost pressures and growing demand across the health system.
“This level of investment recognises the significant pressure facing frontline health services and the importance of building a more resilient and sustainable health system for New Zealanders,” says Hato Hone St John Chief Executive Peter Bradley.
Mr Bradley says ambulance services are a critical enabler of a well-functioning health system, and the announcement of funding for more than 50,000 additional GP enrolments and more than 270,000 additional aged residential care bed nights will help reduce pressure on ambulance services, ensuring crews can focus on patients with the greatest need.
“We also welcome the additional funding for emergency departments. This will further improve access to emergency care and help speed up ambulance turnaround times at Emergency Departments.
“Timely, effective ambulance services help ensure people receive the right care at the right time, reduce avoidable hospital admissions where appropriate, and support earlier recovery in the community.
“In that sense, investment in ambulance services is not only a health priority - it is also a contribution to economic resilience, workforce participation, and national productivity.”
He says the implications of today’s broader health funding increase for emergency ambulance services will not be clear until negotiations begin with the service purchasers, ACC and Health New Zealand, on the next four-year funding agreement.
ENDS
About Hato Hone St John:
- Hato Hone St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90 percent of people in New Zealand across 97 percent of the country.
- Hato Hone St John is made up of a mix of full-time paid staff and volunteers.
- Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes and other activities which help build community resilience. They include Waka Ora Health Shuttles, ASB Caring Caller, St John Youth, and St John in Schools.
- Hato Hone St John also delivers event health services, medical alarm services, first aid training, and operates retail stores across the country.
For further information please contact:
Hato Hone St John media team
PH: 0800 756 334 | E: media@stjohn.org.nz
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