Private sector received 80% of recent public health funding increases

Tuesday 27 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 27 Oct, 9:19am

In this story Public Service Association, ACC, New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

A report by Public Futures Aotearoa found that $2.4 billion of a $3 billion increase in public health funding over the last three years went to the private sector. Additionally, private providers received $14.8 billion from Health NZ and ACC in 2024/25, representing 46.4% of their combined spending.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZTue 27 Oct, 6:01am

   Private sector gets 80% of increase in public health funding, unions' report finds (opens in new tab)

2. The Press via RNZTue 27 Oct, 7:30am

   $2.4 billion spend: Private sector takes 80% of extra health funding (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesTue 27 Oct, 9:01am

   Private sector gets 80% of govt’s increase in public health funding - union report (opens in new tab)

4. StuffTue 27 Oct, 9:19am

   Private providers received $14.8b in public health funding last year, report finds (opens in new tab)