The Government of Niue welcomes the renewal of the health partnership between the Niue Department of Health and Health New Zealand. The following media release, issued by Health New Zealand, provides further details on the agreement.
Health New Zealand and Niue Department of Health have renewed their partnership, supporting Niue residents to access tertiary level and specialist health services in New Zealand when needed.
As New Zealand citizens, Niue residents are eligible for care in New Zealand’s public health system and have strong cultural and social connections with both countries.
The renewed three-year Partnership Agreement supports planned referrals for complex secondary, tertiary, and specialist services not available to people living in Niue, such as cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, gynaecology, ophthalmology, and paediatric specialist services.
Niue is a small and remote island, with a population of around 1,700 people, while New Zealand is home to around 35,000 Niueans, representing 9.3% of the country’s Pacific population. *
Dr Dale Bramley, Chief Executive of Health NZ, says the updated agreement reflects the leadership role the country plays in supporting our Pacific neighbours, following on from a similar recent partnership signing with the Cook Islands.
“New Zealand has a longstanding relationship with Niue founded on shared history, cooperation and mutual respect.
“This agreement reinforces our commitment to improving health outcomes and building more connected and resilient health systems that benefit Niue and New Zealand,” Dr Bramley said.
Health NZ will manage a centralised process to assess, prioritise and coordinate patient referrals from Niue, working closely with the Niue Department of Health which is the central hub and sole healthcare provider for primary and secondary care on the island.
"This partnership is about our people and making sure they can get the health care they need when they need it. We are grateful for our strong relationship with New Zealand and for the specialist care and support available to our people.
“By continuing to work together, we can improve the health and wellbeing of our people and support every Niuean to live a healthier life, moui olaola,” says Hon Kahealani Sinahemana Hekau, Niue Minister for Health.
Charles Tutagalevao, Head of Pacific Operations & Hospital and Specialist Services Improvement at Health NZ, says the renewed partnership strengthens the way the two health systems work together, providing clear pathways to specialist care for Niue residents when they need it.
“This brings our clinical teams closer together and supports shared learning, workforce development and improved service planning.”
The signing comes ahead of Niue language week, held from 18-24 October, with this year’s theme ‘Gahua auloa ke fakaako fakamalolō e Vagahau Niue’ that is working together to diligently teach and strengthen Vagahau Niue.
*Sources: Niue Census 2022; New Zealand Census 2023.
Health New Zealand website - https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/news-and-updates/new-zealand-and-niue-renew-health-partnership
