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Wellington Hospitals Foundation celebrates 20 years of impact

Source: CCDHB

When serious illness or injury strikes, nothing matters more than knowing our loved ones will receive the best possible hospital care.
 
November marks the 20 year anniversary for Wellington Hospitals Foundation as the official charity partner for Health New Zealand, proudly supporting the region’s public hospitals across Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley.

Founded in 2005, the Foundation has supported transformational projects like Te Wao Nui Children’s Hospital, made possible by the extraordinary generosity of Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood and a $10 million public fundraising campaign.  It has also helped fund life changing medical
equipment and supported hundreds of other important projects to improve patient care and experience across the region.

Guy Ryan, Foundation CEO says, “We all know that access to healthcare is a critical need in our community.  From the 590+ volunteers who give their time every single week, to the generous donors who support our fundraising campaigns, to the incredible healthcare professionals delivering round the clock care in our hospitals – there are many people and organisations to thank as we reflect on the Foundation’s 20 years and the difference we’ve made together.”    

Since its establishment, Wellington Hospitals Foundation has facilitated more than $160 million in community support from individuals, organisations and partners, and supported projects to benefit patients of all ages.

Other landmark projects include funding for lifesaving diagnostic and surgical technology, such as a new MRI Scanner and co-funding a 3D Mammogram machine, which help medical teams deliver faster, more accurate care to patients across the region.

The Foundation has also invested heavily in medical innovation and training through Wellington Regional Hospital’s world class Simulation and Skills Centre.  The purchase of lifelike medical manikins and hi-fidelity simulators allows hospital teams to practise rare and complex emergency scenarios – from cardiac arrests to neonatal resuscitation – in a safe, controlled environment.

Another milestone project, the Air Ambulance Flight Simulator, offers specialist training for doctors and nurses working in air retrieval medicine. Funded by the Foundation’s generous donors, this full-scale simulator replicates the cramped, turbulent conditions of a real aircraft, allowing medical staff to train for any inflight care. It has transformed the way air teams prepare for high pressure situations and is now used as a national training tool.
 
Other equipment and technology.
While government funding provides the essentials, community donations have equipped our hospitals with cutting edge technology that helps diagnose, treat and save lives every single day.

Highlights include:

  • Over $3 million invested in NICU equipment, including flight transport and general incubators. 
  • Establishment of the region’s first NICU human milkbank, safely processing donor breastmilk for fragile premature babies
  • Cooling systems that help reduce the risk of brain injury in newborns
  • Diagnostic equipment for Wellington Regional Hospital’s Child Protection Unit to help with trauma sensitive examinations for young victims
  • Comfortable, ergonomic chairs for people undergoing cancer treatment
  • 3D printing facilities that support medical training, research and innovation
  • Anatomical models and educational tools to help clinicians explain complex procedures to patients and their whānau.
And so much more.
 
Compassion in action.
 
While the Foundation has helped deliver many transformational projects, it’s often the smaller things that make the greatest difference day to day.

Over two decades, community donations have funded hundreds of meaningful initiatives including:

  • Patient care packs for people who find themselves unexpectedly in hospital
  • Welcoming family spaces with therapeutic art installations
  • Inkless stamp kits for grieving parents
  • Fans to help patients nearing the end of their life breathe more easily
  • Toys and other items that comfort and distract children during difficult or scary procedures
  • Thousands of pyjamas that help keep children warm and well during winter.
The Foundation has also supported some exciting heritage projects along the way, including preserving the Historic Royal Doulton tiles, maintaining the connection to Wellington’s first children’s hospital (built in 1912) through the Royal Doulton Tile Gallery.
 
Volunteers at the heart of our hospitals.
The Foundation’s contribution is not only financial. Its 590+ dedicated volunteers give more than 64,000 hours of service each year, offering warmth, guidance and reassurance to patients and visitors across Wellington Regional, Kenepuru and Hutt Hospitals.
From helping families navigate hospital corridors to offering a comforting presence at a bedside, volunteers are at the heart of our hospital community.
 
A community like no other
Wellington Hospitals Foundation supports patients of all ages across:

  • Wellington Regional Hospital
  • Kenepuru Hospital
  • Hutt Hospital
  • Te Wao Nui Child Health Service
  • Kapiti Health Centre
  • Mental Health, Addiction and Intellectual Disability Services (MHAIDS)

 
Together, with the generosity of donors and partners the Foundation continues to bridge the gap between what public funding provides and what exceptional care truly requires.
“Healthcare would still be funded if we didn’t exist, but it wouldn’t be the same. Our donors make sure that care in our hospitals is not only exceptional, but also compassionate, comfortable and has the human touch.” explains Ryan.
 
The difference our community makes

  • $160 million invested in hospital projects
  • $10 million raised to outfit Te Wao Nui Children’s Hospital. 
  • 590 volunteers supporting patients and whānau
  • 53,295 volunteer hours contributed in the past year
  • 57,000+ people assisted by volunteer hospital guides last year
  • 96 sick babies came from around the country for specialist NICU care last year 

As the Foundation celebrates two decades of support, it continues to look ahead, working with front facing hospital teams to identify emerging needs and respond swiftly where help is needed most.
“Every day we see the difference our community makes. From cutting edge technology that saves lives, to simple comforts that make a hospital stay easier” says Ryan.  “For 20 years, our community has helped our hospitals go beyond great care. We know the healthcare budget is under enormous pressure and there is still so much more to do so that our hospital teams have the tools, training and spaces they need to respond to whatever comes through their doors. Together, we are building a stronger more resilient health system – one that puts people first.” 
To support the public hospitals in our region please donate at whf.org.nz.
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Health and Employment – Coroner warns short staffing creating high risk of catastrophic event

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Coroner’s findings into the death of Taranaki man Len Collett put Te Whatu Ora on notice that “consciously deciding” to under-resource the local Emergency Department creates a high risk of “another catastrophic event”, NZNO says.
Coroner Ian Telford today released his findings into the death of Leonard (Len) Collett at Taranaki Base Hospital Emergency Department (ED) in 2020 which was caused by injuries suffered in a fall.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says NZNO extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to Len’s wife Vicky and whānau.
“In her statement to the Coronial Inquest into her husband’s death, Vicky Collett said she wanted to make sure what happened to Len never happens again to a patient. NZNO is speaking out on behalf of our members who also want to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“The Coroner found that on the evening of Len’s death, the ED was nine patients over capacity. It was fully staffed but a nurse and a health care assistant had been redeployed from other areas of the hospital,” Kerri Nuku says.
“He found all nursing staff involved with Len’s care were excellent and there was no concerns with knowledge, skill or competence.
“What is most concerningly is that an assessment of the resourcing in the ED in May this year – five years later – found it was operating with a 15 full-time equivalent staffing deficit and ‘funding to recruit into these vacancies has not been approved’.
“The findings go on to warn: ‘Put simply, if this Emergency Department continues to operate without adequate staffing and an appropriate skill mix to safely care for and monitor patients, the risk of another catastrophic event occurring remains high.’
Kerri Nuku says nurses have been telling Te Whatu Ora for more than a year that short staffing is putting patients at risk.
“These findings put Te Whatu Ora on notice. It is time for Te Whatu Ora – and the Government – to listen to those who are caring for our sick and vulnerable.
“Safe staffing saves lives. Aotearoa New Zealand needs nurse-to-patient ratios now and funding based on patient need, not an arbitrary cost cutting budget set by the Government.
“Our nurses are exhausted from being constantly short staffed and stressed because they can’t get to their patients when they’re needed, redeployed around hospitals to patch up Te Whatu Ora’s most dire under-resourcing, burnt out since Covid, and moving to Australia where they have safe staffing ratios,” Kerri Nuku says. 
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BusinessNZ – One year on: Keeping track of small business promises

Source: BusinessNZ

The Government is making good on its promise to cut red tape but BusinessNZ says further action is urgently needed, following a new report on reducing compliance costs for small businesses.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says extensive consultation between the BusinessNZ Network, Government and small businesses in 2024 led to a list of policy actions to pursue for each sector.
One year on, BusinessNZ has published its Progress Report – tracking where the Government has cut red tape and identifying areas requiring urgent attention.
“Overall, we’ve seen genuine engagement and positive steps toward reducing the burden on small and medium-sized businesses, which make up 97 percent of all businesses in New Zealand,” Rich says.
“Because they represent the vast majority of our economy, it’s important that the BusinessNZ Network keeps constructive pressure on the Government to deliver on the compliance cost issues raised last year.”
Rich points to the barbering and hairdressing sector as a model example, where feedback in BusinessNZ’s 2024 report led to the removal of outdated and overly prescriptive regulations, allowing business owners to get on with their work.
“The Ministry for Regulation’s engagement with businesses, councils, and industry bodies was thorough and resulted in a commonsense solution that still protects public health while removing inconsistent regulation.
“Other areas showing positive progress include procurement, anti-money laundering obligations, and duplication of data requirements.”
Rich says BusinessNZ wants to see a similar approach applied across all sectors and particularly in areas where little has changed in a year such as forklift licensing, where in-house competency assessment should be an option.
“It’s one of several compliance burdens where there’s been little to no visible progress so far. One year on, we should be seeing meaningful change in every sector,” Rich says.
“BusinessNZ will continue to keep these issues front of mind for Ministers to ensure progress continues – so New Zealand businesses are free to focus on growing their business and the economy.”
The full progress report is out today and available on the BusinessNZ website: https://businessnz.org.nz/resources_category/reports-publications
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Health Employment – Another 5200 health workers vote to strike on 28 November – PSA

Source: PSA

More than 3 500 Mental Health Nurses and Assistants and Public Health Nurses and 1700 Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist workers – who provide vital support for health care – have voted to strike on Friday 28 November.
The workers have voted to strike in support of their claims for a settlement that ensures safe staffing and a pay increase that keeps pace with cost-of-living increases facing these workers and their families.
“The votes for strike action highlight the deep frustration health workers are feeling with Te Whatu Ora and the Government, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Te Whatu Ora and the Government are not listening to the real concerns of these vital health workers or responding with realistic offers that would enable us to reach a settlement,” Fitzsimons said.
The strike votes
In a ballot that closed last night (Monday 10 November) the Mental Health Nurses and Assistants & Public Health Nurses voted overwhelmingly to strike for four hours from 1pm to 5pm on Friday 28 November. The vote followed a mediation with Te Whatu Ora last Friday where no settlement was reached.
The Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist Workers collective (PAKS) voted to strike in their ballot, which closed on Friday night (7 November). This collective includes workers who keep IT systems working 24/7 and data secure, who provide supplies and equipment, keep payrolls functioning and provide other vital policy support.
These two votes swell the number of health workers striking on Friday 28 November to about 16,700.
On Friday (7 Nov) 11,500 Allied health workers, who include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, Māori health specialists, scientists, anaesthetic technicians, and many more health professions, voted to strike on 28 November after their mediation failed to deliver meaningful results.
“These health workers are reluctantly taking strike action. They care deeply about their patients and their work and will ensure life preserving services continue. But they feel they have no choice when their concerns are not responded to,” Fitzsimons said.
“The pay offers for the three collectives still doesn't keep pace with inflation – they are effectively a pay cut. Meanwhile, there are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need.
“The PSA remains committed to settling these collectives. Mental Health Nurses and Assistants & Public Health Nurses will have another round of mediation on Friday 14 November, and the PAKS collective on Tuesday 25 November.
“Overworked and undervalued health workers need to once again send a strong message to the Government: value us, listen to us, and address the staffing crisis that's compromising patient care across the country,” Fitzsimons said.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health, and community groups.
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Awards – ProCare wins 2025 Cooperative Business New Zealand Innovation Award

Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider ProCare has been named the winner of the 2025 Cooperative Business New Zealand Innovation Award, recognising its bold approach to transforming primary care through technology, partnerships, and smarter systems.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive of ProCare says, “Innovation is central to how we operate.”

“This award reflects the collective strength of our network and the impact we can achieve when we work together. We’re proud to be leading the way in shaping the future of primary care in New Zealand.”

The award celebrates ProCare’s commitment to using innovation to address challenges and create opportunities for practices, patients, and communities.

Recent initiatives include investing in digital platforms such as Te Ara, which provides practices with better insights and data to improve care, and Tacklit which empowers our mental health teams to streamline operations, deepen patient engagement, and unlock meaningful insights — all while maintaining real human connection.

ProCare has also developed digital assistants to reduce administrative burden, partnered with AI platforms to enhance efficiency and patient experience, and launched Health Accelerator, a joint venture with three other primary care providers, to test and scale new solutions across 500 practices and 2 million patients nationwide.

“Our focus is on creating practical solutions that make a real difference for clinicians and patients,” adds Norwell. “By investing in digital platforms, AI partnerships, and initiatives like Health Accelerator, we’re ensuring that primary care is equipped to meet the needs of today — and tomorrow.”

The ProCare Group includes ProCare Health, one of New Zealand’s largest primary health organisations, Fresh Minds, its mental and behavioural health and wellbeing service, and joint ventures such as Health Accelerator and CareHQ, a virtual care service delivered in partnership with Southern Cross.

For the practices in its network, ProCare’s goal is simple: to provide the best tools, resources, and advice so they can succeed in caring for communities. These initiatives reflect ProCare’s commitment to working at the edge of what’s next and best for primary health.

This recognition follows a series of milestones for ProCare, including the rapid introduction of AI-driven tools, leadership of the National Primary Care Services Scheme (NPTSS), and initiatives to support GPs into practice ownership.

 

For more information about ProCare’s initiatives and impact, visit www.procare.co.nz/news.You can also read Cooperative Business New Zealand’s announcement of the awards here.

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

 

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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Employment and Law – PSA legal action prompts ACC’s change of heart on flexible work

Source: PSA

The PSA welcomes ACC's decision to pause its planned changes to remote working policies and properly consult with staff.
ACC had planned to require staff to work in the office a minimum of three days per week from 1 December, up from two days tirggering legal action from the PSA. But it told staff today that it had decided to put that on hold and will begin a two-week consultation process from Wednesday.
“This is the right call in response to the PSA's recent litigation. We're pleased ACC has acknowledged that workers deserve a genuine opportunity to have their say on changes that affect their working lives,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Flexible working arrangements are vitally important for many workers who balance caring responsibilities, health conditions, and other personal circumstances. A proper consultation process will allow staff to explain why these arrangements matter for their wellbeing and productivity.
“The original decision upset many workers, particularly some who had made decisions to join ACC based on its approach to working flexibly. That’s why the PSA lodged action with the Employment Relations Authority to force ACC to pause the new policy and talk to workers.
“We expect ACC to genuinely listen to the views of workers and uphold existing arrangements. The PSA will consider its legal options from here, but the litigation remains filed with the ERA at this stage.
“Remote working is a win-win for employers and workers, but they should be developed with workers, not imposed on them. We hope this change of heart marks a new beginning for an organisation where morale has been at rock bottom following a recent culture review.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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NZ Pacific – The inaugural Fiji Business Awards NZ 2025

Source: Fiji Business Awards NZ

Celebrating Excellence and Resilience in the NZ Fijian Diaspora the inaugural Fiji Business Awards NZ 2025

Event Overview

The inaugural Fiji Business Awards NZ 2025 will take place on 19 November 2025 at the Remuera Club in Auckland.

This landmark event, supported by Bunnings Trade and other generous sponsor partners, aims to unite innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in honour of the outstanding achievements of the New Zealand Fijian Diaspora.

Honouring Journeys and Contributions

Atesh Bhej, Chair of the Fiji Business Network NZ, highlights the significance of the occasion: “Many in the Fiji business community started from humble beginnings, facing and overcoming immense challenges on their journey to business and success.”

The awards not only recognise business accomplishments but also the meaningful investments made by Fijian New Zealanders in both their local communities and enterprises – here in Aotearoa New Zealand, in Fiji, and across the Pacific.

Celebrating Excellence and Resilience

Secretary Nik Naidu emphasises, “It is the perfect occasion to celebrate not only business excellence, but also the resilience and perseverance that defines our Fiji community.”

The awards night will also be a vibrant celebration featuring Fijian hospitality, food, and music.

About the Organisers

The Awards are hosted by the Fiji Business Network (NZ) Inc, a not-for-profit organisation.

The Network is dedicated to supporting start-ups, creating opportunities for its Members, and reinvesting in Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire Update #12

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

A Fire and Emergency observation flight this afternoon has found no visible signs of fire following today’s rainfall.
District Commander Nigel Dravitzki says the rain has had a significant impact in helping to suppress the fire, while ground crews have been working on the flanks of the fire to strengthen the containment lines.
“This is very good news,” he says. “Tonight, Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone crew will be using thermal imaging to detect where the hotspots are around the perimeter of the fireground, and tomorrow we will be able to position our ground crews to target those areas.”
Iwi, the Department of Conservation and councils are all involved in the discussions about the next steps in the management of the fire.
“We are very mindful that another change in the weather could alter the situation and lead to a resurgence of fire activity, so we are planning for all contingencies,” Nigel Dravitzki says.
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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire Update #11

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Conditions on the fireground in the Tongariro National Park have improved significantly today.
Fire and Emergency District Commander Nigel Dravitzki says that steady rain and minimal wind have been a huge help to firefighters, who are working hard to take advantage of the situation.
Ground crews are concentrating on reinforcing the containment lines on the flanks of the fire. Aircraft are still on standby and will be used when needed to support the firefighters.
As a result of the improved situation, residents who were evacuated yesterday from Whakapapa Village and five other properties are able to return home, with a caution that they need to stay alert and be ready to move out again if the situation changes.
People who run businesses from their properties will not be able to have clients or customers on site for now, but that will be reassessed again tomorrow.
“I am very aware of the impact that the fire is having on those who draw on the Tongariro National Park for their livelihood,” Nigel Dravitzki says. “We are putting safety first with this decision, and people can be assured that as soon as it is safe to do so, we will restore full access to the public.”
Fire and Emergency also acknowledges the impact that the fire is having on iwi and the conservation estate, as well as the community and visitors.
We are working very closely with manawhenua, the Department of Conservation and both the Ruapehu District Council and Horizons to make sure that local voices are involved in all the big decisions we make about how the fire is managed.
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Tongariro fire: Respiratory health warning for people living, travelling nearby

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

Kiwis living with a respiratory condition near the Tongariro National Park fire are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the smoke.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is advising residents near the blaze – and in the wider region – to close all windows and doors if staying inside, or wear a N95 or KN95 mask if going outside.
The fire, which is about 2800 hectares, has been burning since Saturday afternoon.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says people staying indoors should keep all windows and doors closed, while anyone going outside should wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask.
“Bush fire smoke contains tiny particles that can irritate the lungs and airways, posing risks for everyone, especially children, older people, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
“For people with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions, smoke exposure can trigger flare-ups, which in serious cases may require hospitalisation,” she says.
“It’s important to limit exposure and keep medications like reliever inhalers on hand.”
For people travelling near the smoky area, keep your car windows closed and set your vehicle’s ventilation system to recirculate air, Ms Harding says.
“This will greatly reduce smoke entering the cabin.”
The Foundation encourages everyone in affected regions to stay informed about smoke conditions, plan activities carefully, and take practical steps to protect their lung health.
“Understanding the risks, reducing exposure, and using effective protective measures are the best ways to safeguard your lungs during this fire,” Ms Harding says.
One in five Kiwis are affected by respiratory disease in New Zealand, and it is the third leading cause of death in the country.