New 24/7 Urgent Care Service Set for Counties Manukau

The New Zealand government is advancing plans for a new 24/7 urgent care medical service in Counties Manukau, as announced by Health Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance after-hours healthcare across the nation, supported by a significant investment of $164 million.

In May 2023, Minister Brown revealed that the coalition government would allocate this funding over four years, aimed at improving urgent care services throughout New Zealand. He emphasized that the objective is to ensure that 98 percent of New Zealanders can access in-person urgent care within one hour of their homes.

Procurement Process Nearing Completion

According to Brown, Health New Zealand is in the final stages of the procurement process to select the provider for the Counties Manukau service. An announcement detailing the chosen provider is expected soon. “National is focused on ensuring the people of east Auckland have access to timely, quality healthcare,” Brown stated.

The investment is designed to strengthen urgent and after-hours care, which Brown considers vital for guaranteeing timely healthcare access for all New Zealanders. “Our investment will also support more timely care, reducing pressure on emergency departments and improving outcomes for patients,” he added.

Government’s Commitment to Healthcare

During the initial announcement, Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing frontline services. “We promised to deliver the care that Kiwi families rely on, ensuring New Zealanders receive timely and high-quality treatment when and where they need it,” Luxon remarked.

The government’s strategy aligns with its broader health agenda outlined in Budget 2025, which seeks to enhance healthcare infrastructure and service delivery across the country. The establishment of this new urgent care service is a critical step toward fulfilling these commitments and ensuring improved healthcare access for all citizens in New Zealand.

With the completion of the procurement process imminent, the government is poised to take a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare services for the residents of Counties Manukau.