“I’m concerned that the health system is only now getting back to a reasonable level after being chronically under funded.”

As for many New Zealanders, healthcare will be a key issue for Peter Apperley when he turns up to vote. Peter’s mother has now had two hip replacements; the first several years ago at a private hospital, and the second two years ago in a public hospital. After a long, uncomfortable, and at times painful wait on the public waiting list the first operation ended up costing cost over $13,000 of her savings because the system at the time meant that she was dropped off the public waiting list.

“The government was concerned about the waiting list and so she was dropped off it for political expediency.”

Her second hip operation, two years ago, went through the public health system with minimal delay.

“My mother was very impressed with the care she received in the public system.”

The government, and its supporting parties (Labour, the Progressives, the Greens and United) have made big changes to healthcare in recent years. Health spending is up by over 39% in the six years of this government. This has significantly increased the total number of operations performed in public hospitals and reduced waiting times. Most New Zealanders are now part of a Primary Health Organisation (PHO), with lower doctors fees and prescription charges for the young and old. PHOs offer lower fees for many, including all under 18 year olds. Their focus is to work to prevent ill health by treating treat illnesses early.

Among the opposition parties there is a strong focus on supporting the private health sector. National has not yet released their health policy at the time of writing, but opposes the government’s move towards universally funding everybody’s healthcare through PHOs. It has committed to maintaining spending at current levels, at least in the short term but would like to significantly reprioritise that spending, probably through more widespread use of community services cards.

ACT wants to make better use of the private sector to alleviate the pressure on the public system and a greater emphasis on prevention, personal responsibility and early primary care. New Zealand First wants to incrementally raise spending on health to reach a target goal of 10% of GDP, and it would explore options associated with boosting uptake of private health insurance, including the provision of tax rebates for those with private health insurance.

Peter is clear what he will be looking for in each party’s policy. “Having worked in the health industry at the Southern Cross call centre, health is of particular concern to me. Many voters are not aware of it until they actually need it. The private system is very much a consumer driven health system. I’m looking for a public system that is well funded and has the ability to employ expert staff.“

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