Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) is seeking feedback on potential options for national palliative care services for tamariki, rangatahi/children, young people and their whānau/families.

Debbie Holdsworth, Director Funding, Community and Mental Health says Health NZ is working to ensure palliative care meets the needs of all New Zealanders and their families.

All feedback on the proposal is welcomed; however, Health NZ particularly wants to hear people’s thoughts on:

  • whether the proposals will meet the needs of tamariki, rangatahi/children, young people and their whānau/families
  • the establishment of a national clinical service network and the resources required
  • the 3 proposed service configuration options
  • the proposed make-up of the interdisciplinary teams
  • the practicality of implementing these options
  • any potential unintended consequences of change.

The proposed model of care and service options can be seen on our website or on Thought Exchange.

National Palliative Care Work Programme

Thought Exchange (external link)

“We are using a different approach to gather feedback. ThoughtExchange allows you to add your thoughts anonymously to the discussion. You can then read and rate what others are saying about the work and see the results in real time. The number of thoughts appearing will increase as more people participate, so you can return back later to see what other thoughts have been added.

“If you have received these services, or work with children and their whānau affected by life-limiting conditions, we’d like to hear from you,” says Ms Holdsworth.

Alternatively, you are welcome to share your feedback with us by email: palliativecare@tewhatuora.govt.nz  

Feedback closes on Friday 2 May 2025.