Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health are joining communities across New Zealand today, to commemorate World AIDS Day.

This morning, community organisations, health providers and government agencies attended this year’s Parliamentary Breakfast, hosted by Hon Matt Doocey, to remember those who have lost their lives to HIV, as well as celebrating progress and strengthening partnerships.

“Today we’re celebrating important progress and raising awareness about HIV in New Zealand. We remain steadfast in our commitment to eliminating HIV transmission in New Zealand by 2030,” says Bronwyn Petrie, Population Health Group Manager at Health New Zealand.

Publication of New Zealand’s first HIV Monitoring Report was announced at this morning’s Parliamentary Breakfast, a significant milestone towards zero transmissions by 2030.

Dr Andrew Old, Deputy Director-General, Public Health Agency, Ministry of Health says that the HIV Monitoring Report tracks progress against the National HIV Action Plan.

“The HIV Monitoring Report shows the progress that has been made, including that 98.5% of people diagnosed with HIV are on treatment, with 91.7% achieving viral suppression. In addition, uptake of combination prevention measures improved to 70% in 2024, compared to 65.1% in 2023."

Further progress under the HIV Action Plan includes:

  • The establishment of seven new innovative HIV and STI testing services
  • Workforce development including new contact tracer roles and specialist and trainee sexual health positions established across the country
  • The development of community-led campaigns to challenge HIV related stigma and promote prevention.

Community organisations are feeling positive about the progress that has been made.

Liz Gibbs of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa believes New Zealand can be the first country to reach zero transmission of HIV.

“We led the world with our Covid response, and we can do it again with HIV through evidence-based decision making, compassion and innovation."

Mark Fisher of Body Positive explains that, while stigma persists, education and testing are key to making change.

“Today, we’re celebrating the immense progress we have made. To achieve zero transmission, everyone needs to know their status and be supported to engage in care."

World AIDS Day reminds us that HIV is not a moral issue; it is a health issue, says Jane Bruning of Positive Women Inc.

“Getting tested is a simple act of care for yourself and others, and it’s the first step to ending stigma and building a more compassionate Aotearoa."

Millie Stewart of Toitū te Ao says World AIDS Day is a celebration of life.

“A life lived well and without judgment. Understanding, respect and honour still stands in the world of HIV. People with feelings, people with heart, people putting people first in the face of adversity, without prejudice, without judgement, but with compassion and light.Toitū te mana – Toitū te tangata – Toitū te Ao."

Health New Zealand plans to continue working alongside community partners to scale up testing, prevention, and education initiatives and has plans underway to launch a national campaign challenging stigma in 2026.

“The progress made so far would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of everyone involved,” says Bronwyn Petrie.

HIV Monitoring Report – Measuring progress against the National HIV Action Plan for Aotearoa New Zealand 2023–2030 — Ministry of Health (external link)

For queries related to the HIV Monitoring Report, contact: media@health.govt.nz