New Zealand’s Minister of Mental Health and Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Matt Doocey, will lead a delegation to the 2025 Digital Health Festival in Melbourne. The delegation, which includes 23 companies and organizations, represents the forefront of the country’s digital health transformation.
This visit underscores New Zealand’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and promoting its cutting-edge healthcare technologies on the global stage. It also reflects the country’s broader strategy of deploying digital innovation and research to improve citizens’ overall health and well-being.
Minister Doocey remarked, “New Zealand has a proud history of innovation in healthcare. I’m excited to support these forward-thinking New Zealand companies at this year’s Digital Health Festival and showcase some of New Zealand’s world-class health tech solutions.”
The event will take place from May 13 to 14, where Minister Doocey will deliver a keynote speech discussing New Zealand’s healthcare innovations and participate in a panel discussion titled “The Future of Patient Care – Leading-Edge Innovations.” He will also engage with business leaders and stakeholders to explore new opportunities for New Zealand companies in Australia and beyond.
He added, “Health tech is one of New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing tech sub-sectors, employing over 10,500 people globally. International collaboration is key to driving the innovations this sector urgently needs, and events like this provide an excellent platform for establishing partnerships.”
New Zealand will be featured prominently at the festival with a dedicated exhibition space organized by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), serving as a hub for participation and exchange.
The country’s strategy focuses on enhancing overall health and well-being through the adoption of technology, digital innovation, and research, with a particular emphasis on mental and physical health.
By leveraging advanced health technology solutions, New Zealand aims to deliver more accessible, integrated, and patient-centered healthcare services, supporting improved outcomes across the healthcare sector.
As reported by OpenGov Asia, Minister Doocey announced the allocation of NZ$10 million from the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund to support the Wakapuāwai project by the Mental Health Foundation. This project aims to digitize mental health resources, improving access, particularly in rural and remote communities.
The foundation will use the funding to develop a comprehensive digital platform offering support for mental and physical health, suicide prevention, and mental distress. This initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to expand digital mental health services and ensure equitable and timely support nationwide.
Similarly, New Zealand’s Health Minister, Hon. Simon Brown, outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving access to healthcare and outcomes through smart, innovative solutions.
New Zealand’s healthcare plan, supported by a record NZ$30 billion annual investment, focuses on strengthening primary care, expanding workforce training, and enhancing digital health services. Key initiatives include increased funding for general practitioners, new doctor and nurse positions, 24/7 online consultations, and targeted screening for underserved communities.
The digital health strategy, led by Te Whatu Ora (New Zealand Health), aims to improve health outcomes by utilizing technology to create an interconnected, patient-centered healthcare system.
The strategy emphasizes the development of digital infrastructure, promoting interoperability, and ensuring secure data sharing across the health sector. Key initiatives include expanding telemedicine services, implementing electronic health records, and developing digital tools to empower individual health management.
This approach is designed to provide timely, convenient, and culturally appropriate care, particularly benefiting rural and underserved communities, while building a more resilient and responsive healthcare system.
New Zealand’s focus on healthcare innovation highlights its commitment to deploying cutting-edge health solutions and fostering global collaboration. Through investments in digital services and workforce training, New Zealand aims to improve healthcare outcomes, ensure equitable access to services, and strengthen its position in global health tech innovation.
Related Topics
