Health targets

The health targets support the delivery of better health outcomes for New Zealanders and improve the performance of our health services.


About the health targets

The targets were announced by the Government in March 2024 and brought into effect from 1 July 2024 via the Government Policy Statement on Health.  

Government Policy Statement on Health 2024-2027— New Zealand Governmentexternal link

The targets are to be achieved by 2030, with milestones set for each year leading up to 2030.


The 5 health targets

Faster cancer treatment

90% of patients to receive cancer management within 31 days of the decision to treat.

Faster cancer treatment

90% of patients to receive cancer management within 31 days of the decision to treat.

Improved immunisation for tamariki

95% of tamariki fully immunised at 24 months of age.

Improved immunisation for tamariki

95% of tamariki fully immunised at 24 months of age.

Shorter stays in emergency departments

95% of patients to be admitted, discharged or transferred from an emergency department within 6 hours.

Shorter stays in emergency departments

95% of patients to be admitted, discharged or transferred from an emergency department within 6 hours.

Shorter wait times for first specialist assessment

95% of patients wait less than 4 months for a first specialist assessment.

Shorter wait times for first specialist assessment

95% of patients wait less than 4 months for a first specialist assessment.

Shorter wait times for elective treatment

95% of patients wait less than 4 months for elective treatment.

Shorter wait times for elective treatment

95% of patients wait less than 4 months for elective treatment.


How we will achieve the health targets

The targets are ambitious and will take time to achieve. The high-level implementation plans set out how we plan to make demonstrable progress in the short and medium term to drive improved performance and deliver timely access to quality healthcare. These plans were developed by Health NZ staff across the organisation.

Health Targets Implementation Plans — Health NZexternal link

Health target results

The results for 2025/26 Quarter 1 — July to September 2025.

How to navigate the health targets dashboard

Health targets dashboard tutorial


Health target resources

Send us your feedback

Use our feedback form if you have feedback on our health targets performance.

Health targets performance feedback