New Zealand's 2025 budget allocates $164M to improve urgent healthcare access within an hour's drive.

New Zealand's Budget 2025 allocates $164 million over four years to enhance urgent and after-hours healthcare, aiming to ensure 98% of the population can access care within an hour's drive. This includes new 24/7 clinics in several regions, improved diagnostics, and on-call support for rural and remote areas. The initiative seeks to reduce pressure on emergency departments and improve healthcare accessibility nationwide.