Better care on the way

Taupō, Tūrangi and Mangakino are in line for better access to emergency and after-hours medical care, says Taupō MP Louise Upston.

She says Budget 2025 includes $164 million to improve urgent and after-hours care across the country, including Taupō.

“As part of this investment, two extended after-hours services have been identified for Taupō and Tokoroa, with new weekend services to improve access to urgent care seven days a week.

“Improved urgent and after-hours healthcare is also on the way for rural and remote communities, with services identified for Mangakino and Tūrangi. These services include 24/7 on-call, in-person clinical support, better access to tests and checks, and urgent medicines.”

In response to a request for more information on where or how the new services would be provided, a spokesperson for the MP said the specific clinic locations and providers are being progressed by Health New Zealand as part of its operational rollout.

“This information is still being finalised and will be made public by Health NZ as implementation planning continues over the coming months.”

Upston says the Taupō electorate covers a wide and varied region – from lakeside towns to forestry communities and remote rural areas.

“These improvements will make a real difference for families and health providers right across the electorate.

“The new and improved services will be introduced over the next two years, alongside continued support for existing providers and targeted improvements to rural access.”