A New Zealand hospital bed (file image).

Health NZ data gap in true scale of declined specialist appointments

An OIA reveals the agency tracks declines only in the South Island, leaving North Island patients uncounted as specialists report rising thresholds and uneven access across the country.

Fri, Jan 16

3:25

In the last 12 months, exports to China increased by 47% to $56 million and exports to South Korea jumped by 92% to $44 million.

NZ wine exports to Asian markets soar amid global turmoil

In the last 12 months alone, exports to China increased by 47% to $56 million and exports to South Korea jumped by 92% to $44 million.

Tue, Jan 13

2:41

The ambitious plan is now underway after it was initially dismissed years ago as being impossible.

Plans underway for 4km predator proof fence at base of Farewell Spit

An ambitious plan to build a predator proof fence across the base of Farewell Spit is underway after it was initially dismissed years ago as being impossible.

December 10, 2025

2:08

Twenty-eight new jobs announced for Nelson Hospital ED

Twenty-eight new jobs announced for Nelson Hospital ED

The long awaited expansion of the Emergency Department was opened by the Health Minister earlier this month.

November 18, 2025

2:43

But there’s concerns ongoing staffing issues aren’t being addressed.

Nelson Hospital ED expansion opened, but needs more staff

The largest section was opened today by Health Minister Simeon Brown, but it won't be fully operational until April.

November 3, 2025

2:43

South Island had the longest wait times of New Zealand four regions for the last six months.

Southern Cancer Society says some patients face unreasonable delays

Government's target for faster cancer treatment shows more patients are getting seen sooner – but the South Island had the longest wait times for the last six months.

October 6, 2025

2:42

While there are government guidelines for how quickly patients should receive radiation treatment, according to the type of cancer, one doctor said it is not always possible. 

Canterbury oncologists on how delays impact lives of patients

While there are government guidelines for how quickly patients should receive radiation treatment, according to the type of cancer, one doctor said it is not always possible.

October 5, 2025

3:40

September 2025
Hundreds of jobs in the Nelson-Tasman region could go as businesses cut costs.

Nelson Tasman job losses worst in 30 years - Chamber of Commerce

On Friday Sealord announced plans to make part of its fishing operation seasonal, proposing to cut 59 roles.

September 29, 2025

2:19

Dozens of riders and their decorated ride-on lawnmowers drove from the Molesworth Station through to Hanmer Springs.

'It's like a bunch of big kids': The lawnmower endurance ride for charity

The Molesworth Rampage was in its second year after raising $68,000 in 2024 for the Nelson Tasman Hospice and Nelson Cancer Society Tasman.

September 28, 2025

2:05

Maria Best had been on opioids for for years to cope with worsening pain in her left arm.

Woman unable to use arm 'confused' after specialist referral declined

Maria Best says the pain down her arms "is like being stung by a thousand bees on the inside".

September 16, 2025

2:35

August 2025
Health NZ denied the accusation, instead calling it a temporary administrative move.

Change of leadership for Nelson Hospital after damning review

Nelson Hospital boss Lexie O'Shea has been seconded to a new role at Health New Zealand with a top health leader set to replace her.

August 20, 2025

The Nelson Provincial Museum is the oldest in the country but most of its collection is housed in a building that leaks

Nelson Mayor wants to stop a $3m promise for new museum building

The Nelson Provincial Museum has a collection worth $20m but it is housed in a building that leaks when it rains.

August 19, 2025

2:32

Hayden Donald Jason Tasker, 32, of Motueka pictured leaving court in January.

Man accused of murdering Nelson police officer Lyn Fleming named

He is facing a raft of charges including murder and attempted murder, which he has previously pleaded not guilty to.

August 8, 2025

1:29

July 2025
PM wants a points system to standardise who gets elective surgery.

'You've had long enough': Cataract surgery still not equally accessible

In 2023, then Health Minister Ayesha Verrall announced the points required across the country for patients to get a cataracts operation would be set at 46 for everyone.

July 29, 2025

3:01

Health NZ regional deputy chief executive South Island Martin Keogh.

Health NZ's South Island boss to step down

The announcement comes as Martin Keogh was set to lead a team which would oversee changes at Nelson Hospital, following a scathing review released last week.

July 28, 2025

1:34

Postcode lottery persists three years after creation of Health NZ

Postcode lottery persists three years after creation of Health NZ

Some people are being denied elective surgeries that they would qualify for if they lived in a different region.

July 27, 2025

3:08

Review uncovers 'significant' staffing issues at Nelson Hospital

Review uncovers 'significant' staffing issues at Nelson Hospital

Senior doctors spoke out about the situation saying patients lives were being put at risk due to staffing levels at Nelson Hospital.

July 23, 2025

4:42

Nelson Hospital accused of making 'ghost' appointments for patients

Nelson Hospital accused of making 'ghost' appointments for patients

The senior doctors union and Nurses Union have written to the Health and Disability Commissioner, Public Service Commission and Auditor-General over the issue.

July 14, 2025

2:54

June 2025
GPs say they've seen busy winter periods before and the system is ready to cope. 

Winter of Nimbus: New Covid variant spreads as flu season hits

GPs say they've seen busy winter periods before and the system is ready to cope.

June 11, 2025

2:04

Speaking to 1News after several doctors went public with concerns, Lexi O’Shea defends her management of the hospital.

'I did everything I could': Nelson Hospital boss responds to concerns

1News has repeatedly asked for an interview with Nelson Hospital's Lexie O'Shea over the last two months.

June 5, 2025

2:42

Book lovers have descended on Founders Heritage Park for the Founders Book Fair.

More than 300,000 books up for grabs at the Founders Book Fair

People lined up for hours in the cold before sprinting as the gates opened to one of the largest book fairs in the country.

June 1, 2025

2:14

May 2025
The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary received more rain than the 2022 storm which decimated the Nelson region.

Nelson deluge causes $50k in damage to wildlife sanctuary

The deluge was so large it broke the rain gauges in the area, which means it's unclear exactly how much water fell.

May 27, 2025

1:49

Labour's plan for a new acute services building with 255 beds was to cost $1.1b, but was scrapped in August.

More than half a billion dollars for Nelson Hospital redevelopment

But there's lingering questions about whether the new building, which will be completed in 2029, will have enough beds.

May 26, 2025

3:16

April 2025
Tens of thousands more are waiting for elective surgeries.

200,000 Kiwis waiting for first specialist appointment

Access to first specialist appointments and elective procedures are among the Government's five health targets.

April 26, 2025

2:35

Dr Tammy Pegg.

Nelson patients wait as heart disease becomes inoperable — cardiologist

Nelson Hospital cardiologist Dr Tammy Pegg is the ninth doctor to speak to 1News about concerns staffing levels are having on patients in the region.

April 19, 2025

3:14