The New Zealand Government has announced a $15.5 million investment over four years to establish a nationally coordinated specialist paediatric palliative care service, addressing a significant gap in healthcare provision for children with life-threatening conditions. Health Minister Simeon Brown revealed the Budget 2026 initiative will create dedicated specialist teams in both the North and South Islands, dramatically expanding from the current single specialist paediatric palliative care physician at Starship Children's Hospital.

The funding will support approximately 3000 children who may require paediatric palliative care support, with around 300 children dying annually in New Zealand from life-threatening or life-limiting conditions. The new teams will comprise specialist physicians, clinical nurse specialists, social workers, child psychologists and nurse practitioners, working to enable more children to receive care in their homes and communities rather than in hospital settings.

The investment package includes national service coordination and funding for one registrar training position annually in specialist paediatric palliative care, addressing both immediate service delivery needs and long-term workforce development. Brown emphasised that the initiative aims to reduce the emotional, physical and logistical burden on families facing these challenging circumstances, ensuring specialist care support is accessible regardless of geographic location across New Zealand.