Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health supports migrants and refugees through all parts of the Public Health Sector, and it sets national priorities for health in New Zealand.
The first contact point for any person should be a community-based service, such as a general practitioner (GP), pharmacist, dentist or optician. You usually have to pay for these services, but some, for example childhood immunisation, are free. For more information, refer to the green-edged pages at the front of your local telephone directory for a list of health services in your area.
If you need specialist services, such as surgical procedures, rehabilitation or mental health treatment, your GP will refer you to the right place. If you are referred to a public hospital, you will find that most services are free of charge to New Zealand residents.
Many public hospitals have access to interpreters to help with health enquiries. Language Line, the confidential telephone interpreting service, can be accessed for no cost to the client. It is currently available through the following health providers: Dunedin Primary Health Organisation, Marlborough Primary Health Organisation, Nelson Bays Primary Health Organisation, Capital and Coast District Health Board, Health Rotorua Primary Health Organisation, Waikato District Health Board, and Auckland District Health Board (Pilot). Language Line can be used through these health care providers, when communicating with a medical specialist or their reception staff. You can contact your local public hospital about access to services, including questions about waiting lists.
Ministry of Health PDF
MoH Quick Guide to the New Zealand Healthcare System PDF