On the 8th of March 2024, the New Zealand Government unveiled its latest health targets, aiming to enhance immunization rates and reduce waiting times in emergency departments (EDs) and for specialist assessments and cancer treatments. While these goals are undoubtedly important, the current approach overlooks significant issues that demand immediate attention. From the impact of the covid-19 response to the neglect of chronic disease causation and a disillusioned workforce, the existing targets are unlikely to succeed unless these crucial aspects of health are addressed.

COVID-19 Response 

A glaring oversight in New Zealand's healthcare strategy is the lack of transparency regarding the health outcomes of vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals. Despite mounting concerns and requests for data, Health New Zealand (HNZ) has failed to provide comprehensive information on covid-19 vaccination rates and associated mortality. Furthermore, the refusal to acknowledge over 20,000 reports of serious adverse effects following vaccination raises significant questions about the true impact of the vaccination campaign on public health.

HNZ's persistent advocacy for covid-19 vaccination without addressing concerns raised by multiple professionals, indicates a lack of integrity, at best, in the decision-making process of HNZ and related regulatory bodies. By withholding critical information from the public and criminalizing independent analysis of all-cause mortality in relation to covid-19 vaccination, HNZ perpetuates a narrative of dishonesty and undermines trust in healthcare authorities. The refusal to investigate the potential role of the covid vaccines in the surge of medical emergencies and chronic disease, particularly with regard to cancer, further exacerbates the crisis.

Besides vaccine injury, other obvious contributors to the state of the New Zealand’s health care, are likely to include delays in diagnosis due to lockdowns, the significant loss of trust in the medical profession and the increase in respiratory infections due to the wearing of masks.

Without honestly addressing the covid response, the negative effects will be perpetuated, making a mockery of New Zealand's health targets.

Health Care Workforce 

The impact of vaccine mandates has led to the departure of large numbers of healthcare professionals, resulting in critical staffing shortages across the healthcare system. Many dedicated individuals, driven by ethical concerns, professional integrity and legitimate doubts regarding the safety of the mandated vaccines, chose to leave the workforce rather than compromise their principles or their health. Consequently, those who remained encountered arduous working conditions and insufficient remuneration, fostering a continual drain of talent to destinations such as Australia.

Furthermore, many healthcare professionals find themselves ensnared in cumbersome, costly, and superfluous investigations into actions that may have diverged from the prevailing narrative. Many of these investigations appear to be unwarranted persecution by regulatory bodies, with the majority of cases lacking patient complaints or tangible evidence of harm. This sense of being unjustly targeted has dissuaded numerous highly skilled professionals from rejoining the workforce, thereby forsaking careers they once cherished.

The repercussions of vaccine mandates extended far beyond compliance issues, plunging the healthcare system into a crisis marked by severe staff shortages and the departure of invaluable talent. It is imperative for regulatory bodies and policymakers to address these concerns in order to mitigate the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals and safeguard the integrity of the healthcare profession as a whole.

Chronic Disease Management

The management of chronic diseases requires a holistic approach that extends beyond conventional medical interventions. Additionally, the NZ Government continues to ignore the increasing evidence of harm in measures such as water fluoridation, the wearing of masks in health care settings, the avoidance of sun exposure, the “Heart Tick” applied to hyperpalatable, processed foods and the emphasis on vaccination including of pregnant women and infants.

The persistence of preventable deficiencies, such as Vitamin D and Vitamin B12, the testing of which HNZ deems unnecessary, and the reliance on pharmaceutical solutions underscore the need for a more balanced approach to healthcare.

By prioritizing evidence-based practices and addressing root causes, New Zealand can mitigate the burden of chronic diseases and promote long-term health outcomes. To do so, HNZ needs to consult widely, including with practitioners that they prefer to ignore, such as Integrative Medicine practitioners and Traditional Healers, as well as whistle blowers from the health care service. Acknowledging, and acting on harms, integrating complementary healthcare modalities and empowering patients with comprehensive diagnostic and treatment tools can facilitate proactive management and reduce reliance on emergency and GP services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HNZ must confront the elephants in the room to achieve meaningful progress towards improving the Health of New Zealanders.  We agree that HNZ should be “working hard on keeping people out of the EDs” as reportedly stated by Dr Shane Reti, the Health Minister. 

HNZ needs to immediately release and act on data regarding the harms of the covid vaccination.  This would easily be accomplished by assessing health criteria against vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts. In addition, by supporting healthcare professionals, abandoning spurious regulatory action and embracing holistic approaches to health, the New Zealand Government can pave the way for a healthier and more resilient future. It is time that HNZ listens to the voices, of both doctors and patients, who have been marginalised. It is time for HNZ to implement measures that truly prioritise the well-being of all New Zealanders.