Pregnancy
New Zealand's system is built around the Lead Maternity Carer, usually a self-employed midwife chosen by the woman, who provides continuity of care throughout pregnancy, labour and the first six weeks afterwards, free of charge. Paid parental leave runs for twenty-six weeks. The main practical difficulty is workforce shortage: in some areas finding a midwife early is genuinely hard.
New Zealand's Lead Maternity Carer model is found almost nowhere else: you choose one named midwife, obstetrician or GP who provides continuity of care from booking through labour to six weeks after birth, free of charge for eligible residents. Paid parental leave runs for twenty-six weeks at a capped earnings-related rate, and can be transferred between partners.
Key points
| Lead Maternity Carer | One named carer, usually a midwife, from booking to six weeks after birth |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free for eligible residents, including the birth |
| Paid parental leave | Twenty-six weeks, with additional unpaid leave available |
| Place of birth | Home, primary birthing unit or hospital |
| Workforce | Shortages make early booking important in several regions |
| Eligibility | Depends on residence or visa status; check before assuming free care |
| After birth | Well Child checks continue through early childhood |
In practice
- Find a Lead Maternity Carer as soon as you know you are pregnant: in some regions they are booked out months ahead.
- Check your eligibility for funded maternity care if you are on a temporary visa.
- Primary birthing units offer a middle path between home and hospital.
- Apply for paid parental leave through Inland Revenue well before the due date.
Cost and coverage
Maternity care is free for eligible residents; those who are not eligible face substantial charges.
Recent changes
Paid parental leave reached twenty-six weeks in 2020 and the payment cap rises annually; funding for midwifery has been increased after sustained pressure over workforce shortages.
Where to go
- Find Your Midwife service for choosing a Lead Maternity Carer.
- Primary birthing units and hospital maternity services.
- Well Child providers for care after six weeks.
Worth knowing
Eligibility for free maternity care depends on immigration status, and the bill for an ineligible birth is very large. Confirm your position early rather than at the booking appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Lead Maternity Carer?
A single named practitioner — usually a midwife — who coordinates and provides your care throughout pregnancy, attends the birth and follows you for six weeks afterwards. The care is free for eligible residents. Register early: popular midwives in the main centres are booked months ahead.
How much is paid parental leave?
Twenty-six weeks at your usual weekly earnings up to a capped maximum, paid by Inland Revenue. It can be transferred to a partner, and additional unpaid extended leave is available. Self-employed people qualify at a minimum rate.
The general article: Pregnancy · Compare with another country
Periods and period products
New Zealand has not exempted period products from its 15 % GST — the tax applies to almost everything, and no exemption has been made. Instead, the government made products free in all primary, intermediate and secondary schools from June 2021 through the Ikura programme, after a pilot in the Waikato. There is no statutory menstrual leave; absence is sick leave, ten paid days a year for most employees.
Endometriosis is treated in the public system by GP referral to gynaecology, with long waits for laparoscopy and priority given to severe cases; the Ministry of Health published clinical guidance in 2020, without a national action plan. Endometriosis New Zealand runs education and support programmes. Private gynaecology is faster and paid, sometimes covered by health insurance.
Reusable products carry GST like disposables; nothing is reimbursed. Charities such as The Period Place distribute products outside schools.
Key points
| GST | 15 %, no exemption |
|---|---|
| Schools | Free products in all schools since June 2021 (Ikura programme) |
| Menstrual leave | None; sick leave |
| Endometriosis | Public gynaecology by referral; clinical guidance 2020, no national plan |
| Reusable products | GST applies, not reimbursed |
In practice
- Ask the school office where the Ikura products are kept.
- For pelvic pain, see the GP and ask for gynaecology referral; describe the impact on work and study, which affects priority.
- Outside school, The Period Place and food banks provide products.
What it costs
A cycle costs roughly 6 to 15 dollars in disposables, GST included. Nothing is reimbursed; schools provide products free.
What has changed recently
Ikura has run in all schools since 2021; the tax question has not moved.
Where to find help
- Ministry of Education: Ikura period products in schools.
- Endometriosis New Zealand.
- The Period Place: products for people in need.
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa: low-cost clinics.
Worth knowing
New Zealand chose free provision over tax exemption; in shops, products cost as much as anywhere. Reusables pay for themselves within a few cycles.
Frequently asked questions
Is there GST on tampons in New Zealand?
Yes, 15 %, like almost everything else.
Are period products free in schools?
Yes, in all schools since June 2021 under Ikura.
Is there menstrual leave?
No. Sick leave applies.
Sources
- Ministry of Education — Ikura period products — free period products in schools
- Endometriosis New Zealand — patient organisation
The general article: Periods and period products · Compare with another country
Sex therapy
“Psychotherapist” is a protected title in New Zealand, “sex therapist” is not; sexual health clinics are free, ACC funds therapy after sexual abuse, everything else is private.
New Zealand regulates psychotherapists and psychologists under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act, through the Psychotherapists Board and the Psychologists Board: those titles are protected and require registration. Counsellors are not regulated, and “sex therapist” or “sexologist” may be used by anyone. Doctors are registered with the Medical Council.
There is no New Zealand qualification specific to sex therapy. Practitioners are registered psychotherapists, psychologists, counsellors accredited by the New Zealand Association of Counsellors, and doctors, who have added overseas training — Australian sexology programmes, British COSRT courses or American AASECT certification. The Society of Australian Sexologists accredits some New Zealand members.
Public funding is limited. Sexual health clinics run by Te Whatu Ora are free for infections and contraception, and the former Family Planning service, now Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, offers low-cost consultations including some sexual-difficulty counselling. A GP visit is subsidised but charged; specialist referrals to urology, gynaecology or mental-health services are free through the public hospitals, with waits. ACC funds counselling and therapy for survivors of sexual abuse through its sensitive claims pathway, without a fixed session limit, with registered providers.
Outside those pathways, sex therapy is private, at roughly 130 to 220 dollars a session. Health insurance policies sometimes refund part of counselling or psychology costs, according to the plan.
Key points
| Title | “Sex therapist” unprotected; “psychotherapist” and “psychologist” protected and registered |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Psychotherapists Board and Psychologists Board under the HPCA Act; Medical Council for doctors |
| Training | Overseas sexology qualifications added to a registered or accredited profession |
| Free services | Sexual health clinics; public hospital referrals; Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa at low cost |
| ACC | Funds therapy for survivors of sexual abuse (sensitive claims) with registered providers |
| Private cost | About 130–220 dollars a session |
In practice
- Check the Psychotherapists Board or Psychologists Board register if the practitioner uses those titles, and the NZAC directory for counsellors.
- Ask about ACC sensitive claims if sexual abuse is part of your history: the first sessions are funded to assess the claim.
- Go through your GP for physical symptoms and for referral to public specialists.
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa clinics offer lower-cost consultations.
Cost and reimbursement
Sexual health clinic: free. GP: subsidised, charged. Public specialists: free with waiting lists. ACC sensitive claims: funded. Private sex therapy: 130–220 dollars a session, out of pocket unless insurance applies.
What has changed recently
Family Planning renamed itself Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa in 2024 and continues to offer low-cost sexual health services. No regulation of counsellors or sex therapists is planned.
Where to go
- Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand; New Zealand Psychologists Board.
- New Zealand Association of Counsellors: accredited counsellors.
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa: low-cost clinics.
- ACC: sensitive claims for survivors of sexual abuse.
Worth knowing
A registered psychotherapist is accountable to a board; a self-described sex therapist may be accountable to no one. Ask for the registration or accreditation before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is “sex therapist” a protected title in New Zealand?
No. “Psychotherapist” and “psychologist” are; sex therapists usually hold one of those registrations or NZAC accreditation, with extra training.
Is any sex therapy publicly funded?
Sexual health clinics are free, public specialists are free by referral, and ACC funds therapy after sexual abuse. General sex therapy is private.
What does ACC cover?
Assessment and therapy for the effects of sexual abuse or assault, with registered providers, through the sensitive claims process.
Sources
- Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand — register of psychotherapists
- ACC — sensitive claims — funded therapy after sexual abuse
The general article: Sex therapy · Compare with another country
Mental health
A free national call-and-text line, and free brief therapy built into general practices.
A free national service answers by call or text at any hour, staffed by trained counsellors. Alongside it, an access and choice programme has placed health improvement practitioners and health coaches inside general practices, so a same-day free session is often available where you already see your doctor. Longer specialist treatment goes through district services, with the usual waits.
Key points
| National line | Free, by call or text, at any hour |
|---|---|
| In-practice support | Free brief sessions with practitioners based in general practices |
| Same-day access | Often possible for the in-practice service |
| Specialist services | District mental health services, free, with waits |
| Maori and Pacific services | Kaupapa Maori and Pacific providers, funded and culturally grounded |
| Compulsory treatment | Governed by mental health legislation, with review |
| Youth | Free counselling services for young people |
In practice
- Ask your general practice whether it has a health improvement practitioner: the session is free and often same-day.
- The national line answers by text, which many people find easier than calling.
- Kaupapa Maori providers offer care grounded in a different framework, and are funded the same way.
- Specialist services take referrals from a GP or from the crisis team directly.
Cost and coverage
The national line and in-practice sessions are free; specialist services are publicly funded.
Recent changes
The access and choice programme has put free brief mental health support into a large share of general practices.
Where to go
- Free national call-and-text support line.
- General practices participating in the access and choice programme.
- District mental health crisis teams.
Worth knowing
The in-practice service is the fastest free help available and remains under-used. It does not require a diagnosis or a referral - just ask at reception.
The general article: Mental health · Compare with another country
Dental care
Free dental care to eighteen, and almost nothing after that.
Community oral health services provide free dental care for children and, through contracted practices, for adolescents up to their eighteenth birthday. From eighteen, dental care is private and unsubsidised except for emergency relief of pain for low-income adults through public hospital services and some funding by Work and Income for essential treatment.
The cliff at eighteen is the defining feature and is regularly described as the weakest point of the system: coverage is complete until eighteen, then stops entirely.
Work and Income can grant a special needs grant towards essential dental treatment for people on low incomes, capped annually.
Hospital dental departments treat emergencies and provide care for people with particular medical needs.
Dental schools in Dunedin treat patients at reduced fees.
Dental travel to Asia and to Australia for specialist work is common for major cases.
Key points
| To 18 | Free through community oral health services and contracted practices |
|---|---|
| From 18 | Private and unsubsidised |
| Low income | Emergency pain relief in hospitals; Work and Income grants for essential care |
| Implants and whitening | Entirely private |
In practice
- Enrol children with the community oral health service: care is free and includes recall appointments.
- Ask about a Work and Income special needs grant before abandoning essential treatment on cost grounds.
- Get an itemised quote: fees vary widely between practices and regions.
Cost and coverage
Examination and clean NZ$150–NZ$300. Filling NZ$150–NZ$350. Crown NZ$1,400–NZ$2,200. Implant with crown NZ$4,500–NZ$7,000.
Recent changes
Extending publicly funded dental care beyond eighteen has been repeatedly proposed and remains under debate.
Where to go
- Community oral health service, free for under-18s.
- Hospital dental departments, for emergencies.
- Work and Income, for special needs grants.
- University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry.
Worth knowing
The transition at eighteen catches families out: book the last free examination before the birthday, because the first private one costs several hundred dollars.
Frequently asked questions
Is dental care free for children?
Yes, to the eighteenth birthday, through community oral health services and contracted practices.
Is there any help for adults?
Emergency pain relief through hospitals for low-income adults, and Work and Income grants for essential treatment.
The general article: Dental care · Compare with another country
HIV and AIDS
PrEP and treatment are publicly funded, with a strong community-led testing network.
New Zealand funds both treatment and PrEP through the national pharmaceutical agency, with prescriptions available from general practice as well as specialist services. Testing is free at sexual health clinics and is also delivered by community organisations, with rapid results. Post-exposure prophylaxis is available through emergency and sexual health services.
New Zealand funds both HIV treatment and PrEP through the national drug funding agency, making PrEP free for those who meet the criteria, and free HIV self-test kits are available by post. Treatment is free for eligible residents, and the country has set an elimination target for local transmission.
Key points
| PrEP | Publicly funded since 2018, prescribable in general practice |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Publicly funded |
| Testing | Free at sexual health clinics and through community rapid testing |
| PEP | Through emergency departments and sexual health services |
| Eligibility | Funding depends on residence or visa status; check before assuming coverage |
| Community organisations | Deliver a large share of testing and peer support |
In practice
- Ask your GP about PrEP: a specialist referral is not required.
- Community rapid testing gives a result in minutes and is free.
- Confirm your eligibility for funded medicines if you are on a temporary visa.
Cost and coverage
Treatment and PrEP are publicly funded for eligible people; a standard prescription charge may apply.
Where to go
- Sexual health services of the health districts.
- Burnett Foundation Aotearoa and Body Positive.
- General practices for PrEP prescriptions.
Worth knowing
Eligibility for publicly funded medicines depends on immigration status. If you are on a temporary visa, establish your position before you need treatment urgently.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get PrEP in New Zealand?
Through a GP or a sexual health clinic, with funded prescriptions for people meeting the eligibility criteria and three-monthly monitoring. There is no cost for the medication itself for those who qualify. Self-test kits for HIV are available free by post.
Hepatitis B
Infant vaccination since 1988, and a well-documented concentration of chronic infection in specific communities.
New Zealand was among the earlier countries to introduce universal infant vaccination, in 1988, following a national screening and immunisation effort. Chronic infection remains concentrated among Māori, Pacific and Asian communities, and a dedicated national programme provides free screening and follow-up for those groups.
New Zealand introduced universal infant hepatitis B vaccination in 1988, one of the earliest programmes in the world, and the effect on chronic infection rates among younger cohorts has been dramatic. Antenatal screening is routine, and there is a national follow-up programme for people living with chronic hepatitis B, run largely through community organisations.
Key points
| Infant vaccination | Universal since 1988 |
|---|---|
| Birth dose | For babies of carriers, with immunoglobulin |
| Antenatal screening | Universal |
| Free screening | Available through a dedicated national programme for higher prevalence groups |
| Monitoring | Free follow-up for chronic carriers through the programme |
| Treatment | Publicly funded |
| Concentration | Higher prevalence among Māori, Pacific and Asian communities |
In practice
- If you are Māori, Pacific or Asian and born before 1990, ask about free screening through the national programme.
- Chronic carriers are entitled to free monitoring: ask to be enrolled.
- Ask for all three serological markers.
Cost and coverage
Screening for eligible groups and monitoring are free; treatment is publicly funded.
Where to go
- The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand, which runs the national follow-up programme.
- General practices and sexual health services.
- Māori and Pacific health providers.
Worth knowing
Free lifelong monitoring for chronic carriers exists as a national programme. Many carriers are not enrolled and therefore never monitored — ask to be added.
Frequently asked questions
Is there follow-up for people with chronic infection?
Yes — a national follow-up programme monitors people with chronic hepatitis B with regular blood tests and liver imaging, delivered partly through community organisations working with Māori, Pacific and Asian communities where prevalence is highest. Enrolment is free.
HPV
A gender-neutral school programme, and HPV self-testing as the standard screening method since 2023.
New Zealand extended vaccination to boys in 2017 and, in September 2023, replaced cytology with HPV testing as the primary screening method — with a self-taken vaginal swab offered as the default option. That change was designed specifically to reach Māori and Pacific women, among whom cervical cancer rates have been markedly higher.
New Zealand funds HPV vaccination free for everyone aged nine to twenty-six, girls and boys, which is a notably wide window. Cervical screening moved to primary HPV testing in 2023 with self-testing available, a change that was explicitly designed to close the gap in coverage for Māori and Pacific women, who had the worst screening rates and the worst outcomes.
Key points
| School programme | Free, gender-neutral since 2017 |
|---|---|
| Catch-up | Free up to age 26 |
| Screening | HPV testing since September 2023, ages 25 to 69 |
| Self-testing | Offered as the standard option, taken by the person themselves |
| Interval | Five years for those who test HPV negative |
| Equity | The change was made to address markedly higher rates among Māori and Pacific women |
| Cost | Vaccination is free; screening is free for many groups |
In practice
- Ask for the self-test: it is the standard option and does not require an examination.
- Catch-up vaccination is free to 26 — ask at a general practice or sexual health clinic.
- Check whether you qualify for free screening; many groups do.
Cost and coverage
Vaccination is free to 26; screening is free for several groups and low cost otherwise.
Recent changes
The switch to HPV self-testing in September 2023 was one of the most significant changes to cervical screening anywhere.
Where to go
- School-based immunisation programmes.
- National Cervical Screening Programme.
- General practices, Māori and Pacific health providers.
Worth knowing
The self-test removed the pelvic examination from routine screening. If that examination is what kept you away, that reason no longer applies.
Frequently asked questions
Who can be vaccinated free in New Zealand?
Everyone aged nine to twenty-six, regardless of sex, whether or not they went through the school programme. That is one of the widest free windows anywhere, and it means an adult who missed out can still be vaccinated at no cost through a GP or a pharmacy.
General sources
- govt.nz — official government information
- New Zealand Legislation — acts and regulations