The Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand (AHANZ) 2026 Policy Manifesto, Allied Health: The Heart of a Thriving Health System, has been released, setting out key priorities to strengthen prevention, improve access to community-based services, and relieve pressure across the health system.

NZSTA is proud to be a founding member of AHANZ, and supports the manifesto’s call for allied health to be better recognised, resourced, and integrated across Aotearoa New Zealand’s health system.

The manifesto highlights four commitments for 2026:

• Joined-up, community-based care

• Prevention, not just treatment

• Better information and visibility

• A stronger focus on equity

AHANZ also outlines practical actions to help deliver these priorities, including more integrated allied health teams in Tier 1/community care, improved digital connectivity and data, and equity-led commissioning to direct resources where they’re needed most.

Read the AHANZ 2026 Policy Manifesto to learn more.