Position Statement – National Palliative Care Steering Group

Published 23 October 2024

This statement includes information about palliative care health services, as well as key definitions and an overview of equity considerations, system pressures, and population projections. It also outlines the aims of the Work Programme which include ensuring we have an equitable and sustainable palliative care system that meets the current and future needs of patients, whānau-family carers, and communities.

The voices of underserved communities in palliative care

Published 13 September 2024

This report captures the experiences of consumers and whānau from underserved communities, and those who provide health and social care to these communities.

Palliative care national survey key themes report

Published 27 August 2024

This report outlines the key themes from over 1000 responses to our national survey about palliative care services for adults.

Te Ara Whakapiri: Principles and guidance for the last days of life

Published 12 April 2017
This guide outlines the requirements to ensure consistent and quality care for all New Zealand adults at the end of life.

Review of Adult Palliative Care Services in New Zealand

Published 30 March 2017
The review presents a refreshed strategic direction for adult palliative care and proposes a suite of initiatives to help manage future increases in demand for palliative care. It is accompanied by an action plan setting out short- to long-term priorities.

Palliative Care Action Plan

Published 30 March 2017
This action plan supports the findings, priorities and actions of the Review of Adult Palliative Care Services in New Zealand.

New Zealand Palliative Care Glossary

Published 09 December 2015
This glossary aims to initiate a common understanding of terms used in palliative care in New Zealand.

Referral Criteria for Adult Palliative Care Services in New Zealand

Published 31 August 2014
These referral criteria aim to create a more uniform understanding about palliative care provision across all settings, including both hospice and hospital palliative care services.

Palliative Care and Māori from a Health Literacy Perspective

Published 01 August 2014
This publication looks at health literacy barriers to palliative care for Māori patients and their whānau and explores ways to improve the quality of services.

The Palliative Care Council of New Zealand’s Position on Euthanasia

Published 20 June 2013
The Palliative Care Council of New Zealand’s position statement on euthanasia and related issues.

National Health Needs Assessment for Palliative Care Phase 2 Report: Palliative Care Capacity and Capability

Published 14 May 2013
Information on palliative care capacity and capability in New Zealand hospices and hospital palliative care services.

Resource and Capability Framework for Integrated Adult Palliative Care Services in New Zealand

Published 22 January 2013
The Framework describes the levels of palliative care required in New Zealand including the resources and capabilities needed to support service delivery.

Guidance for Integrated Paediatric Palliative Care Services in New Zealand

Published 25 September 2012
The Guidance for Integrated Paediatric Palliative Care Services in New Zealand is a guide to improve the integration of palliative care service delivery to children and young people in New Zealand.
A summary document has the key recommendations of the Guidance that DHB funders and planners can use as a quick reference guide.

Measuring What Matters: Palliative Care

Published 01 February 2012
This document establishes a framework for palliative care to inform strategic decision-making across all health settings in New Zealand.

Advance Care Planning: A guide for the New Zealand health care workforce

Published 02 August 2011
Advance Care Planning: A guide for the New Zealand health care workforce was prepared as a response to the increasing sector focus on the need for clear and accurate information and guidance regarding ACP in the New Zealand context.

National Health Needs Assessment for Palliative Care Phase 1 Report: Assessment of Palliative Care Need

Published 30 June 2011
This report provides an estimate of the number of people who might benefit from palliative care in New Zealand.

Gap Analysis of Specialist Palliative Care in New Zealand: Providing a national overview of hospice and hospital-based services

Published 02 December 2009
The purpose of the report is to determine how close hospice and hospital providers of specialist palliative care services were to meeting the new draft service specification for specialist palliative care.

A National Professional Development Framework for Palliative Care Nursing in Aotearoa New Zealand

Published 02 November 2008
A National Professional Development Framework for Palliative Care Nursing Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand describes the competencies required for all nurses to provide palliative care across a range of clinical settings.

The New Zealand Palliative Care Strategy

Published 02 February 2001

Palliative care is the care of people who are dying from active, progressive diseases or other conditions that are not responsive to curative treatment.
Palliative care embraces the physical, social, emotional and spiritual elements of wellbeing–tinana, whānau, hinengaro and wairua – and enhances a person’s quality of life while they are dying.
Palliative care also supports the bereaved family/whānau.