Matua Kahurangi
Just a bloke sharing thoughts on New Zealand and the world beyond. No fluff, just honest takes.
Yesterday I shared the first of my Subscriber Stories, where KC* recounted a shocking experience at Waikato Hospital after being rushed there by ambulance. You can read the full story here:
Subscriber Stories: Emergency care or waiting room farce?Matua Kahurangi 1 Nov
One of my followers on X responded to the story with a comment that stopped me in my tracks. He wrote that when trying to book a routine appointment with his doctor online, the first available slot was three months away. He added that he could try phoning for a cancellation, but it highlighted a severe lack of capacity in the system.
I was sceptical. Surely that could not be true? I asked him to provide a redacted screenshot of the earliest appointment, and he did. The first available slot shown was 20 February 2026. Now, I cannot verify whether there were earlier cancellations, but this subscriber has been active and trustworthy online. There is no reason to doubt him. His screenshot is below.
Stories like this are becoming all too common. Waiting three months for a routine doctor’s appointment is unacceptable. Even a two-week wait can feel unbearable when you are sick or anxious about your health.
I dread to think what would happen if Labour returned to government and implemented their promise of three free doctor visits per year. People would likely be booking those check-ups in advance, putting even more strain on already stretched GP practices nationwide.
Our health system is failing ordinary Kiwis. If we cannot see a doctor when we need to, free visits will not make a difference. They will just create longer lines, more stress, and worse outcomes for everyone. Something has to change and it cannot wait three months.
This article was originally published on the author’s Substack.
