Election Issue – END OF LIFE CARE
End of Life Care
Election Issue 2026
Every person hopes they will age well and die well. In order to live with a life-limiting disease and die well, many will require special care as their lives come to an end. Almost a third of those who die in New Zealand have input from a Hospice in the last months and weeks of their lives[1], much of this being in-home care and support[2]. When a person is not supported to die well, this can have significant on-going effects for surviving loved ones.
Most Christians affirm the sanctity of life and the call to care for the vulnerable, elderly, and frail. In every chapter of life, from cradle to grave, we are held in the arms of God. This care of God is embodied in the care of the church to ensure that people are dignified and nurtured in the process of dying.
Below you’ll find some information about this issue, as well as some accompanying questions, which could be asked of candidates in your electorate.
Funding of palliative care compared to Assisted dying
Currently assisted dying is fully funded by Health NZ, including travel and accommodation during the approval process[3]. In contrast palliative care is 50% funded. Hospice NZ must each year fundraise (currently) $114 million to keep their 28 services operating1
Is it fair that assisted dying is fully funded by Health NZ but Palliative Care is only 50% funded?
Funding shortage
Hospice NZ[4] has had to cap services in some areas due to insufficient funding. This has meant some have not been able to access Hospice services or the length of support for them is significantly reduced. To prevent this from becoming the norm as numbers of elderly increase, Hospice NZ is hoping for an 80 government/20 community funding split (June 2026 private interview by D. Bush with Wayne Naylor, CEO Hospice NZ).
What will you do to ensure New Zealanders nearing the end of their life can access the appropriate end of life care they need and choose at the end of life?
Rural areas
Rural areas are particularly under-resourced for palliative care as small communities cannot raise sufficient funds for their services (June 2026 personal communication with Wayne Naylor, CEO Hospice NZ)
What will you do to ensure people in rural areas have the end of life services they need and are not left behind those in cities?
[1] Executive_Summary_MartinJenkinsReport.pdf
[2] Hospice Care NZ: What It Is and How to Access It | Ageing Well NZ — Ageing Well NZ
Download the PDF here
