RACS has begun an advocacy campaign in the lead up to the general election in November in Aotearoa. We are asking the political parties contesting this election to make commitments in relation to three priority areas – workforce, needs-based equitable healthcare, and investment in infrastructure:
- Workforce – commit to planning, growing, and retaining a surgical workforce capable of meeting current and future need for safe, effective, and timely surgical care within an adequately resourced health system.
- Needs-based equitable healthcare – commit to making evidence-based decisions on the allocation of resources to address unmet need for surgical care whilst achieving needs-based equitable access to safe, effective, and timely surgery for our diverse communities.
- Accelerate investment in infrastructure – commit to planning and accelerating investment in better data, digital, physical, and sustainable infrastructure to support the public healthcare system so we can meet current and future demand for surgery.
These priorities are set out in the attached single page RACS Manifesto 2026 (PDF 299.12KB), with more details in an Appendix (PDF 339.63KB). These were developed in consultation with the Aotearoa-New Zealand National Committee and the specialist societies and associations. RACS members are welcome to use the Manifesto in communications and advocacy to influence candidates and opinion leaders over the next weeks.
Dr Sharon English, as Chair of the National Committee, wrote to the health spokesperson(s) for each political party asking for their commitments by 31 August 2026. We will collate their responses, policies, and perspectives for distribution to all members by the end of September. We will also shortly begin to advocate publicly for the Manifesto. Media opportunities will be designed to inform the public, and to influence opinion leaders and political parties.
The Manifesto provides a platform for us to work collectively to achieve our Mission:
- To improve access, equity, quality, and delivery of care which meets the needs of our diverse communities