The Latest Breaking News from Simeon Brown

The government wants to reward better GP care. But what happens when targets take priority?

Last month, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced new funding to reward GP clinics that meet a series of performance targets.

The Conversation · Oct 21

‘You reach a tipping point’: New Zealand’s strained healthcare system at centre of election battle

With care shortfalls biting across the country, the National-led coalition has been accused of letting chronic underfunding worsen

The Guardian - AU · Oct 19

Labour, Greens firm in New Zealand election contest

Two polls in a day have confirmed a Greens surge which could tip the left bloc into power in New Zealand, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon's coalition out.

AAP · Oct 5

'One of the best pandemic responses in the world': NZ

Jacinda Ardern has defended her government's pandemic record, saying they got "more than most" right on New Zealand's COVID-19 handling.

AAP · Mar 10

New Zealand bans puberty blockers for young transgender people

Critics warn move could have devastating impact on lives and wellbeing of those affected

The Guardian - UK · Nov 19, 2025

Mega-strike: where is the ‘ethical line’ in public health and are doctors really crossing it?

Health Minister Simeon Brown’s claim that this week’s industrial action by doctors “crosses an ethical line” misunderstands doctors’ ethical responsibilities.

The Conversation · Oct 21, 2025

Just the ticket? The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties

With accusations flying thick and fast last year about supposed “dysfunction” and a “shambles” at Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown stepped in and appointed a Crown Observer.

The Conversation · Jun 4, 2025

NZ Budget 2025: anything less than a 5% increase in health funding amounts to merely standing still

Minister of Health Simeon Brown claimed earlier this year that health funding in New Zealand has never been higher and that suggestions of underfunding are “fake news”.

The Conversation · May 19, 2025

Are New Zealanders ‘sick and tired’ of spending on cycleways? Not according to this survey

Many more New Zealanders now choose to get around by bike than a few years ago. A Ministry of Transport survey reports 36% of people say they have cycled in the past 12 months, and Christchurch City Council tracking shows bike journeys are up nearly 40% over the past few…

The Conversation · Sep 10, 2024

Spinning its wheels: the new national transport plan steers NZ back to a car-dependent past

The government’s new National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) could easily have been renamed the “highway funding project”, given its intense focus on road building.

The Conversation · Sep 3, 2024