Whakarongorau Aotearoa

About

Many people across Aotearoa face significant barriers when it comes to accessing timely and appropriate healthcare. Whether it's due to location, mobility, or the immediate availability of services, these challenges can prevent individuals and their whānau from getting the support they need, exactly when they need it. That's why Whakarongorau Aotearoa exists: to provide every single person in New Zealand with the opportunity for wellness through free, accessible, 24/7 virtual health, mental health, and social services. We operate as the national telehealth service, a digital front door to care that ensures no matter who you are or where you are, help is just a call, text, or click away. Our customers' needs are at the heart of everything we do. We understand that navigating the healthcare system can be confusing and stressful, which is why we've designed our services to be a seamless, single point of contact. When someone reaches out to us, they aren't just getting a response; they are connecting with a compassionate and highly skilled team of nurses, paramedics, counsellors, and other specialists who are ready to listen and guide them to the right support. Our focus is firmly on equity, ensuring that Māori, Pasifika, and people with disabilities receive culturally safe and responsive care. We partner with iwi and Māori-owned organisations to deliver services that respect and reflect the needs of their communities, offering callers the option to speak with Māori advisors who understand their cultural context. This 'by Māori, for Māori' approach is crucial to building trust and improving health outcomes. From managing the national Healthline and Quitline to providing critical support for mental health through services like 1737, and coordinating national cancer screening programs, we are deeply integrated into New Zealand's healthcare fabric. We have been there for the nation during major crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Christchurch terror attacks, rapidly scaling our services to meet unprecedented demand. Our commitment is to use our 'healthy imagination' to continuously innovate and break down the barriers, no matter how small, that prevent people from receiving the care they deserve.