Media release: NZ Telehealth Forum welcomes renewed funding
September 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
NZ Telehealth Forum welcomes renewed Health NZ funding
The NZ Telehealth Forum & Resource Centre has welcomed a new 12-month funding contract from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, running until 30 June 2027, securing the Forum's immediate future and providing renewed momentum for the Forum’s role as the national voice for telehealth and virtual care in Aotearoa New Zealand.
While the funding allocation is lower than in previous years, the Forum's Chair, Dr Ruth Large, says the investment represents an important vote of confidence in the value of telehealth and the critical role the Forum plays in bringing together expertise from across the health sector both nationally and internationally.
"We are delighted to be able to continue this work on behalf of our members and the wider health system. The funding enables us to maintain a collaborative national platform that supports the development of equitable, accessible and sustainable models of telehealth care that complement in-person care provision."
As part of this next chapter, the Forum is focusing on quality deliverables that support the sector to implement and evolve telehealth uptake.
The Forum has recently welcomed a new Programme Manager, Jess Morgan-French, who will help drive the next phase of the Forum’s growth and impact. Jess will lead programme delivery, stakeholder engagement and implementation of the annual work plan, supporting members, working groups and Communities of Practice while helping strengthen connections, maintain momentum and advance strategic priorities across the telehealth sector. This builds on more than a decade of work in which the Forum has provided leadership, advocacy, education and expert advice to support telehealth adoption across New Zealand, helping improve healthcare access for people regardless of where they live.
Dr Large says the developments have created a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm throughout the Forum.
"There is a genuine feeling of optimism about what lies ahead. Our members remain deeply committed to improving access to healthcare through telehealth, and this funding gives us the ability to reconnect, refocus and accelerate important work already underway across the sector."
“Telehealth continues to play an important role in modern healthcare delivery. While there is still much work to do, this funding gives us the opportunity to continue supporting clinicians, health services and policymakers to realise the full potential of telehealth, in all of its forms including virtual care."
ENDS
For media enquiries: help@telehealth.org.nz