eHealthTALK NZ

Health Through the Marae is a marae-based healthcare initiative redefining community care by using technology to rebuild trust, improve access, and enable whānau-centered models of care.

In this episode, we explore how their partnership with Virtual Medical Solutions combines culturally grounded care with clinically robust virtual healthcare.

At the centre is TytoCare - a clinically validated virtual care platform that pairs a handheld diagnostic device with secure telehealth software, enabling clinicians to perform real-time remote examinations and move virtual care beyond video consultations.

The result is improved access to timely GP care, greater clinical confidence, and stronger community capability to understand and manage health - demonstrating what equitable, digitally enabled healthcare can look like in Aotearoa.

In this episode Phil Baskerville, Digital Project Director for the New Dunedin Hospital, talks about the vision, planning and innovation behind one the country's largest health infrastructure project.

From designing a paperless hospital and creating digitally enabled patient journeys to overcoming complex infrastructure challenges and preparing staff for change, Phil shares how the project is reimagining healthcare from the ground up. He discusses the role of the Digital Health Design Lab, the importance of co-design with clinicians and patients, why digital inclusion remains a priority, and how technology is being introduced progressively ahead of opening day.

The conversation also explores the leadership, governance and collaborative culture required to deliver a project of this scale, along with the lessons other health organisations can take from the experience.

If you want to learn more, see Phil present at Southern Connections - the future of digital health, in Dunedin on July 29. Register here

MTANZ chief executive Cushla Smyth discusses the themes and highlights of the MTANZ conference this June 29-30 in Auckland including;

-       How the new medical device procurement system is progressing

-       The Medical Products Bill and potential impact of political shifts on health tech regulation

-       Practical insights on integrating AI tools in healthcare

-       The synergy between research, startups, and established manufacturers at HealthTech Week

Listen to hear how regulation, innovation, and collaborative action are shaping NZ’s medtech landscape and register to attend the conference later this month.

Protecting health data isn’t just a technical challenge, but a shared responsibility that is critical to maintaining patient trust and system resilience.

In this episode Pete Booth, Acting Chief Information Security Officer at Health New Zealand, discusses the evolving cyber landscape in healthcare.

He talks about bolstering cybersecurity in health, from managing third-party risks and enforcing the NCSC standards, to embedding security by design in AI and digital health innovations and Health New Zealand’s central Security Operations Centre.

Note - This episode was recorded before reports into the MMH data breach were released on May 27.

This episode covers the redesign and goals of the Digital Health Week Conference 2026 being held on Nov 18-19 in Auckland - emphasising inclusivity, industry engagement, and sustainable impact.

HiNZ CEO Alex Kemp and DHA CEO Stella Ward discuss how the partnership between the two associations is creating a connected and action-driven event, bringing together diverse stakeholders for meaningful change and innovation.

ProCare CEO Bindi Norwell shares practical insights on what it takes to turn innovation into everyday practice in primary care. She unpacks how to accelerate adoption among time-poor clinicians, why making new tools habitual is the key to lasting impact, and how a collaborative, scale-ready approach can transform care for millions.

Bindi also highlights the cultural shift required for meaningful change: embracing fast failure, learning quickly, and celebrating wins to sustain momentum and keep innovation alive across the system.

Third Age Health Geriatrician Dr Jackie Broadbent and clinical change coordinator Madelaine Young explain what drove the development of the new Elder Care Standards and the impact they have had since implementation.

They discuss why is it important to hold medical providers to a clear set of quality standards when delivering care in aged residential care facilities.

Also, how technology is evolving rapidly in healthcare and how that has influenced the need for consistent quality standards in this sector.

Darren Douglass, Acting Chief Information Technology Officer at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora speaks to Rebecca McBeth about the challenges and opportunities in the new 10-year Health Digital Investment Plan. 

He also discusses the creation of the Centre for Digital Modernisation in Health, created to deliver the plan.

Recorded during Digital Health Week 2025, held in Christchurch November 25-26.

This episode explores an IDI (Integrated Data Infrastructure) project from Blind Low Vision New Zealand, which is using data to illuminate the life outcomes of the blind and visually impaired, revealing insights that challenge perceptions and aim to drive policy change. 

Cain Richardson and Tori Van Loewenhout discuss the drivers behind the project, issues around data standardisation and the power of integrated data in advocating for better services and opportunities for what is often an invisible community.

This episode explores the unique origins of electronic medical record (EMR) system Tamanu, with guests Edwin Monk-Fromont and Megan Lane from Beyond Essential Systems. 

Tamanu was designed with a people-first approach, aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery in low-resource settings across the Pacific. 

Learn how Tamanu's open-source, mobile-enabled technology and standards based approach to interoperability is transforming patient care throughout the region and beyond. 

Edwin and Megan also discuss the importance of co-design, and future integrations of AI.

MTANZ board member Aisling Weir explores the history and complexities of medical device regulation in New Zealand.

She discusses the challenges and opportunities within the evolving landscape of medical technology and how new legislation - the Medical Products Bill  - aims to address these issues. 

Also, the difficulty of regulating AI in relation to medical devices and what New Zealand could learn from how international regulatory agencies are approaching this.

Matt Devonald, Patient Services Manager at Forte Health, discusses the private hospital’s journey from paper to digital patient onboarding with Personify Care.

He talks about how this transition has streamlined patient onboarding, improved the patient experience, and contributed to the organisation’s sustainability goals.

Matt reflects on the challenges faced when going digital, Forte’s co-design approach and what this successful project enables for the future.

In this episode Sally Britnell, a disability advocate and senior lecturer, discusses the challenges and barriers faced by disabled people in the healthcare sector.

Sally shares her personal journey of working in health and the importance of representation in the health workforce.

She reflects on the current state of inclusivity, experiences of discrimination, and explores the need for universal design in workplaces.

Also, the role of digital tools in enhancing accessibility, the support employers can provide, and the importance of education in fostering understanding among health staff.

Digital accessibility consultant Callum McMenamin, founder of Open Access, talks about creating inclusive digital environments for blind and low vision people, particularly within health and social care. 

Callum shares his journey into accessibility, his work on government web standards, and the creation of the “Accessibility Loser Board” that highlights areas needing urgent improvement. 

The discussion explores challenges and systemic barriers in health and disability services, and the role of standards and emerging technologies like AI in shaping a more accessible and equitable digital future for all New Zealanders.

This episode explores the journey of Tāmaki Health as they integrated the Heidi AI medical scribe across New Zealand’s largest independent primary healthcare group. 

Guests discuss how the technology is streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing the overall efficiency of clinicians and improving staff wellbeing, as well as patient experience. 

Also, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved through their innovative collaborative approach. 

Lisa Tumahai, chief executive of Pōkeka Poutini Ngāi Tahu Ltd, shares insights on the challenges and successes of implementing digital solutions to enhance service delivery and efficiency in rural health care. 

The discussion covers the integration of technology into health and social care services, the importance of data sovereignty, and the future of digital health, including the role of AI. 

Can artificial intelligence help to transform aged care without losing the human touch? 

In this episode of eHealth Talk NZ, Third Age Health’s CTO Sanjeewa Samaraweera and nurse practitioner Elle Dagley discuss the opportunities and risks of AI in supporting older adults. 

From predictive risk management and clinical note-taking to tackling loneliness and enabling independent living, they explore where AI can make the biggest impact – and why dignity and human connection must always come first.

In the first of a four-part podcast collaboration between HiNZ and Blind Low Vision NZ, digital accessibility consultant Neil Jarvis discuss the critical issue of accessibility in healthcare for Blind and Low Vision people and the current mixed state of accessibility within the healthcare system. 

His personal experiences reveal significant gaps in accessibility, the importance of providing information in preferred formats, and the need for systemic changes and national policies to ensure equitable access to healthcare services. 

Neil's vision is for an inclusive healthcare experience that respects the dignity and autonomy of all patients. 

Ryl Jensen, the outgoing CEO of the Digital Health Association, reflects on her journey in digital health, the shifts in New Zealand's health landscape, and the importance of collaboration and innovation.

Ryl discusses the challenges faced by the sector, and the need for a connected health system that empowers patients and clinicians, as well as advice for those looking to get into the world of data and digital health.

In the first of a four-part collaborative series with the Medical Technology Association of New Zealand, eHealth Talk host and HiNZ media editor Rebecca McBeth interviews MTANZ CEO Cushla Smyth about the challenges facing medical device suppliers and the future of the sector.

They discuss findings from MTANZ’s latest member survey, procurement delays, the lack of clarity over whether Pharmac or Health NZ will manage medical device contracting, and what this uncertainty means for investment and patient access to new technologies.

Cushla also shares her vision for building a thriving, patient-focused medical technology industry in Aotearoa.

HiNZ CEO Scott Arrol reflects on 25 years of HiNZ in Aotearoa and his vision for the future. From the organisation’s roots in nursing informatics to its role today as the trusted community for digital health, Scott discusses his own background in health and the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the sector. 

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of HiNZ at Digital Health Week 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch - register to attend online 

Sharyn MacDonald, Chief of Radiology at Health NZ Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury, explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in radiology to improve patient safety and access to care. Sharyn shares insights into how Health NZ is assessing the potential use of AI tools - from fracture detection to improving diagnostic workflows - and discusses the importance of clinician-led innovation, and ensuring safe implementation. 

Auckland GP Reza Jarral discusses his research plans after being awarded the prestigious 2025–2026 Harkness Fellowship to travel to the US and investigate how digital health tools and behavioural science can be harnessed to improve health outcomes.

He discusses how consumer technologies, such as wearables, health apps, and digital coaches, can drive behaviour change, and his hopes to translate this research into both clinical practice and national policy back in New Zealand.

Michael Dreyer, Deputy Chief Executive of Technology and Data at ACC, shares his vision for modernising ACC’s systems to better support injury prevention, rehabilitation, and client outcomes: covering everything from data sharing and privacy to the potential of AI and predictive analytics.

Te Taka Keegan, co-director Māori of the AI Institute at Waikato University, explores the intersection of Te Reo Māori, tikanga, and artificial intelligence. From training large language models to protecting Māori data sovereignty, Te Taka shares insights on how AI can be both a powerful tool and a cultural risk, and discusses the importance of Māori leadership in shaping Aotearoa’s digital future. 

Te Taka is a keynote speaker at the HiNZ Digital Health AI Summit being held on May 20-21 in Wellington, NZ.

eHealth Talk spoke to Kiwi GPs Dr Richard Medlicott and Dr Karl Cole in March 2024 when they were at the start of their journey using AI-powered medical scribes during patient consultations. One year on we check back in to hear about lessons learnt over the past 12 months and advice for other health professionals thinking of using the technology in their own practice.

This episode explores a new report from HiNZ, highlighting concerns raised in a workforce survey about digital health funding cuts and their potential consequences for patient care, as well as opportunities for targeted investment.

With guests - HiNZ acting CEO Scott Arrol and director of engagement Alex Kemp.

Find the report online 

Dr Carol McAllum, Director of Quality & Partnerships for Mercy Hospice and Palliative Medicine Specialist and Anneke Barkwith, Nurse Practitioner and founder of Hub Aged Care, discuss what holistic  palliative care entails and how these are integrated in aged care settings. Sponsored by Third Age Health. 

Nursing and Midwifery Informatics Special Interest Group executive members Emma Collins and Elf Eggimann discuss themes for the upcoming eHealth Nursing and Midwifery Workshop on Dec 3, including how to amplify the nursing and midwifery voice in digital health and turning plans into practice when it comes to deploying clinical solutions that really work for users.
See the workshop agenda online

Ministry of Health Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Martin Chadwick and co-chair of the National Allied Health Scientific and Technical Informatics Group Charlene Tan-Smith discuss themes from the upcoming eAllied Health workshop at Digital Health Week in December; turning data into meaningful information, applying AI in clinical practice and ensuring digital solutions are designed with users in mind.

Third Age Health chief executive Tony Wai discusses the use of telehealth to provide care to New Zealand’s older population, its impact on the aged care workforce and on the wider health system. 

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Chief Information Security Officer Sonny Taite discusses the Cybersecurity Uplift Programme, the creation of a national Security Operations Centre to monitor and respond to security events, and why Health NZ was not significantly impacted by the July CrowdStrike outage.   

Rogan Clarke, director of integration and delivery at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, discusses his vision for integration across the health sector, key milestones on that journey and the collaboration needed to achieve it. 

Michael Dreyer, director sector digital channels at Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora discusses his team's key delivery milestones so far, what's coming next, and their approach to developing solutions for the health sector.

Third Age Health clinical change lead Lucy Wu and medical director Dr Diane Leach discuss the roles of GPs and nurse practitioners in aged care, the current challenges and opportunities in the sector, and the role of technology in reducing some of the workload and administrative burden for clinicians.

This episode of eHealth Talk NZ is the audio recording of a webinar HiNZ hosted on exploring Maori and Pacific led  digital health. HiNZ media editor Rebecca McBeth is joined by 4 panellists; Dr Mataroria Lyndon,Tend Health Co-Founder and Senior Lecturer in Medical Education, Auckland University; Tanith Petersen, Chief Operating Officer, He Waka Tapu; Dr Amio Matenga Ikihele, General Manager Community, Research, Learning, Moana Connect; and Tim Corbett, CEO at HiNZ.

Director Strategy and Investment Darren Douglass discusses his role and team within data and digital at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, current focus areas of work and the benefits of a national approach while retaining local skills and relationships.

College of Nurses Aotearoa member and clinical director at Orion Health Carey Campbell discusses the arrival of Generative AI, the potential benefits of adopting AI tools in nursing and how nurses can prepare and get involved in discussions to shape the future in this space.

Lara Hopley, chief clinical informatics officer (CCIO) Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, discusses the role of clinical informaticians, building her national team and key milestones on the clinical informatics work plan.

Chief data officer at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Kari Jones discusses her new role and national team, what a data driven organisation looks like and key milestones on that journey for Health NZ.

Health NZ Te Whatu Ora Manager Technology Enablers Gerard Keenan discusses what the Hira programme has delivered so far and what those data and digital foundations will enable in the future.

Workday NZ sales director Jonathan Brabant discusses global trends in human resource management and how a unified platform can help to attract, retain and develop the health sector's most important asset - people.  Also, how AI and ML is built into the core of the Workday platform to further unleash the power of people.

GPs and primary healthcare leaders Dr Karl Cole and Dr Richard Medlicott speak about their use of a Generative AI tool to help create patient notes: how it is saving them time, and means they can look their patients in the eye again.

Professor Jenny Carryer from Massey University's School of Nursing discusses her recent inaugural address: Reimagining Nursing Through a Feminist Lens - reflecting on her experience of nursing as a profession where you have to struggle constantly for recognition and respect, and why it is important for nurses to be involved in leadership, decision-making and policy development.

Psoda chief everything officer Bruce Aylward discusses how portfolio prioritisation tools provide clarity and transparency in order to pick the right initiatives to do at the right time, as well as understand the risks and benefits of each investment before starting work. Also, how a digital tool helps to deliver those initiatives, reducing the risk of failure.

Hira programme director Ray Delany discusses the vision for Hira, the programme reset, achievements so far, and the future of electronic and personal health records in Aotearoa New Zealand.

HiNZ board members Karen Blake and Steve Earnshaw discuss data and digital transformation in the health sector and HiNZ's role in enabling that future.

The audio-only version of a HiNZ Webinar held on May 3 where real life human experts discuss the potential opportunities and limitations of the use of conversational AI systems such as ChatGPT in the health system.

Tim Corbett joined Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) as chief executive in February 2023. He shares his background and thoughts on data and digital health, as well as insight into his plans for the organisation. 

The College of Nurses Aotearoa is running professional supervision short courses in May 2023. Catherine Cook, AUT Associate Professor, School of Clinical Sciences, discusses the role and benefits of professional supervision in nursing and what to expect from the course.

Precision Driven Health chief executive Kevin Ross and former Māori health director, Chad Paraone, discuss the importance of engaging with Māori as leaders, stakeholders and co-designers in health data science projects and a collection of stories recently published on this theme, called Te Pū Waiora.
Read the related stories 

A discussion on patient-controlled records as a means of patient empowerment, and Spark Health’s digital solution - Kete Waiora - with Spark Health chief executive Will Reedy, Get Real Health executive and founding partner Robin Wiener and Get Real Health vice president of clinical insights, Jennifer Bowers.  

Extending care beyond existing facilities has been identified as a key priority in the Philips Future Health Index 2022 report, with many expecting it to become even more crucial in the future. Philips regional leader for EMR and Care Management, Dan Ball, discusses why there is such a strong desire to move more care into the community.

Download the report

Outgoing Executive Director at the College of Nurses, Jenny Carryer, reflects on her time in the role, greatest highlights and challenges, and her vision for the future of nursing.

Philips healthcare analytics solutions manager NZ, Amit Guha Roy, discusses the findings of the 2022 Philips Future Health Index report which details the sentiments of healthcare leaders on the use of data insights and ongoing interoperability challenges across healthcare facilities.

Download the report 

InterSystems Regional Director, Data Platforms, Andrew Aho, and Director, Customer Relations & Sales for New Zealand, Brian Biggs discuss the findings of a new study showing New Zealand healthcare providers continue to struggle with collecting, analysing and applying relevant data. Download the InterSystems report.

Deputy director general data and digital at the Ministry of Health Shayne Hunter is stepping down after nearly 3.5 years in the role. In this episode he reflects on what has been achieved during this time and his vision for the future.

Medtech Global managing director Geoff Sayer discusses their new online payment service Medeor Pay by Link and its benefits to both practices and patients.

Executive Director of the College of Nurses Aotearoa Jenny Carryer and Chair of Nurse Practitioners NZ Sandra Oster discuss the online resources the College has recently developed on preparation and education to become a nurse practitioner.

Fellows of HiNZ Colin McKenzie (Sysmex sales and marketing director) and Kate Rhind (Healthpoint CEO) discuss how they got into health informatics, the importance of collaboration, workforce issues and the benefits of being FHINZ members.

Liz Manning from the College of Nurses Aotearoa and Todd Krieble from the NZ Institute of Economic Research discuss their upcoming online workshops for nurses, focusing on health policy and strategy and why we need more nurses working in these areas.

Fellows of Health Informatics NZ (FHINZ) Martin Wilson and Matt Valentine discuss how they got into clinical informatics, what being a Fellow means to them and advice for others wanting to get into the data and digital health sector.

Auckland DHB chief digital officer and chair of the National Digital Leadership Forum Shayne Tong, and executive director digital enablement at Hawke’s Bay DHB and deputy chair of the National Digital Leadership Forum Anne Speden discuss the role of the forum and the importance of collaboration as the health sector transitions to a newly reformed structure and approach. 

Becky George, interim clinical director for the Hira programme at the Ministry of Health, discusses the Hira programme and the importance of having a strong clinical voice in the development of the ecosystem of data and digital health systems.

Alcidion’s chief medical officer Malcolm Pradhan discusses the concept of virtual hospitals and how they are being used in response to Covid-19 to increase capacity in the health system. Also, how to scale virtual models of care, identify suitable patients and ensure a return on investment. 

Change in the health sector due to widespread reform is creating a ‘fight or flight’ mentality in data and digital staff. The general tech talent shortage is adding extra challenges to recruiting and retaining staff as skills become scarce and salaries increase exponentially. Spark Health chief executive Will Reedy and chief strategy director at specialist technology recruitment and professional coaching firm Potentia, Abinesh Krishan, discuss the issues and possible solutions.

Auckland DHB clinical informatics specialist Lucy Westbrooke and professional practice fellow in child health, Otago University, Emma Collins discuss use of data and digital technologies in the field of nursing and the exciting line-up at the HiNZ eNursing and Midwifery workshop in Wellington in November.

Roy Davidson, Northland DHB Telehealth Programme Manager, Sarah Clarke, Clinical Director Rural Hospitals at Northland DHB and Zoom Regional Sales Manager for NZ Jaron Burbidge discuss the benefits of telehealth for delivering care to rural populations and the impact on health equity.

HiNZ board member Scott Arrol discusses the new Health System Indicators, Book My Vaccine go-live and FHINZ members.

DDG Data and Digital, Shayne Hunter and lead Policy Advisor Digital and Data in the Transition Unit Emily Mailes discuss the critical role of data and digital in NZ's health reforms, why we must maintain momentum in investment and how to encourage innovation in the health sector. 

How do we use data and digital as an enabler for Allied Health professionals to do more for our population? Hear from MoH Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Martin Chadwick and Director Allied Health Scientific and Technical Professions and Covid-19 Executive Lead at Waitematā DHB Tamzin Brott.  

Precision Driven Health (PDH) chief executive Kevin Ross tells the unique story of PDH and provides insights into the use of algorithms, AI, data ethics and social license in the health sector.

Guests discuss the concept of biophilic design and how natural and digital systems are converging to shape the digital hospitals of the future - with senior digital consultant at Beca, Bruce Neville and environmental gerontologist and principal architectural associate at CPG Consultants Dr Lee Jin-Ting. 

HiNZ board member Scott Arrol discusses developments with Dunedin’s Digital Hospital build and how the creation of Health NZ may impact on the delivery of national information systems.

Shehaan Fernando, Philips Regional Director of Virtual Care, discusses the Future Health Index 2021 report and how extending care beyond hospital walls through virtual healthcare models can improve patient outcomes and contribute to health system resilience and sustainability.

Orion Health chief revenue officer James Rice discusses the coming reforms of New Zealand’s health system and how data and digital can enable a more consumer-centric health service.

Guest Scott Arrol discusses this month’s budget announcement, the development of Hira (the national Health Information Platform) and the roll-out of a new maternity system in New Zealand.

What is clinical informatics and CiLN and how will the coming health reforms impact on the role of clinicians working in data and digital health? 

This month’s round-up focuses on the Government’s announcement of sweeping health system reforms and the impact and opportunity that presents to New Zealand’s data and digital health sector. With guest Scott Arrol. 

MercyAscot TrakCare project director Sarah Gardner and head of digital health at Healthcare Holdings Ltd Dr Lloyd McCann discuss their virtual go-live with the InterSystems EMR and how this is helping the organisation deliver value-based care.

Sysmex sales & marketing director Colin McKenzie discusses the collaboration behind the digitisation of New Zealand’s Covid-19 testing and results systems and how this has driven national standards.

Guests Dr Will Reedy and Dr Jeff Lowe discuss the use of patient portals as a means of consumer empowerment and how to improve uptake of portals in New Zealand. 

GP and healthAlliance chief information officer Dr Karl Cole discusses the concept of data liquidity and provides insight into the key role APIs will play in sharing data in the health system of the future.