Residents in South and East Auckland will gain access to urgent care services earlier in the day, later into the evening, and overnight, easing the burden on hospitals while delivering care closer to home, according to Health Minister Simeon Brown.
Brown said extended hours are now operational, with full 24/7 services arriving early next year.
Tāmaki Health has extended urgent and after-hours care at Local Doctors Ōtara from 7:30am to midnight, which began on December 17, with full 24/7 services launching January 19, 2026.
“Families deserve care that is close to home, easy to access, and good value. Extending Ōtara’s proven service overnight means whānau can get timely, high-quality medical attention when they need it, while easing pressure on emergency departments,” Brown said.
After-hours services from 5pm to 8am stay free for children and subsidised for those in greatest need. East Auckland will see expanded urgent care next year; Eastcare will push its closing time from 11pm to 1am while maintaining its 7am opening starting in March.
These changes align with the government’s national Urgent Care and After Hours Framework, targeting 98% of Kiwis living within a one-hour drive of in-person urgent care.
“These improvements mean more Aucklanders can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” Brown added.
Further enhancements are slated nationwide next year, featuring a new 24/7 urgent care clinic in Whangārei, enhanced rural support, round-the-clock services in Tauranga, and longer daytime hours in Invercargill.