In celebration of Healthline’s 25th anniversary, this case study highlights the transformative partnership between Healthpoint and Whakarongorau Aotearoa / New Zealand Telehealth Services. Together, they are redefining how New Zealanders access healthcare through telehealth services.
Healthline has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s healthcare system for over two decades, offering free, 24/7 clinical advice to the public. As part of the largest telehealth operations in the country, it supports hundreds of thousands of people annually.
The Challenge
Behind every Healthline call is a need for accurate, real-time information. Clinical teams of nurses and paramedics must quickly connect callers with the right local services. Without a reliable source of information, this task becomes complex and overwhelming.
The Solution: Healthpoint Directory
Healthpoint provides a national directory of validated, up-to-date health services. It enables Healthline staff to make informed referrals to services such as after-hours GPs, sexual harm support, and screening programs. This directory acts as a single source of truth, ensuring that every caller receives timely and accurate guidance.
“Healthpoint gives our teams confidence. When someone calls for support, we know we’re guiding them to the right care, close to home, with the most current information.”
Glynis Sandland, Chief Executive Officer, Whakarongorau Aotearoa
Strategic Partnership
Whakarongorau Aotearoa, a social enterprise, delivers over 30 free, government-funded services across seven digital channels. These include Quitline, 1737 – Need to talk?, Safe to talk the national sexual harm helpline, and Puāwaitanga. Healthpoint underpins many of these services by providing consistent access to health and support information across the country.
Impact
Healthpoint’s integration into the Whakarongorau ecosystem has improved the quality and speed of referrals, reduced confusion, and empowered clinical teams to support over 1.3 million New Zealanders annually. It simplifies healthcare navigation and ensures equitable access to care.
Looking Ahead
As the partnership continues to evolve, Healthpoint remains committed to supporting a more connected, digitally enabled health system. Their shared mission is clear: to connect people with the care they need, when they need it.
“It’s a privilege to support the incredible work of Whakarongorau. When our information helps someone get the care they need – especially in moments of vulnerability – that’s the impact we care about most.”
Kate Rhind, CEO, Healthpoint