Labour is promising a dedicated Rainbow Pae Ora health strategy if elected, saying rainbow communities need to be formally recognised in the planning and delivery of New Zealand’s health services.
Labour’s Rainbow Issues spokesperson Georgie Dansey says the policy would embed the health needs of rainbow New Zealanders into health-system planning, alongside a proposed ethnic health strategy. Dansey has held Labour’s Rainbow Issues portfolio since March.
Under the proposal, a Labour Government would work with rainbow communities to identify barriers preventing people from accessing healthcare and develop measures aimed at improving access.
The party is also promising greater access to culturally competent healthcare, with services expected to recognise and respond appropriately to different identities and needs.
Dansey says the policy is intended to ensure rainbow communities have a direct role in decisions affecting their healthcare, rather than having their needs addressed separately or retrospectively.
Labour has previously highlighted inclusive healthcare as part of its wider rainbow policy agenda, including issues affecting transgender, non-binary and takatāpui communities.
The announcement adds another health policy to the Election 2026 campaign, with questions around access, workforce capacity, health equity and how services respond to different communities likely to remain prominent as voters head towards November 7.
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