Kidney Health New Zealand says political parties agree chronic kidney disease needs to be detected earlier, but is warning that agreement must now be followed by action from whoever forms the next government.
Ahead of the 2026 General Election, the organisation asked political parties about earlier detection in primary care, routine or targeted kidney testing for people at higher risk, and long-term planning for dialysis capacity and the renal workforce. Kidney Health NZ says every party agreed those areas were important.
The organisation says at least one in ten New Zealanders is affected by chronic kidney disease, with many unaware they have the condition because it can progress without obvious symptoms. Simple blood and urine tests can help detect kidney problems earlier, while treatments are available that can slow progression.
Kidney Health NZ wants chronic kidney disease recognised as a priority long-term health condition alongside diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with systematic testing better integrated into primary healthcare for people considered at higher risk.
The call comes as pressure grows on dialysis services. A 2025 capacity survey released in May found an average of 4.53 people receiving maintenance haemodialysis for every machine in New Zealand, above the usual capacity benchmark of four. Half of renal services were operating above that level, while Auckland was highest at six patients per machine.
The number of New Zealanders living on dialysis also increased from 3,311 in 2024 to 3,421 in 2025. Health New Zealand says there are usually more than 400 people actively waiting for a deceased-donor kidney transplant, while around 100 deceased-donor kidneys become available each year.
Health New Zealand is developing a national renal replacement plan examining future demand, variation in services and where additional investment may be required. Kidney Health NZ says the political consensus provides the next government with an opportunity to move from acknowledging the problem to delivering earlier detection, treatment and long-term planning.
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