- By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
In my first column for 2026 let me start by wishing you all a Happy New Year!
I hope you’ve had a chance to take some time off over the Christmas holidays to relax and refresh for the year ahead.
This is going to be a busy year, with a general election taking place giving you the chance to decide our country’s future.
While the date is yet to be announced, I’m looking forward to the campaign and to earning your trust to continue as your local MP for Pakuranga.
Shortly before Christmas, I was pleased to announce as Minister of Health that east Auckland will soon have greater access to urgent healthcare.
From March 1, East Care in Botany will extend its closing time from 11pm to 1am, while continuing to open from 7am.
This change means locals in our community can get help for urgent health issues later into the night, without going to hospital unless it’s a genuine emergency.
Families deserve care that’s close to home, easy to access, and good value.
Extending East Care’s proven service means locals can get timely, high-quality medical attention when they need it, while easing pressure on emergency departments.
The changes form part of the Government’s national Urgent Care and After Hours Framework, which aims for 98 per cent of New Zealanders to live within a one-hour drive of in-person urgent care.
Tāmaki Health has also extended urgent and after-hours care at Local Doctors Ōtara from 7.30am until midnight.
This will move to full 24/7 care from January 19, providing another after hours option for east and south Auckland when needed.
These changes are great news for East Auckland families, who have been asking for more accessible after-hours care within our area to ensure they can get the care they need when they need it.
My office is now open for the year. If you need assistance from me as your local MP, please get in touch by calling 09 572 0000 or emailing PakurangaMP@parliament.govt.nz.
