The New Zealand health system has its own vocabulary. Understanding it helps you navigate care, ask the right questions, and access the right services.

The System: Big Concepts

Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)

The government body responsible for publicly-funded health services in New Zealand. Replaced the former District Health Boards (DHBs) in 2022. When you see "DHB" in older materials or signage, it refers to what is now administered under Te Whatu Ora. Public hospital sexual health clinics are run through this system.

  • What it means for you: Free publicly-funded sexual health care at public hospital clinics.

PHARMAC

The government agency that decides which medicines are publicly subsidised in New Zealand. When a medicine is "funded by PHARMAC," it means you pay only a subsidised co-payment at the pharmacy — currently around $5 per prescription item (or free with a Community Services Card).

  • PrEP: Funded by PHARMAC since March 2018. This was a significant change — before that, PrEP had to be purchased privately at full cost.
  • If your medicine isn't on the PHARMAC schedule: You pay the full private cost. This applies to some newer medications.

Community Services Card (CSC)

A card that entitles eligible lower-income New Zealanders to reduced-cost GP visits and prescription fees.

  • With CSC: Prescription co-payment is around $5 per item (or free for children under 14).
  • Without CSC: Co-payment is approximately $5 per item (standard adult rate — New Zealand's co-payment is relatively low).

High Use Health Card

For people who visit the doctor frequently (12+ visits in 12 months), this card entitles you to reduced GP fees.

GP (General Practitioner)

Your enrolled family doctor. Unlike some health systems, New Zealand GPs are not free for most adults — there's a consultation fee of approximately $15–50+ depending on your card status and the clinic. Sexual health clinics at public hospitals are free and don't require GP involvement.

Enrolled Patient

In New Zealand, you formally "enrol" with a GP practice. This links you to a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) and affects your consultation fees. If you're not enrolled, you may pay higher fees.

Clinical Vocabulary

Sexual Health Clinic / STI Clinic

The specialist service at public hospitals for STIs, HIV, PrEP, PEP, and vaccinations. Free to attend. No referral needed — you can self-refer.

Auckland: Auckland Sexual Health Service — Auckland City Hospital campus, and community sites.

Wellington: Wellington Sexual Health Clinic — Wellington Hospital campus.

Christchurch: Canterbury Sexual Health — Christchurch Hospital campus.

Other DHB areas have their own sexual health services — search "[your region] sexual health clinic" or contact the Burnett Foundation for local referrals.

The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

New Zealand's primary HIV and sexual health community organisation (formerly NZAF — New Zealand AIDS Foundation). Runs testing services, peer education, and referral. Their Auckland clinic is a key resource for gay and bisexual men.

Website: burnettfoundation.org.nz

Three-Site Testing

The standard STI screen for gay men: throat swab, rectal swab, and urethral swab or urine. Plus blood tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis A, B, and C. Always request this specifically — a urine-only test misses most infections.

MSM (Men who have Sex with Men)

Public health terminology used in New Zealand clinical guidelines and funding categories. Not a preferred community term — used in the background of clinical and funding systems.

NZHIS / My Health Record

New Zealand has a digital health record system. Your test results and prescriptions may be visible through the My Health Record / Health Summary system. Ask your clinic or GP about accessing your records digitally.

Reactive Result

Clinical language for a test result that has triggered a positive flag and needs follow-up. Not the same as a confirmed positive. If you receive a "reactive" result, call the clinic and go in for confirmation testing — do not panic.

Window Period

The time after HIV exposure before the virus is reliably detectable on a test. Modern 4th-generation tests detect most infections from 28 days post-exposure; 45 days gives a near-definitive result. See The Testing Protocol for detail on all infections.

Key Organisations

Burnett Foundation Aotearoa (formerly NZAF)

National HIV and sexual health community organisation. Testing, peer support, HIV care navigation, and education. Website: burnettfoundation.org.nz Auckland: (09) 303 3124

OUTLine NZ

National LGBTQ+ helpline. Phone and chat support for mental health, coming out, discrimination, and general wellbeing. Tel: 0800 688 5463 Website: outline.org.nz

Rainbow Youth

Auckland-based organisation supporting LGBTQ+ young people. Mental health, peer support, and community connection. Website: ry.org.nz

Body Positive

Auckland-based support and advocacy for people living with HIV. Website: bodypositive.org.nz

Key Phrases to Use

Getting Tested

  • "I'd like a full STI screen including throat, rectal, and urethral testing."
  • "Can I also get HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis serology?"
  • "I'd like to include hepatitis C in the blood panel." (Especially relevant if chemsex is part of your context.)

Starting PrEP

  • "I'd like to start PrEP."
  • "Is PHARMAC-funded PrEP available here?"
  • "Am I eligible for publicly-funded PrEP?"

After a Potential HIV Exposure

  • "I've had a potential HIV exposure in the last 72 hours and I need PEP." (Say "PEP." Say the time window. Both matter.)

Vaccines

  • "Am I eligible for free HPV vaccination?"
  • "Is the Mpox vaccine available here?"
  • "I'd like to check my hepatitis A and B status."

Common Misconceptions

  1. "I need a GP referral to go to a sexual health clinic." False. Public sexual health clinics are direct-access — walk in or call for an appointment.
  2. "PrEP is expensive in New Zealand." False. Since 2018, PHARMAC has funded it. Co-payment is approximately $5 per prescription item.
  3. "STI treatment costs money." False at public sexual health clinics, which are free. GP-administered treatment may have a consultation fee.
  4. "I should be embarrassed about asking for rectal swabs." Sexual health clinic staff request these routinely. There is nothing to be embarrassed about.

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