New Zealand Government Prioritizes Mortgage rates Over Healthcare, Critics Say
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – A growing chorus of criticism is directed at the New Zealand government as reports surface of severely strained emergency departments, including patient deaths occurring while awaiting treatment, alongside a continued focus on maintaining low mortgage rates. Healthcare professionals and economists are questioning a perceived prioritization of financial stability over public health and long-term economic investment.
The debate centers on the government’s adherence to fiscal policies aimed at keeping borrowing costs low, specifically referencing the commonly cited “30/30 rule” – a guideline suggesting households should not spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs and debt should not exceed 30% of income.Critics argue this rigid focus on maintaining low mortgage rates is exacerbating issues within the healthcare system, leading to risky overcrowding in emergency departments and preventable tragedies. Christchurch Hospital emergency doctors recently reported being consistently in “code red” status, with patients facing extensive delays and, in at least one instance, a patient dying while waiting in the hospital carpark.
Economist and commentator, whose analysis has been widely circulated, contends the government’s decision represents a purposeful political choice rather than a financial necessity. They assert that prioritizing marginally lower mortgage rates - perhaps saving homeowners a few basis points - over investment in healthcare, addressing homelessness, and fostering future economic growth is not only misguided but “sociopathic.”
The situation highlights a critical tension between short-term economic concerns and the well-being of the population.Overloaded emergency departments are straining resources and impacting the quality of care, while a strong balance sheet, proponents argue, should be leveraged to address such urgent needs. The government has not yet responded directly to the specific claims regarding the prioritization of mortgage rates over healthcare funding. Though, the issue is expected to remain a focal point of public and political debate as the healthcare system continues to face critically important challenges.
Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The Kākā – Christchurch Hospital emergency doctors say they’re massively overloaded, often in code red and some patients wait so long they have to leave the ED, with one dying in the carpark.
