Hīkoi 4 Health Returns to Parliament With Vision to Reimagine New Zealand’s Healthcare

A grassroots initiative to transform the New Zealand health system is entering its final phase as organisers prepare to present a comprehensive vision for reform to Parliament. Doctors Art Nahill and Glenn Colquhoun, the duo behind Hīkoi 4 Health, have announced they will return to Wellington this September to share findings from a year-long investigation into the lived experiences of patients across Aotearoa. The kaupapa began in 2025 when Nahill and Colquhoun travelled from Te Hāpua to the capital in a whimsical “vanbulance,” a painted Ford Transit van that served as a mobile hub for public meetings. During their journey, the pair gathered more than 500 submissions from everyday New Zealanders, documenting the challenges and aspirations of diverse communities regarding their healthcare needs. To process these insights, a volunteer “Blue-Sky” innovation team was formed, incorporating expertise in te ao Māori, public health, nursing, and management. This collaborative effort has resulted in a forthcoming book, Rethinking Health: Lessons from the Hīkoi 4 Health, which aims to look beyond current system structures to reimagine more effective care delivery. Colquhoun, a former Far North GP, noted that the work is centred on hope and the possibility of a system that works for everyone. The findings have been peer-reviewed by a high-profile panel including Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga and Louisa Wall, a spokeswoman for Kaitiaki Hauora. In mid to late September, the team will revisit hosting communities to deliver the report in person before heading to Parliament. Alongside the book, a documentary produced by Ōriwa Hakaraia is in its final stages, chronicling the journey and the community voices that have shaped this vision for a new health system.