Upper Hutt, 6th July 2025 – Following the powerful protest march in Westport on 28 September 2024, where 2,000 passionate individuals gathered to voice concerns over inadequate health services in the West Coast Region, the Buller Declaration is now available for Upper Hutt residents to sign.

The declaration will be available for signing at specific locations in Upper Hutt:

• Sunday, 6th July at Brewtown Farmers Market from 8.30 am – 1.00 pm
• Saturday, 12th July 2025 at 118 Main Street, Upper Hutt from 9.30 am – 4.00 pm (Thanks to All Things Property for supporting this initiative).

Why the Buller Declaration Matters: This significant initiative, spearheaded by Dr Malcolm Mulholland (co-founder of Patient Voice Aotearoa) and the Buller Health Action Group, aims to tackle critical issues affecting healthcare access and quality across our communities.

The Westport march highlighted distressing grievances, including:

• Buller Hospital’s closure for nearly a month.
• Only one ambulance serving the entire region.
• Adverse weather preventing the sole air rescue helicopter from operating.
• Closure of all urgent and after-hours clinics, pushing residents towards telehealth services and leaving many without essential care.

The Buller Declaration was officially signed at the Westport Clock Tower by prominent healthcare advocates, including Dr Malcolm Mulholland (Patient Voice Aotearoa), Anita Halsall-Quinlan (Buller Health Action Group), Kerri Nuku (New Zealand Nurses Organisation), Andrew Laurenson (Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners), Sarah Dalton (Association of Salaried Medical Specialists), and Jeremy Webber (Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network). Their collective voices call all New Zealanders to stand up for their right to quality healthcare.

Upper Hutt residents are strongly encouraged to participate in this vital movement by signing the Buller Declaration, signifying a unified demand for improved healthcare services not only in Buller but across New Zealand. This is a crucial opportunity for the community to show solidarity with those affected by recent healthcare service disruptions and advocate for necessary changes.

“We invite every resident of Upper Hutt to join us in making their voices heard,” says Hellen Swales, Deputy Mayor for Upper Hutt. “By signing the Buller Declaration, you play a crucial role in advocating for the right of every New Zealander to access quality healthcare services, no matter their location.”

Residents will have the chance to learn more about the issues at hand and how they can contribute to ongoing efforts for better health services by speaking to Hellen Swales, Deputy Mayor for Upper Hutt, who will attend both sessions on the 6th and 12th July.

For more information about the Buller Declaration and how you can get involved, please contact:

Hellen Swales
Deputy Mayor for Upper Hutt
Hellen.swales@uhhcc.govt.nz

30/06/25