Hīkoi For Health Declares Band-Aid Day On May 8th To Highlight Healthcare Crisis

As part of the Hīkoi for Health: A People’s Inquiry, we are thrilled to announce the declaration of May 8th as Band-Aid Day! On this significant day, coinciding with the arrival of our mobile artwork ambulance at Parliament grounds and our final hui, we invite all New Zealanders to show their support for urgent healthcare reform by wearing a bandage or plaster prominently.

The concept of Band-Aid Day serves as a poignant symbol of the government's approach to the ongoing healthcare crisis. Much like a plaster that merely covers a wound without addressing the underlying issue, we must acknowledge that the current government responses to our healthcare challenges are insufficient. Our goal is to spark a nationwide conversation about the need for meaningful and systemic change to create a high-quality, accessible, and equitable health system for all.

As we approach Band-Aid Day, we urge individuals, iwi, hapu, whānau, organizations, and businesses to join us in making a visible statement about the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare reform. Wearing a bandage will serve as a reminder of the inadequacies of quick fixes and rally support for a health system that truly meets the needs of all New Zealanders.

Dr. Art Nahill, one of the Hīkoi organisers, emphasizes, "Band-Aid Day is more than just a symbolic gesture; it’s a call to action. We want to encourage people to engage in the conversation about the future of our healthcare system. We cannot afford to settle for superficial solutions. It’s time to demand real change."

In addition to wearing a bandage, we invite everyone to attend one of our hui (itinerary available at healthreformnz.org) or share their healthcare stories and ideas for reform on our website. Together, we can amplify our voices and advocate for a healthcare system that values the well-being of all individuals.

Join us in wearing a bandage or plaster on May 8th as we gather at Parliament to present the collective stories and push for the reform our health system critically needs. Let’s make sure our message of urgency and hope is impossible to ignore!

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