New Zealand Makes Cervical Screening Free for Ages 25–69 From March 2027

New Zealand will make cervical screening free for all eligible women aged 25–69 from 1 March 2027, extending coverage to an estimated 786,000 more women. The government says about 55% of eligible women currently pay NZ$35 to NZ$100 per appointment. An accompanying national plan targets elimination of cervical cancer by 2040, defined as fewer than four cases per 100,000 women annually in every population group. It also aims for 80% screening coverage by 2030 and a first HPV vaccine dose for 90% of young people by age 15 by 2035.