View this email in your browser Kia ora,Welcome to the December edition of the Monthly WrapAs we close out 2025, we are taking a moment to recognise what the HTA community has achieved this year. From packed capability workshops and expert-led sessions to new tools, resources and growing founder en
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Kia ora,


Welcome to the December edition of the Monthly Wrap


As we close out 2025, we are taking a moment to recognise what the HTA community has achieved this year. From packed capability workshops and expert-led sessions to new tools, resources and growing founder engagement, it has been a year of strong momentum across the ecosystem. We are proud of the support we have been able to provide, and grateful for the trust you place in HTA as you build your health technologies. It has been a privilege to work alongside so many teams as they refine their ideas, strengthen their capabilities and take meaningful steps toward clinical and commercial success. Below is a snapshot of the moments and milestones we have shared as we wrap up the year together.


Ngā mihi mahana o te wā.

Health System Update: A Major Digital Shift Is On The Way


Te Whatu Ora has released the Health Digital Investment Plan 2025, setting out a ten-year shift toward a modern, connected and data-driven health system. Early work will focus on building a national electronic medical record, upgrading clinical systems, strengthening cybersecurity, and expanding virtual care and diagnostics. A new Centre for Digital Modernisation will lead this effort and bring national consistency to digital investment.


For innovators, this signals clear opportunity. The priorities outlined in the plan point to where new tools, smarter workflows and better integration will be needed. While funding details are still to come, the direction is strong and creates a more supportive environment for digital health solutions to scale.


If you are working on a digital or device-based solution and want support, you can explore HTA’s resources, or connect with us here.

Upcoming HTA workshops


Introducing the Build to Scale Series (launching January)

We are excited to introduce the Build to Scale Series, which will kick off in January. This programme will bring founders fast, practical insights from experts across the healthtech commercialisation journey. Through short videos, case studies and capability deep dives, the series will unpack market validation, clinical validation, regulatory pathways and reimbursement strategies. The aim is to help teams get the right answers earlier and move with confidence as they scale.

QMS Corner: ISO 13485 Learning Series


Midpoint reached


We have now completed the first two quarters of the QMS Learning Series, with strong participation across the community. New articles, the latest whitepaper and the step-by-step implementation webinar are now available, and you can complete the quiz at any time to earn your certificate.


What is coming next

Quarter 3 will focus on risk and efficiency, with an emphasis on how to identify and document risk in a way that aligns with ISO 13485, how to integrate risk thinking into design and development, and how to streamline processes without losing compliance. Registration for Webinar 3 is now open.

REGISTER HERE

Quarter 4 will shift to audits and CAPA fundamentals. This quarter will unpack what internal and external auditors look for, how to prepare effectively, how to run CAPA that drives genuine improvement, and how to close the loop on findings in a clear and manageable way.

Know Your Customer, Know Your Market

19 February 2026, 9am-4.30pm, Christchurch


A lack of robust market validation is one of the most common weaknesses of Healthtech businesses searching for investment. This workshop is aimed at early-stage Healthtech companies, or Healthtech companies that would like to have a fresh look at their market and how they have validated it to date. Led by Dan Hansen, Director of consulting firm Apagie and CEO of AVRT Group, this workshop will utilise Dan’s cross-industry and first-hand experience to give companies the right processes for successfully commercialising and growing their health technology products and services.

REGISTER HERE

Video


AI in US healthcare: what NZ founders need to know

In this HTA webinar, hosted in November, Fiona McPherson-Grant shares key insights on how AI is being adopted in the US and what NZ teams should be preparing for. Watch the recording below. You can also access this on the HTA Webinar Page.

NZ Sector Events

News

NZ News


Kitea Health, an HTA-associated company, has secured a 13m investment round and is now lining up first-in-human trials in the United States. The raise strengthens their path toward international clinical validation and commercialisation. Read the full article in the NZ Herald (premium).


Other NZ News:

Waikato Hospital cardiothoracic nurse and surgical assistants Kelsey Abercrombie, Jacque Roberts, and Georgia Miller.

  • New technique at Waikato Hospital leaves heart bypass patients with fewer scars
  • Trevor Sherwin on world-leading eye research
  • Successful medical drone delivery could offer faster healthcare access for remote communities
  • University breaks ground on new medical school
  • Charles University selects Mars Bioimaging’s photon-counting CT scanner to advance pioneering preclinical imaging research in Europe

World News

  • Using AI and LLMs to fill in fragmented data gaps within complex critical care
  • Patients to benefit as UK and US regulators forge new collaboration on medical technologies and AI

Holiday Hours


The HTA office will be closed from 19 December to 6 January. You are welcome to contact us, and we will respond when we return.


We hope you have a safe and restorative break, and we look forward to supporting you again in 2026.


Wishing you a warm and happy holiday season,


HealthTech Activator team

Callaghan Innovation


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Callaghan Innovation; 69 Gracefield Road, Gracefield, Lower Hutt, 5010