NTA Recommendations

Have your say on our ideas to further improve NTA.
A group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has recently been looking at the detail on how to further improve the National Travel Assistance (NTA) Scheme. We are sharing these ideas now so that we can check with you that we are making the right recommendations to Government.

Thanks to the members of the NGO group who have generously given their time, asked tricky questions and shared their invaluable expertise.

Thanks also to all of you who have supported this campaign and shared your experiences. We have woven your words into our work at every stage. We are grateful for both your insights and your generosity in sharing them with us.
Before you start the survey

The survey is set out in 6 sections:

- Information about NTA

-        Administration

-        Eligibility

- Special circumstances

-        Travel and accommodation rates

-        Payment

You can comment on all sections or pick the ones that are relevant to you.

The survey should take about 10 - 15 minutes.

Please tell us how you know about NTA:*

I am receiving or have received NTA.I am supporting or have supported a person receiving NTA.I work for an organisation that supports people who access NTA.Other

	Agree	Unsure	Disagree
A. NTA should move to an online platform so that you register, claim and ask questions from your computer or smartphone.

	Agree	Unsure	Disagree
A. There should be special criteria for individuals who need additional support but do not meet NTA criteria or have other specific needs.

5. Travel and accommodation rates

The Government increased travel and accommodation rates from 1 April 2024. The rate for travel rose from 29c/km to 34c/km. Accommodation rates went from $100/night to $140/night for motels and from $25/night to $35/night for staying with whānau.

Do you agree or disagree that:*

	Agree	Unsure	Disagree
A. Travel and accommodation rates should increase each year based on the cost of living.
B. Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora should consider helping with costs of car parking and food.

Please specify any points you have disagreed with (e.g. A, B etc.) and share your reasoning.

6. Payment

Travel and accommodation payments need to be made at the right time.

Do you agree or disagree that:*

	Agree	Unsure	Disagree
A. All people should be offered pre-payment for travel and accommodation.
B. If people chose to be reimbursed for travel and accommodation, payment should be made within seven days.
C. If people receive petrol vouchers for travel, they should not be eligible for travel reimbursement.

Please specify any points you have disagreed with (e.g. A, B etc.) and share your reasoning.

Anything else?

Are there any other changes to NTA that you would like this Government to consider?
Please share any final comments here…

About you

Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Age
Region
Ethnicity

MāoriPacific peoplesAsianMiddle Eastern / Latin American / AfricanEuropeanOther

	Agree	Unsure	Disagree
A. All people needing healthcare away from home should be told by Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora staff that NTA is available and where to get more information.
B. Staff at Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora should routinely check in with all people travelling for treatment to make sure they have the NTA information they need.
C. It should be easy to find true and consistent information about NTA on Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora’s website.
D. There should be a pamphlet or similar with key information about NTA that healthcare workers can give out.
E. There should be an 0800 help number to call about the NTA, that is available at all times.

	Agree	Unsure	Disagree
i. Inviting people to contact their local travel coordinators early in the process.
ii. Having someone responsible for explaining NTA to people who may be eligible, as well as supporting them to complete the paperwork in the first instance.
iii. Telling the person directly if the registration and claims forms are not completed correctly.
iv. Removing the need to re-register for NTA unless the person’s treatment plan has changed.

	Agree	Unsure	Disagree
A. A person's first specialist appointment should be included if this is the first appointment of a series.
B. People with cancer diagnosed and admitted via Emergency Department should get NTA.
C. Minimum distances travelled should be the same for children and adults.
D. There should be no minimum distance travelled requirement for people with Community Services Cards.

Have your say on our ideas to further improve NTA.

	Agree	Unsure	Disagree
i. A whānau under significant financial hardship.
ii. Difficult family circumstances (e.g. sole parent, dependent children, lack of natural support at home and / or near treatment centre).
iii. No access to transport (public & private).