Your health records: New Zealand.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · India · Philippines.

Moraph for Good · Reach

Your health records: New Zealand

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/your-health-records

In many countries you have a right to see your own health records and get a copy. This sheet sets out the steps, with the rules for where you live in the box below.

Asking for your records

Check the patient portal first; some records may already be there.
Ask the provider how they take requests: a form, email, letter or in person.
Say what you want, for which dates, and how you want it: paper, electronic or to view.
Keep a copy of your request and note the date.

What to expect

You may be asked to prove who you are.
Ask about any cost before they start.
If they refuse any part, ask for the reason in writing.

Checking and correcting

Check medicines, allergies, conditions and contact details.
Ask in writing for a correction, with a copy of the page.
If they disagree, ask for your own statement to be added.

Keeping records safe

Store copies somewhere private and think before sharing them.
Use a strong, unique password for any online account with your records.
Sign out fully on a shared or public computer.

In New Zealand

The Health Information Privacy Code. The Health Information Privacy Code 2020 sets the rules for health information about you held by health agencies. It covers doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, rest homes and other health and disability services, and also bodies such as ACC, the Ministry of Health and health insurers.
Your right to ask. Rule 6 of the code gives you the right to access health information about yourself, with only a few exceptions, for example if releasing it would harm your health. You can ask by email, letter, phone or in person, and every health agency must have a privacy officer.
Timing and cost. The agency must reply as soon as possible and within 20 working days. Public sector agencies such as public hospitals can’t charge. Private providers such as GPs may only charge if they gave you the same information in the last 12 months, or for things like X-rays and scan images.
Corrections. You can ask for information you think is wrong, incomplete or misleading to be corrected. The agency must consider your request and explain if it says no, and it must then take reasonable steps to attach a statement of correction to the record.
My Health Record. Health New Zealand’s My Health Record gives people aged 16 or over secure online access to some health information, such as immunisation records and your National Health Index (NHI) details, even if you aren’t enrolled with a GP. Its help line is 0800 222 478.
If you are unhappy. Raise it with the agency first, in writing if you can. If that doesn’t resolve it, you can complain to the Privacy Commissioner. Concerns about how a health professional treated you go to the Health and Disability Commissioner.

Official places to check:

Office of the Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.org.nz/privacy-principles/codes-of-practice/hipc2020
Office of the Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.org.nz/privacy-principles/codes-of-practice/hipc2020/hipc-factsheet-4
Office of the Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.org.nz/your-rights/ask-for-your-information
Office of the Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.org.nz/your-rights/correct-your-information
Office of the Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.org.nz/your-rights/making-a-complaint-to-the-privacy-commissioner
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora: www.healthnz.govt.nz/websites-and-apps/my-health-record

More free official help in New Zealand: moraph.org/commons/help/health-access/nz

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 20 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/your-health-records