Aotearoa has a real opportunity to reach zero* locally acquired HIV transmissions by 2030. With new diagnoses trending down and proven prevention and treatment tools already available, this is an achievable public health goal - if we act now.

With a general election approaching, we’re calling on all major political parties to commit to the policies and investment needed to get us there.

But we need your help.

Public support makes a huge difference. Signing the petition below will help show political leaders that New Zealanders support practical, evidence-based action to end HIV transmission.

Add your name today and be part of the momentum toward Zero by 2030.

Why Zero by 2030 matters

New Zealand has already made strong progress in reducing HIV transmission. But reaching zero locally acquired transmissions won’t happen automatically.

It requires sustained action across prevention, testing, treatment access, and stigma reduction - backed by long-term political commitment. Reaching Zero by 2030 means:

• Fewer people acquiring HIV in Aotearoa
• Earlier diagnosis and treatment for those who do
• Stronger, more equitable health outcomes across our communities

Why we’re asking for political commitment

We already know what works to reduce HIV transmission. What’s needed now is consistent national leadership. Our petition calls on all major political parties to commit to the HIV Action Plan, including:

Better medicines: Aotearoa is far behind Australia and the OECD in approving and funding modern HIV medicines like long-acting injectables like cabuneva. We need options for people living with HIV to manage pill burden, toxicity and other side effects, and make it easier for people living with HIV to take care of their own health.

Increased testing: As the case numbers get lower it gets harder to reach people who aren’t already getting tested. This means we need to go wider in testing if we want to catch HIV early and link people to treatment and care to stop onward transmission/spread. This means expanding testing to Emergency Departments, as well as funding and training for more testing in the community. 

Reducing stigma: Stigma prevents people from seeking information, testing, and care, particularly in communities already impacted by racism, discrimination and inequity. We call on Government to invest in sustained public education and to review and modernise outdated laws and policies that contribute to HIV stigma, including criminalisation settings.

With the 2026 election approaching, this is a critical moment to show decision-makers that ending HIV transmission matters to communities across Aotearoa.

What happens if we reach Zero by 2030?

Reaching zero locally acquired transmissions would be a huge milestone - but it isn’t the end of HIV in Aotearoa.

We will still need to:

• Support people already living with HIV in New Zealand
• Support people who move here while living with HIV
• Maintain prevention, testing and treatment systems so transmission stays low

Reaching zero also creates space to expand focus on other health priorities impacting our communities - while continuing to protect the gains we’ve made in HIV prevention and care.