A major overhaul of the country's health sector computer systems could see individuals gain direct access to their own personal health records.
Health Minister Tony Ryall has directed the newly formed National Health Board to create the first national IT system for the sector based on achieving the "eHealth vision".
The vision states that to "achieve high-quality health care and improve patient safety, by 2014 New Zealanders will have a core set of personal health information available electronically to them and their treatment providers".