The National Ambulance Sector Office (NASO) is a joint office between ACC and the Ministry of Health, located at the Ministry. It is jointly funded and governed by the Ministry and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). NASO works closely with DHBs.
It was first established in September 2008 and was confirmed by the Ministers of Health and ACC in June 2009, with the formal announcement of the New Zealand Ambulance Service Strategy.
NASO is staffed by a team of staff from ACC and the Ministry. The Manager role is a joint appointment, with reporting lines to both organisations.
NASO is responsible to the Ministry and ACC for the joint planning and funding of ambulance services on behalf of both agencies.
NASO’s objectives include:
- progressing the New Zealand Ambulance Service Strategy
- providing a single voice for the Crown on strategic and operational matters regarding Emergency Ambulance Services (EAS)
- managing and monitoring funding and contracts from both parent agencies related to the delivery of EAS.
NASO works closely with road and air ambulance service providers, the wider health sector, and other government organisations to achieve its objectives.
