“This Is My Own Experience”: Afrikaner Shares Experience With New Zealand Healthcare System

• A South African Afrikaner woman contrasted healthcare experiences in South Africa and New Zealand
• She reminded people online that she was sharing her own experience, as they may have experienced something different
• South Africans shared diverse opinions on New Zealand's healthcare system in response to Charlotte's video

An Afrikaner mother, who works as a teacher in New Zealand, shared the vast differences between healthcare in South Africa and what she experiences in the new country she calls home. Her video sparked broader conversations about the health industry among South Africans.

Taking to her Facebook account on 30 March 2026, Charlotte Leibbrandt van Rooyen stated that going to the doctor in New Zealand works differently from what we're used to in South Africa.

She explained that in her home country, she would call to book an appointment to see the doctor as soon as possible, whether it be the same day or the next.

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"In New Zealand, you have to register with a doctor, and then there's your family practice, where you'll seek help and book your appointments only with that doctor. I can't, for example, decide that I want to see Dr A today and then Dr B tomorrow. You stay at one practice."

If one were to move to a different area, they would have to redo the process with another practice. Charlotte also added that a script for children under 14 is free, while adults would pay a fee.

"Remember, this is my own experience, and quite possible that it is different with you."

Watch the Facebook reel below:

Healthcare in New Zealand gets South Africans talking

Charlotte's video intrigued South African internet users, who filled the comment section with talks about their experiences.

Daleen van Rooyen shared with the public:

"We were in Auckland last October. My husband had to go to the ER. $650 for the blood test, and another $100 for more meds. It was more than my flight ticket from Brisbane. Thank goodness for insurance."

David Kriel added in the comments:

"Don't forget to say how expensive the dentist is here."

A curious Lucille Gerber wondered:

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"What about if you are looking for a second or third opinion? It's not a good thing to just stick to one doctor."

Bulla Nienaber disagreed with what Charlotte said and wrote:

"I'm registered with the WeCare practice in Christchurch. I get on the app and see which doctor is available at that practice, and then I go and speak to the available doctor. WeCare has three practices in Christchurch, and I can visit a doctor at any of the three."

3 Other stories about New Zealand

• In another article, Briefly News reported that a South African mother shared an emotional video marking one year since her family left for New Zealand.
• Another South African woman living in the island country explained why she won't return home, stating that her children knew freedom and safety in their new country. Her comment received jumbled responses.
• A woman, also from South Africa, provided a salary breakdown of what teachers in New Zealand can earn across different experience levels. The video sparked an interest in overseas teaching opportunities, mostly among the youth.

Source: Briefly News