A national cardiac clinical network has been formed to reduce the waiting list and increase the number of heart operations carried out, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.
A report last year showed New Zealand delivered 25 to 45 percent fewer heart operations than comparable countries and the number of cardiac surgical discharges decreased in recent years, Mr Ryall said.
"We need better planning to improve the rate and availability of cardiac operations across the country."
The best people to make those plans are the heart surgeons themselves, Mr Ryall said.
"New Zealanders' access to cardiac surgery they need is not good enough.
"Effective clinical leadership is a fundamental driver of improved front line health care."
Cardiologist Andrew Hamer was appointed head of the network.
New Zealand needs improved "cardiac surgery throughput, especially for people with the greatest need", Dr Hamer said.
The network will involve the clinical directors of cardiac surgery from the five District Health Boards that deliver cardiac surgery, nurses, anaesthetists and intensive care specialists.