Equity
Latest | Media coverage | Commentary | Academic Literature | Legislation | Reports and Government Documents
Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI; and how interventions, policy and the health system overall can contribute to such groups attaining an equitable health status.
Latest
Media coverage
Otago Uni’s affirmative action ‘a good news story’ for health workforce, study finds
The increasing number of Māori and Pacific students studying medicine and surgery at the University of Otago Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is a “good news story”, says a leader in public health.
Loneliness and isolation among older Kiwis at epidemic levels – new study
The impact of loneliness and social isolation on the health outcomes of older New Zealanders has reached epidemic levels, according to a new study.
Equality is a beautiful word
The outgoing Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner says there's no need for anyone to be hungry or homeless.
Commentary
Treaties, truth and equality: how NZ, Australia and Canada are all struggling with colonial politics
With the ACT Party’s Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill having its first reading in parliament last week, the debate and protests have been – understandably – focused on the local historical and political landscape.
HE PĀNUI WHAKAHAU A TE MANA WHAKAHAERE KAIWHAKAWĀ D STONE MEMORANDUM-DIRECTIONS OF PRESIDING OFFICER JUDGE D STONE
This memorandum-direction addresses material relevant to the Health Services and Outcomes Kaupapa Inquiry (Wai 2575).
Despite the national apology, abuse in state care is still happening – only systemic change will work
Today marks a long-awaited milestone for survivors of the state care system, with the formal apology by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledging the catastrophic abuse endured by at least 250,000 people at the hands of state and faith-based institutions between 1950 and 1999.
Academic Literature
Polokalama Fekumi ki he Kanisā ‘o e Halanga-me’atokoní-Ko e vakai ‘a e Tongá: Tongan New Zealanders’ views on how to ensure the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme works well for the Tongan community
he National Bowel Screening Programme (NBSP) fails to deliver screening equitably to Pacific New Zealanders. This research explored Tongan New Zealanders' experiences of participating in the NBSP and their views on ensuring the programme works well for the Tongan community.
ASIAN HEALTH IN AOTEAROA 2024
The Asian Health in Aotearoa 2024 report, based on data from the New Zealand Health Survey spanning from 2002 to 2021, has revealed concerning trends in the health of Asian communities in New Zealand.
Policy approaches to decarbonising the transport sector in Aotearoa New Zealand: modelling equity, population health, and health-system effects
Decarbonising transport might improve overall population health, save the health system money, and reduce health inequities between Māori and non-Māori. Pathways that increase physical activity have a larger effect on population health than those that rely on low-emission vehicles. The effects on inequity between Māori and non-Māori are larger in the behaviour pathway than in the technology pathway but dependent on how equitably policies supporting decarbonisation are implemented.
Legislation and Parliament
Health Entitlement Cards Amendment Regulations 2024
The new entitlement thresholds reflect an increase of 4.66% in the New Zealand Consumers Price Index from the December 2022 quarter to the December 2023 quarter (calculated for all quarters using the New Zealand Consumers Price Index (All Groups))
Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022
The purpose of this Act is to provide for the public funding and provision of services in order to—
(a) protect, promote, and improve the health of all New Zealanders; and
(b) achieve equity in health outcomes among New Zealand’s population groups, including by striving to eliminate health disparities, in particular for Māori; and
(c) build towards pae ora (healthy futures) for all New Zealanders.
Reports and Government Documents
Healthy Families NZ – a decade of impact
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora’s Healthy Families NZ is marking ten years of impact with the release of an impact report ‘Reshaping our systems for a healthier Aotearoa New Zealand’.
Ministry of Health Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2024
The Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2024 sets out who we are and what we do, how we manage our business, our financial statements and statement of service performance as specified in Vote Health – Main Estimates of Appropriation 2023/24 and (where updated) in Vote Health – Supplementary Estimates of Appropriation 2023/24.
Strategic Intentions 2024–2028 Ko ngā Takune-ā-Rautaki 2024–2028
The document sets out the Ministry’s own strategic focus, functions and priorities aligned and contributing to, but distinct from those of the Government.
Key issues
HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
EQUITY
DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS
PUBLIC HEALTH
DIGITAL HEALTH
TE TIRITI