Will new health minister carry on good work on this lifelong disability?
The work of ex-Health Minister Shane Reti relating to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder was visionary
Jan
2025
30
Nov
2024
18
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.
Nov
2024
15
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.
Nov
2024
12
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.
Nov
2024
11
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.
Nov
2024
9
Equality is a beautiful word
The outgoing Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner says there's no need for anyone to be hungry or homeless.
Nov
2024
7
Ethnicity is a useful shortcut for identifying need – without it, targeting public services will get harder
The government’s recent directive that public services should be prioritised “on the basis of need, not race” will make it harder and more time consuming to reach New Zealanders with higher needs.
Nov
2024
7
Who is getting into medical school and health courses? Study shows affirmative action’s successes and failures
Affirmative action programmes at the University of Otago have significantly lifted Māori, Pacific and rural enrolments over the last 30 years but have failed to increase student numbers from poorer backgrounds.
Nov
2024
1
New data on violence against LGBTQ+ people makes ‘grim reading’ – and undermines NZ’s inclusive reputation
New Zealand is ranked the tenth most inclusive society by international legal standards, with a reputation for being forward-thinking and progressive – especially when it comes to the rights of sexually and gender-diverse individuals.
Oct
2024
30
Lake Alice: Government to address historic redress inequities
The Government is set to make redress payments to a group of Lake Alice survivors after "inequities" in a 2001 settlement were identified.
Key issues
HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.
EQUITY
Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.
DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS
Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.
DIGITAL HEALTH
Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.
TE TIRITI
Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.