Academic Literature

The cost of everything and the value of nothing: New Zealand’s under-investment in health

3 Sep 2024

In July, Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti dismissed Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora’s Board, despite most positions already being vacant, and appointed a commissioner, Professor Lester Levy. Read more

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Coalition policies are not about ‘needs’ or ‘race’

One of the more absurd actions from the coalition Government came last week when the Cabinet Office Circular set out the rules for public servants to ensure that public services would be based on the “needs of all New Zealanders”.

Needs-based Service Provision

This circular sets out Government expectations for how the targeting, commissioning, and design of public services should be based on the needs of all New Zealanders.

Watch: ACT Party leader David Seymour announces policy directive on ‘need, not race’

Cabinet has issued a new directive to create a "colourblind" public service that focuses solely on need, not race, and doesn't prioritise Māori businesses when awarding government contracts.

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.