The public health system in New Zealand

Empty hospital reception

16 Nov 2023

In 2022, two completely new organisations were established to centralise the health planning and provision, which is to replace the 12 District Health Boards in New Zealand. One of these organisations is called Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), whose purpose is to be the main coordinating body of hospital services and primary and community care. The second organisation is called the Public Health Agency (PHA), which is the coordinating organisation for public health strategy, policy, regulatory and monitoring functions. The PHA will be responsible for leading all public health strategies across health and disability sectors and advising the Minister of Health on public health matters. The Public Health Agency also includes the Public Health Advisory Committee (PHAC), which consists of six advisory board members who are responsible for providing public-facing, evidence-based public health advice to Both the Public Health Agency and Public Health Advisory committee will sit within the Ministry of Health, which also has undergone certain changes.

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Academic Literature
Key elements and contextual factors that influence successful implementation of large-system transformation initiatives in the New Zealand health system: a realist evaluation

Key elements and contextual factors that influence successful implementation of large-system transformation initiatives in the New Zealand health system: a realist evaluation

Despite three decades of policy initiatives to improve integration of health care, delivery of health care in New Zealand remains fragmented, and health inequities persist for Māori and other high priority populations. Read...

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.