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.
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.