Publications

The challenge is clear. New Zealand has a diverse population with a history of experiencing significantly different health outcomes.

An indigenous Māori population whose ability to encompass te Ao Māori and participate in whānau and cultural connections are prerequisites to good health.

Increasing populations of Pacific peoples and a growing Asian population.

More disabled people, an ageing population, and a rural population that often feels they are invisible to urban decision-makers. As well, New Zealand has a level of intergenerational poverty which, perhaps more than anything else, negatively impacts on health outcomes.

On the positive side, New Zealand has, by world standards, a very good publicly funded health and disability system which can evolve into being more effective and more sustainable.

On the other hand, the health and disability system is under serious stress. Financially, it has had difficulty managing within the resources provided to it for some years. From a workforce point of view staff are feeling more and more stressed, facing increasing demands and significant shortages in supply, and the public hear more about deficits than they do good news stories. (Download the full report below to read more)

This report raises important questions about the future of the health and disability system. We welcome comments and reflections from readers to support learning, dialogue, and shared understanding.