This section describes key organisations and people in New Zealand’s health and disability system.
Minister of Health
The Minister of Health has overall responsibility for the health and disability system. The Minister’s functions, duties, responsibilities and powers are provided for in the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 and other legislation.
- Minister of Health – Hon Andrew Little
Associate Ministers
- Hon Peeni Henare
- Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
- Hon Aupito William Sio
Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health is the government’s principal advisor on health and disability policy. For more information about our responsibilities and priorities, go to About us.
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand took over responsibility for planning and commissioning hospital, primary and community health services from 1 July 2022.
Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority
Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority, working in partnership with both the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand, is responsible for ensuring the health system works well for Māori through:
- leading change in the way the entire health system understands and responds to Māori health needs
- developing strategy and policy which will drive better health outcomes for Māori
- commissioning kaupapa Māori services and other services targeting Māori communities
- co-commissioning other services alongside Health NZ
- monitoring the overall performance of the system to reduce health inequities for Māori.
Te Aka Whai Ora works with Iwi–Māori Partnership Boards, Māori health providers and professionals, iwi, hapū and Māori communities to understand Māori health needs and aspirations across New Zealand.
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People was created on 1 July 2022 to provide a wider lens on disability across Government, and to drive transformation of the disability support system.
Disabled people will now have a dedicated agency that will support a whole-of-life approach to disability, rather than considering the community’s needs through a health lens alone.