Pacific communities / Ngā hapori o Te Moananui-a-Kiwa

Pacific communities experience lower life expectancy than most other groups and much higher rates of avoidable death than the New Zealand average. Our health system must do more to ensure Pacific peoples have the same health outcomes as other New Zealanders.

What’s changing? / He aha ngā panonitanga?

Many of the reforms to the health system will have a significant, positive impact for Pacific peoples by:

• investing in a strong Pacific policy function within the Ministry of Health to lead a new strategy for Pacific health, and ensuring Health New Zealand (Health NZ) has a dedicated focus on the health of Pacific peoples
• strengthening the voice of Pacific communities, and ensuring that Pacific communities’ needs and priorities are reflected in national health policy
• providing a wider range of services grounded in Pacific worldviews and care approaches.

What will it look like in future? / Ka pēhea ā raurangi?

Pacific communities will be better able to shape how primary and community care is delivered close to where they live, ensuring that a wider range of services is available to meet their needs, with more services having been designed for and by Pacific communities.

At a national level, Manatū Hauora (Ministry of Health) and Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand will work with leaders and experts in Pacific health to identify best practice and ensure it spreads throughout the future health system. A stronger focus on improved outcomes for Pacific peoples will also drive accelerated improvement in the quality of care and health outcomes.

What’s next? / He aha e whai ake nei?

Engaging with Pacific communities will be part of the detailed design work of the new health system by both Manatū Hauora (Ministry of Health) and Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, including areas such as how to increase the participation of Pacific communities in the planning and delivery of services.