Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill introduced to Parliament

The Bill giving effect to reform of the health system has been introduced to Parliament, marking the start of the legislative process to create the future of health in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill outlines the core changes within the health reform, including the formal, permanent, establishment of Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority.

"The Bill outlines structural change and introduces clear accountabilities that are crucial to us delivering better health experiences and outcomes for people across the motu," Health Minister Andrew Little said.

"The Health and Disability System Review identified that the root cause of inequity and variation across the health system was the structure – over time it has become too complex, fragmented and lacks clear vision and coordination at a whole-of-system level."

The Bill also recognises the role of Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards to act as a vehicle for Māori to exercise tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake with respect to planning and decision-making for health services at the local level.

The board of the new interim Māori Health Authority will work with the Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards to further define their role, functions and powers.

A new Public Health Agency will be established as a business unit within the Ministry of Health to provide national leadership on public health. In addition, both Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority will have functions and objectives to promote health and wellbeing.

"This reform acknowledges the need for clear direction and coordination at a whole-system level, while also appreciating the importance of services being designed and delivered locally," Andrew Little said.

It is anticipated that the Bill will be passed in the first half of 2022, establishing Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority, setting up the legal platform for the reformed system.

Press release: Health reforms bill introduced to Parliament (Beehive website)(external link)

The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill(external link)

Briefing on the introduction of the bill

Summary factsheet on the bill

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