What is changing right now?

The changes that have been made so far include putting in place the 'building blocks' needed for important changes to happen over the coming years.

The first big change was to merge all the parts of the health system, including 20 DHBs, into one entity - Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, create Te Aka Whai Ora - Maori Health Authority, and establish a Public Health Agency. 

Do I need to do anything differently?

In the short term, people will go to their usual places for health care, and it will look and feel much the same. 

For some people, you will start to see changes like 'localities' in your area. This is a new way of connecting health care, support services, Iwi and community organisations within a particular area in New Zealand. This is being trialled in some places already.

Read more about localities.

Some work is already underway like planned care, immunisation, and localities. 

Go to Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand(external link) to read about the work underway.

Getting involved

One of the 'building blocks' for the new system is developing ways that communities can have a stronger voice about health care. 

Read more about community and whanau voice

Read more about how the health system works

Read more about the health reform and what it aims to do

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