About the Ministry

The Ministry is composed of business units, each with its own functions and areas of responsibility. The business units are the National Health Board; Chief Nurse; Policy; Clinical Leadership, Protection and Regulation; Māori Health; Sector Capability and Implementation; and Corporate Services.

What we do

The Ministry is the government’s primary agent in New Zealand’s health and disability system, and has overall responsibility for the management and development of that system.

Through our leadership we will help ensure New Zealanders live longer, healthier and more independent lives, while delivering on the government’s priorities.Read more


Ministry business units

The Ministry is comprised of business units, each with its own functions and areas of responsibility. These include the National Health Board, the Chief Nurse and the Policy, Clinical Leadership, Protection and Regulation, Māori Health, Sector Capability and Implementation and Corporate Services business units. Read more

Our priorities

The Government expects the quality of health care provided to the public to be constantly improving. This page covers current priorities and health targets, and describes how the Ministry works with other government agencies on the wider government agenda. Read more