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About the health system
The health system in Aotearoa New Zealand has a range of functions to manage and deliver health services to New Zealanders.
It includes public sector agencies, health service providers, professional organisations and the health workforce.
Providing health services
Most core health services in Aotearoa New Zealand are publicly funded and universally available.
Some health services are provided directly to the public through Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora and other health entities.
A range of other organisations also deliver health care, including:
- community organisations
- hauora Māori providers
- private organisations
- individual health professionals.
Some are fully or partially funded by government. Others are funded through direct payments or private health insurance.
Statutory framework
The statutory framework for the health and disability system in Aotearoa New Zealand is made up of over 20 pieces of legislation.
The most important Acts include:
- Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022
- Health Act 1956
- Crown Entities Act 2004.
Find out about other legislation the Ministry of Health administers.
Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act
The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 took effect on 1 July 2022.
The Act’s purpose is to:
- protect, promote, and improve the health of all New Zealanders
- achieve equity by reducing health disparities among New Zealand’s population groups, in particular for Māori
- build towards pae ora (healthy futures) for all New Zealanders.
Find out more about changes to the health system under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act.
Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022
Health Act
The Health Act 1956 sets out roles and responsibilities of public health officials including the Minister of Health, the Director of Public Health, and designated officers for public health.
It contains provisions for:
- environmental health
- infectious diseases
- health emergencies
- the National Cervical Screening Programme.
Find out about roles with a statutory function.
Crown Entities Act
Many organisations that provide health services are Crown entities.
The Crown Entities Act 2004 provides the statutory framework for the establishment, governance, and operation of Crown entities.
The Act clarifies accountability relationships and reporting requirements between:
- Crown entities
- their board members
- responsible Ministers
- the House of Representatives.
Find out about Crown health entities.
