Enquiries
If you have a media query, the best way to contact us is media@health.govt.nz.
Alternatively, if you phone (04) 496 2000, reception can connect you to a media advisor.
Useful links
Media releases
Media releases - Ministry of Health news.
Ministry of Health responsibilities and organisation structure
About the Ministry of Health - Our role and responsibilities within the health and disability system.
Statistics and health sector data
Health statistics - New Zealand health data and statistics collected and produced by the Ministry and wider health sector.
Health targets - The health sector has Health Targets to focus resources and improve performance in 10 key areas.
Statement of Intent - Useful information about how New Zealand’s health and disability sector is performing.
Publications - Many documents published by the Ministry provide data including Corporate publications and Health publications.
Health Research Council of New Zealand - HRC is the Crown agency responsible for the management of the government's investment in public good health research.
Statistics New Zealand reports on a range of national health indicators.
Medicine alerts, recalls and status
Medsafe - Recalls and warnings on drugs available for use in New Zealand. The Data Sheets list every drug approved for use, along with information about clinical trials, risks and who the New Zealand distributor is (useful for establishing how much of the drug is used in New Zealand).
Minister and Associate Ministers of Health
Ministers’ offices - Contact details, portfolio areas and support staff.
Other organisations that provide health information
Many organisations play important roles in health. A sample is included below:
District health boards - District health boards are responsible for the health of their local populations.
College of GPs - The national body concerned with standards and education for general practitioners and of general practice.
Medical Council of New Zealand - The body that registers all medical practitioners, sets standards, and considers relevant complaints.
Nursing Council of New Zealand - The council sets and monitors nursing standards. A primary focus is public safety.
New Zealand Dental Association - A useful resource for developments in dentistry and oral health.
Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring - A source of information about adverse reactions to drugs, vaccines, herbal products and dietary supplements.
Environmental Scientific Research - Provides a wide range of research services including toxicology, pharmaceuticals, communicable disease (eg, salmonella) and public health surveillance.
Liggins Institute - A research institute specialising in paediatrics and child health.
Immunisation Advisory Centre - The Centre provides information about vaccines and immunisation.
Cancer Society - The Society offers information to health professionals, students and people with cancer and their families