Enquiries
If you have a media query, the best way to contact us is [email protected].
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.
Media assistance
- Email for media representatives: [email protected]
- Phone: (04) 496 2000
- Email for public inquiries [email protected].
Reporting assisted deaths
There are legal restrictions around the information that can be made public about individual assisted deaths. Find out more at Advice for media reporting assisted deaths.
Official Information Act
The Ministry of Health acknowledges that under the Official Information Act 1982 information shall be made available on request unless there is a good reason for withholding it. Full information is available at Official Information Act Requests.
The formal descriptions for some examples of reasons for withholding information under the act are described here:
- Section 9(2)(a) to protect the privacy of natural persons, including the deceased.
- Section 18(d) – the information requested is or soon will be publicly available.
- Section 18(e) – the document containing the information requested does not exist or cannot be found.
- Section 18(g) – the information requested is not held by the organisation.
For further information, see ombudsmen.govt.nz and justice.govt.nz
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 – These indicators measure how well the health and disability system serves New Zealanders.
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:
- Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand leads the day-to-day running of the health system across New Zealand, with functions delivered at local, district, regional and national levels.
- Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority leads and monitors transformational change in the way the entire health system understands and responds to the health and wellbeing needs of whānau Māori.
- District Health websites - local district health websites provide information about locally available services
- 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.
- Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand – The body that represents pharmacists. A key focus is on the role pharmacists and their teams have in medicines management.
- 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.
- ESR – 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.
Office of the Ombudsman
Any reporter receiving information or a delay in receiving information from the Ministry of Health can complain to the Ombudsman to seek an investigation and review the Ministry’s decision.