The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora has published the 2023 Health and Independence Report.
The report, produced annually, provides an overview of the state of public health and wellbeing in New Zealand for the 2023 calendar year. It collates information from a wide range of sources and subject matter experts and provides a consolidated view of the health system.
There are four main sections in the report: People of Aotearoa New Zealand, Health measures, Causes of health loss and Determinants of health and wellbeing.
The 2023 report shows health equity continues to be a challenge. Priority populations including Māori, Pacific peoples, and the disabled population experience disproportionately higher rates of inequity, and poorer health outcomes compared to the general population.
Most adults rate their health highly. However, Māori (80.5%) and Pacific (81.8%) were less likely to report being in good health (defined as good, very good or excellent health) than Asian (90.5%) and European/other (87.9%) adults.
In addition, only 59.4% of disabled adults reported having good health compared to 90.2% of non-disabled adults.
Changes to the demographic makeup of Aotearoa New Zealand are highlighted. Our population is growing, becoming more ethnically diverse and ageing. Currently 16.5% of the population are aged 65 years and over, but this is projected to increase to 22.1% by 2043.
The report highlights ongoing barriers to accessing primary health care, with 21.2% of adults reporting the time taken to get an appointment was too long. This increased from 11.6% in the previous three-year pooled period.
Ministry spokesperson Peter Dolan says the Health and Independence Report supports evidence-based decision-making.
“It also serves as a resource for policymakers, health professionals and anyone with an interest in promoting good health and wellbeing for all New Zealanders,” says Peter Dolan.
View the 2023 Health and Independence Report.
