In New Zealand and overseas, there is growing recognition that some of the most challenging policy issues cross sectoral boundaries and require integrated approaches as well as community engagement.
Such approaches consider the potential effects of policy proposals from a number of perspectives including health, environmental, social and economic impacts.
Impact assessment provides a range of approaches for supporting these processes. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) including Whānau ora HIA is one such discipline; examples of others include social impact assessment, environmental impact assessment and regulatory impact assessment.
Supporters of HIA in New Zealand include the health sector, other sectors, public health academics, and HIA practitioners.
This section provides information on what is involved in HIA, practical examples of how HIA has been done in New Zealand, and links to resources and websites to assist you if you are considering conducting an HIA.