The New Zealand Health Strategy and the New Zealand Disability Strategy set out the Government’s strategic direction for the health and disability sectors in New Zealand and highlights the priorities Government considers to be most important.
Both strategies include goals and objectives to help improve health outcomes for Pacific peoples and reduce inequalities between Pacific peoples and other New Zealanders.
Ola Manuia: The Pacific Health and Wellbeing Action Plan 2020–2025
Ola Manuia: The Pacific Health and Wellbeing Action Plan 2020–2025 is the government’s new national plan and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our vibrant and growing Pacific population living in Aotearoa New Zealand. This plan was informed by the previous Pacific health action plan, ‘Ala Mo’ui: Pathways to Pacific Health and Wellbeing 2014–2018’ (Ministry of Health 2014).
Ola Manuia sets out the priority outcomes and accompanying actions for the health and disability system for our Pacific peoples over the next five years.
The Ministry of Health developed Ola Manuia with the guidance and input of Pacific communities, the health sector, and relevant government agencies with a vision that all ‘Pacific families are thriving in Aotearoa New Zealand.’
This plan identifies key areas of Pacific health we need to focus on, and the specific actions we need to take to improve Pacific health. Ola Manuia is a tool for DHBs and the health sector to use to inform the development of their strategic documents, work programmes, key actions, and community initiatives.
Budget 2021 has provided $16 million over four years for a suite of activities which will support and contribute to Ola Manuia outcomes. These include:
- supporting Pacific health providers to develop Ola Manuia implementation plans that will have an impact on policies, service delivery, service design and day-to-day operations
- investment in Pacific Models of Care in health areas where Pacific peoples are falling behind compared to non-Pacific peoples
- the development of Pacific community hubs, leveraging on the momentum gained during the COVID-19 Pacific response.
In addition, Budget 2021 funding will enable the Ministry to continue to invest in growing the Pacific health workforce and supporting Pacific health providers to increase capacity and capability.