Health at the border

Vision for health at the border: A New Zealand border that is smart, protects our people from health risks and keeps New Zealand globally connected to achieve Pae Ora (healthy futures for all).

The Public Health Agency, within Manatū Hauora, is responsible for the Strategic Approach to Health at the Border for Aotearoa New Zealand. This work supports the wider objectives under the Pae Ora Act 2022, and ensures we continue to meet our obligations under the Health Act 1956 and the International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR)

This means ensuring health functions are considered and integrated across all border functions to support a border that is smart, protects people and keeps New Zealand globally connected.

The Agency is specifically responsible for:

• supporting the Director-General of Health as representative for health on the Border Executive Board, an inter-departmental board established in 2020 to deliver an integrated and effective border system.
• coordinating with Te Whatu Ora, the operational lead for health at the border, and Te Aka Whai Ora, to support the implementation of a single vision for health at the border.
• monitoring and reporting on how New Zealand is fulfilling its international obligations at the border, including the International Health Regulations (IHR), the World Health Organization's framework for preventing and controlling global disease spread.

Principles guiding our strategic approach

• Achieving equity for underserved communities and populations – We will ensure health at the border protects the health and wellbeing (Pae Ora) of underserved populations and enables their aspirations.
• Embedding health at border – As kaitiaki of the health system, we will work together in partnership, provide leadership and good governance.
• Responsive health at the border that prevents, detects, and responds – We are aware of potential health risks globally. We are ready to prevent, detect and respond to health risks at the border.
• Engagement and social licence – We build public understanding and support, particularly in underserved communities, for embedding health at the border.
• Global engagement – We recognise New Zealand’s role and responsibilities in the global health system and the importance of protecting global health security
• Interagency partnership – We promote collaboration across sectors to protect health and wellbeing at the border.

Embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi

We will be guided by the following principles in ensuring health at the border meets the Crown’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Mana whakahaera – We will take a collaborative approach and widen participation to ensure Māori aspirations are embedded in the design, delivery and monitoring of health at the order
• Mana motuhake – We will act to the fullest extent practicable to ensure health at the border protects Māori authority and independence
• Mana tangata – We are committed to achieving equitable health outcome for Māori when interacting with health at the border
• Mana Māori – We will ensure health at the border integrates positively with kawa, tikanga and mātauranga Māori.

Partners for health at the border

• Te Whatu Ora
• Te Aka Whai Ora
• New Zealand Customs Service
• Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Ministry for Primary Industries
• Ministry of Transport
• Maritime NZ