Programmes and initiatives He hōtaka, he tūmahi hou

The Ministry of Health leads work to reduce alcohol-related harm in New Zealand. This programme brings together initiatives, research, and partnerships to support healthier communities and improve wellbeing.

About the Ministry of Health’s clinical leadership in allied health and our allied health work programme.

Learn what we’re doing in New Zealand to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Information about carers and their role, the Carers’ Strategy partnership between the government and Carers Alliance, and the care-related interest and responsibilities of the Ministry of Health.

Find out about the Ministry of Health’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and our long-term management strategy.

Guidance for the health sector, including the National Health Emergency Plan and related documents, and pandemic planning and response.

A common understanding of equity is an essential foundation for coordinated and collaborative effort to achieve equity in health and wellness.

Co-ordinated and responsive public health measures at the border are important to actively managing public health threats while supporting New Zealand’s connectivity with the rest of the world.

The conflict in the Middle East is creating uncertainty in supply chains and fuel markets. This has flow on effects for essential services, including health care.

The Ministry of Health sets the strategic direction for the workforce to support health agencies to address long-standing workforce challenges.

The Government has clarified responsibilities for the procurement of medical devices. In future, Health NZ and Pharmac will share responsibility for the procurement of medical devices.

Information about the Ministry of Health’s work in mental health, addiction and suicide prevention.

The Ministry has published an independent review into the Manage My Health cyber incident, along with an action plan to strengthen protections for health information across the system.

What nurses are doing to develop and enhance their contribution to health services in New Zealand.

Information about obesity in New Zealand and the Ministry's work in this area.

Information about oral health and community water fluoridation policy and implementation in New Zealand.

Information on the Ministry of Health’s work to achieve health and wellbeing for Pacific peoples, as well as Pacific health resources and publications.

Find out how the Ministry of Health’s Polynesian Health Corridors programme partners with Pacific nations to strengthen health systems, improve access to medicines, and support mental health and cancer care. 

Information on the Ministry’s work on precision health, an approach to health care that tailors medical treatment and prevention strategies to the specific characteristics of individuals.

Primary and community health care is a critical part of pae ora (healthy futures). It is often the first point of access into the health care system, and is key to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Information on the Proceeds of Crime Fund (the Fund) and how to apply for the 2026 funding round.

The Ministry of Health is the key agency for smokefree policy and is involved in many policy and operational aspects of tobacco control.

Information on surgical mesh and the time-limited pause on the use of surgical mesh for stress urinary incontinence, effective 23 August 2023.

From 1 July 2025, when Pharmac funds a new cancer medicine or widens access to existing funded cancer medicines, eligible patients will be able to receive the publicly funded medicine within private facilities for a period of up to 12 months without having to move their care to a public hospital.

Information on implementing and monitoring the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes in New Zealand, including the Code of Practice for Health Workers.