About the NZ Health and Disability System

New Zealand's health and disability system
www.moh.govt.nz/healthsystem

Health and disability services in New Zealand are delivered by a complex network of organisations and people.

Most of the day-to-day business is administered by District Health Boards (DHBs). DHBs plan, manage, provide and purchase services for the population of their district. This includes funding for primary care, public health services, aged care, and services provided by other non-government health providers.

For more information, refer to the Health and disability system overview.

Eligibility for health services

Find out whether you’re eligible for publicly funded health and disability services in New Zealand.

Key parts of the health sector

Minister of Health has overall responsibility for the health and disability system.
Ministry of Health is principal advisor to the government on health and disability policy, and is responsible for leading and supporting the sector.
District Health Boards are responsible for providing or funding health and disability services in their district.
Primary health care is the professional health care received in the community, for example doctor visits.
Disability services in New Zealand.
Public hospitals are run and owned by District Health Boards.
Public Health Units provide regional health services such as environmental health, disease control, and health promotion programmes.
Nursing in New Zealand includes information about nursing and professional development.
Non-government organisations include independent community organisations that offer not-for-profit health services.
Crown entities and agents with responsibilities in the health system.
Health advisory committees are independent bodies that report to the Minister of Health on health and disability issues.
Quality improvement in the sector.

Website feedback
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Related information
Health topics A-Z
Index of health information on this website.

Health targets
The health sector is focusing resources and improving performance in 10 key areas.

Statistics and data
Health related statistics and databases.

Contact details
Directory of sector contacts
Health and disability services - District Health Boards, public hospitals and more.