Government priorities for health
The Government has outlined its expectations for the health and disability system in the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act and the Interim Government Policy Statement on Health.
Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022
The Pae Ora Act sets out a long-term pathway for all agencies across the health and disability system to:
- protect, promote, and improve the health of all New Zealanders
- achieve equity in health outcomes among New Zealand’s population groups, including by striving to eliminate health disparities, in particular for Māori
- build towards pae ora (healthy futures) for all New Zealanders.
The Pae Ora Act is the foundation for our vision and strategy and will underpin all our work. As we build our relationships and partnerships, we will take the opportunity to review the way that we work and re-think how we can better align with the principles and priorities of the system.
Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 - legislation.govt.nz(external link)
Pae ora health sector principles
The health sector should:
- be equitable, including equitable outcomes for Māori
- engage with Māori, population groups, and others to reflect their needs and aspirations
- provide opportunities for Māori to exercise decision-making authority
- provide choice of quality services to Māori and other population groups
- protect and promote people’s health and wellbeing.
Pae ora at every level
Mauri ora (healthy individuals)
The health and disability sector will protect, promote, and improve the health of all New Zealanders
Whānau ora (healthy families)
The health and disability sector will achieve equity in health outcomes among New Zealand's population groups, including by striving to eliminate health disparities, in particular for Māori
Wai ora (healthy environments)
The health and disability sector will build towards pae ora (healthy futures for all New Zealanders)
Interim Government Policy Statement and Pae Ora strategies
Our work will help give effect to the strategies and plans currently under development by Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora, and Te Aka Whai Ora.
One of those strategies is the Hauora Māori Strategy which will set the direction of the new health and disability system for improving Māori health and wellbeing. This will be foundational in setting the direction for how Pharmac, and the system, will uphold and deliver on its Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and Hauora Māori priorities, reflecting the direction and approach set out in He Korowai Oranga and Whakamaua.
Health Sector Outcomes
These are the outcomes that the Government wants. These are outlined in the Interim Government Policy Statement.
A health and disability sector that is:
- embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi across the system
- laying the foundations for the success of the system
- keeping people well and independent in their communities
- achieving equity in health outcomes
- developing the workforce of the future
- ensuring a financially stable health system
Pharmac is already working towards embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi into our systems.
Strategic framework
Our strategic framework sets out our vision, our strategic priorities, and our values – and outlines our contribution to the principles and outcomes of the health and disability system.
More information
Read more about what Pharmac considers when deciding whether to fund a medicine, vaccine or related product.
Pharmac's Factors for Consideration
We have specific health condition priorities for Māori which are taken into consideration when making decisions.