Overview

New Zealand continues to have a predominantly tax-funded health system, providing universal coverage managed by the District Health Boards. The population enjoys high health status overall, but with significant inequalities in Māori and Pacific health. Current challenges for the health system include reducing inequalities in health, managing noncommunicable diseases and chronic conditions, reducing waiting times, improving productivity, and ensuring greater integration and coordination of services within and between primary and secondary care, and intersectorally with other social services.