District Health Boards (DHBs) served New Zealand well for many years, but over time the system became too complex and fragmented. Health New Zealand was established to run the health system across New Zealand, with functions delivered at local, regional and national levels.
An interim Health New Zealand organisation was established in September 2021 to help drive the development of the permanent entity and its role within a newly transformed system. This was transitioned to Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora on 1 July 2022 when the Pae Ora – Healthy Futures Act received Royal Assent.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora manages all health services, including hospital and specialist services, and primary and community care. Hospital and specialist services are planned nationally and delivered more consistently across the country. Primary health, wellbeing and community-based services are planned and then purchased through four new regional divisions of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
Each region works with their local offices to develop and implement plans, based on local needs to improve the health and wellbeing of their local communities.
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