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Increasing the exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding is one of the most significant and cost-effective ways to achieve equity and increase the health and wellbeing of a population. This Strategy was developed with the intention and commitment to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Objectives | Ngā whāinga

  • Increase the exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding in Aotearoa for this and future generations.
  • Government policies and frameworks protect, promote and support breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding.
  • Breastfeeding is a public health priority, and the determinants and barriers to breastfeeding are understood and mitigated.
  • Consistent, evidence-based breastfeeding and infant feeding education is provided to all people working with pregnant women, infants and children.
  • The positive impact of breastfeeding on health, development and wellbeing is valued by communities whānau, hapū and iwi.
  • Whānau have access to consistent, evidence-based, culturally responsive breastfeeding information and support.
  • People feel comfortable and supported to breastfeed in any environment, including workplaces, health and education settings, and public spaces.

Strategic framework: Pae Ora

The pae ora model emphasises that action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding needs to address three interconnected and mutually reinforcing elements. The pae ora model emphasises that action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding needs to address three interconnected and mutually reinforcing elements. The pae ora model emphasises that action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding needs to address three interconnected and mutually reinforcing elements.

Healthy environments
Wai ora

Acknowledge the environment as a significant determinant of health, including the importance of governance and regulatory frameworks.

Healthy families
Whānau ora

Empower families within a community context, promoting health as joint endeavor as opposed to an individual pursuit.

Healthy individuals
Mauri ora

Prevention and treatment that benefits all members of society, including specific goals for priority groups.

The pae ora model emphasises that action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding needs to address three interconnected and mutually reinforcing elements.

Read more about the pae ora strategic framework: 

Pae Ora framework

Priority areas

Setting the foundations: Government priorities
Ngā whakaarotau a te Kawanatanga

  1. Reduce inequitable outcomes and improve the wellbeing of Māori whānau
  2. Policies, guidelines, regulations and frameworks protect, promote and support breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding

Building a solid structure: Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in Aotearoa
Hāpaingia te whāngote ki Aotearoa