Statutory officers

Most statutory officers are designated by the Director-General of Health under the Health Act 1956. These officers – medical officers of health and health protection officers – are accountable to, and subject to direction from, the Director-General. This ensures central oversight of regulatory functions.

The Director-General also appoints statutory officers under a range of other Acts, in particular the:

  • Smoke-free Environments Act 1990
  • Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.

City and district councils also appoint environmental health officers under the Health Act, who assist councils to perform their environmental health functions under the Act.

More information

Medical officers of health and other health officers - Health Act 1956 - New Zealand Legislation(external link) (external link)

Health Act 1956 - New Zealand Legislation(external link) (external link)