What we do

Our approach focuses on addressing the underlying conditions that impact our health and wellbeing, in order to reduce the risk of preventable chronic disease. All of the Healthy Families NZ localities are connected through this common approach and principles, which creates our prevention movement.

We seek to uncover the journey that leads to chronic disease, understanding the lived experience of whānau and communities so that we can determine together how best to address the conditions that lead to experiencing preventable chronic disease.

Our whole-of-community approach enables initiatives to be driven by local leadership and changemakers.

This helps us to identify the systems and the social and physical environments at play, rather than looking at individual choices and behaviours.

We have an explicit focus on improving equity and health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori utilising a te ao Māori lens alongside partnerships with Māori leaders and communities to prioritise opportunities to create meaningful impact.

How we work

Healthy Families NZ has 11 teams across ten localities embedded in a range of lead providers including:

  • Iwi
  • Whānau Ora
  • Local Government
  • Regional Sports Trusts
  • Pacific-led Social Change organisations.

Each locality has its own unique systems and environments that impact the health and wellbeing of the people who live, learn, work or play there.

Each lead provider was chosen as they were best placed to work in partnership with the communities and organisations in their locality to create sustainable change.

Taking a locality approach acknowledges that the most effective and sustainable solutions to our health and wellbeing challenges are best driven by the people who are most affected.

Healthy Families NZ Locations:

Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns

Healthy Families NZ has 11 teams across ten localities

Healthy Families NZ is a large scale prevention initiative that brings community leadership together in a united effort for better health in the places we live, learn, work and play.