What we do
Find out how we organise ourselves and the work we do to deliver care and healthy futures for all New Zealanders.
Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
Our role in the health system
Established on 1 July 2022, Te Whatu Ora leads the day-to-day running of the health system across New Zealand, with functions delivered at local, district, regional and national levels. It weaves the functions of the 20 former District Health Boards (DHBs) into its regional divisions and district offices, ensuring continuity of services in the health system.
Te Whatu Ora manages all health services, including hospital and specialist services, and primary and community care. Hospital and specialist services are planned nationally so they can be delivered more consistently across the country. It also manages national contracts.
Primary health, wellbeing and community-based services are planned and then purchased through the four regional divisions of Te Whatu Ora. Each region works with their district offices, located closer to local communities, to develop and implement plans based on local needs to improve the health and wellbeing of communities.
Te Whatu Ora is also responsible for improving services and outcomes across the health system. We do this in partnership with Te Aka Whai Ora - Māori Health Authority.
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Clinical leadership (goes to another website)
Leadership of national forums across medical, nursing, midwifery, primary and community, allied health, scientific and technical professions across New Zealand's health sector -
Commissioning (goes to another website)
Commissioning and funding of health care delivered by community-based services and third-party providers. -
Hospital and specialist services (goes to another website)
Operational delivery of hospital and specialist services for New Zealanders -
National Public Health Service
The National Public Health Service works alongside communities to deliver national, regional and local programmes for achieving pae ora.
Related content
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Accountability and reporting
We publish a range of documents and health system performance data as part of operating a transparent health system. -
Our plain language standard
The Plain Language Act 2022 requires all public sector agencies in New Zealand write public-facing documents and webpages in plain language. -
Sustainability
Find out what we're doing to make our health system into a sustainable and climate resilient organisation.