PHANZ Waitangi Day 2024 Statement: On this Waitangi Day, the Public Health Association (PHA) reaffirms our commitment to honouring and implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the key to achieving health equity.

The Public Health Association of New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of three new esteemed members to our Council. Co-Presidents Gail Duncan and Nari Faiers extend a warm welcome to Kylie McKee, Patrick Salmon, and Nivedita Sharma Vij, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our organisation.

Brightstar in association with Shea Pita & Associates proudly present Mana Taurite I Equity in Health from 4-5 December 2023 at the Millennium Hotel in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).

The Public Health Association of New Zealand beseeches the new Government to reverse their decision to repeal smokefree legislation. The move by the Government undermines decades of public health progress and poses a severe threat to the well-being of our communities, particularly our Māori and Pacific populations.

In recognition of the profound impact of armed conflicts on global health, the Public Health Association of New Zealand asserts that the pursuit of peace is an urgent and imperative public health priority. Wars, with their indiscriminate nature, transcend borders and pose substantial threats to the well-being of populations, both human and environmental.

As we approach the upcoming election, the Public Health Association reaffirms its commitment to advancing public health priorities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The determinants of health are the range of factors that influence the health and well-being of individuals and populations. While many are familiar with the traditional determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, and healthcare access, there is another significant set of factors that shape health outcomes: the commercial determinants of health.

On the day after the budget was released, we had the opportunity to listen to a panel of notable speakers who shared their perspectives on Budget 2023. The event was sponsored by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), the Public Health Association New Zealand (PHANZ) Wellington branch, and the Social Justice Group of St Peter's on Willis, Te Aro, Wellington.

Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving the health of individuals and communities through organized efforts. It goes beyond individual health concerns and takes into account the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes.

Mis- or disinformation has fast become a major challenge in public health. Online mis- or disinformation can spread rapidly with just a few clicks and unfortunately can lodge itself deeper into someone's beliefs than the truth itself.

PHANZ Māori policy advisor Chris Webber provides a think piece to progress our application of kawa in public health. As we reap the fruits of embracing Māori engagement with public health, we should discover guidelines for our collective future - like ’ kawa in all things’, a pressing need in places where kaupapa Māori need to prevail.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria leptospires which are usually found in animals such as rats, dogs, cattle, and pigs. This disease is found worldwide and can affect both animals and humans.

Asian and other ethnic populations account for a significant proportion of Aotearoa’s population (more than 18% as at Census 2018; almost one in five now) and these populations are also increasing at a fast pace. Although some Asian and ethnic groups have higher life expectancy at birth, lower rate of infant mortality and lower mortality rates for some conditions, we must acknowledge these groups are extremely diverse in culture, language, health status, settlement history, and unmet health needs.

Recently, CAHRE held a panel discussion on Pae Ora and Ethnic Minority Health at its National Symposium. The session led to a passionate and wide-ranging discussion involving conference attendees that included health practitioners, service managers, academics, researchers, representatives from government and non-government sectors and communities.

From July 2023, the primary test for cervical screening will change to a human papillomavirus (HPV) test, with the option of self-testing. The current cytology-based test has served New Zealand well for over 20 years and played a huge role in reducing cervical cancer mortality.

Brightstar in association with Shea Pita & Associates proudly present Mana Taurite I Equity in Health from 4-5 December 2023 at the Millennium Hotel in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).