- Simeon Brown criticised Health NZ for engaging in advocacy unrelated to healthcare delivery.
- Brown cited examples including fast food opposition, raffle bans, and transport policy.
- The Health Minister urged Health NZ to focus on improving immunisation rates and care access.
New Zealand’s Minister of Health, Simeon Brown, has criticised Health New Zealand (Health NZ) for shifting its focus away from healthcare delivery to engage in advocacy work. In a detailed thread on X, Brown argued that Health NZ was becoming distracted by issues outside its core healthcare responsibilities.
“My expectation is that Health NZ should focus on its core job of providing timely, quality healthcare for all, not distracting itself by advocating against fast food outlets, or telling councils they should ban community groups from fundraising with raffle tickets,” Brown stated in his opening post.
Examples Of Health NZ’s Advocacy Work
Brown highlighted several instances where Health NZ had, in his view, overstepped its mandate.
In Wānaka, the agency submitted an eight-page document opposing a proposed fast food outlet, citing concerns about planetary health, landscape values, traffic, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Brown criticised the submission for failing to mention healthy eating, which he argued would have been a more relevant public health concern.
Brown also condemned Health NZ’s stance against community raffle ticket sales by groups such as local schools, Surf Life Saving, and Coastguard. The agency claimed such fundraising methods could encourage gambling habits. Brown rejected this view, arguing it disregarded the positive community contributions these groups provide.
My expectation is that Health NZ should focus on its core job of providing timely, quality healthcare for all, not distracting itself by advocating against fast food outlets, or telling councils they should ban community groups from fundraising with raffle tickets. 🧵
— Simeon Brown (@SimeonBrownMP) March 19, 2025
He also criticised Health NZ’s environmental advocacy efforts. Examples included suggestions that coffee carts should require reusable cups and compost bins to support climate action, as well as a proposal in Nelson calling for sandwich boards to be removed from public spaces due to pedestrian safety concerns. Brown described these moves as unrelated to healthcare delivery.
In Auckland, Health NZ made a submission on the Regional Land Transport Plan, urging greater focus on walking, cycling, and public transport over car use. Brown argued this was yet another example of the agency overreaching.
Focus On Healthcare Delivery
Brown stressed that the National-led coalition government expects Health NZ to focus on core healthcare services, including improving childhood immunisation rates and ensuring New Zealanders have access to timely medical care.
“Our Government has made it clear — Health NZ must focus on ensuring that all Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare and getting childhood immunisation rates back where they should be,” Brown said.
“Diverting their energy to local environmental and planning issues is a distraction to achieving this,” he added.
A Clear Message For Health NZ
In closing, Brown restated his position: “New Zealanders expect Health NZ to provide a health service, not act as the health police and sharing views on every local issue. My expectation is that Health NZ gets back to its core job: delivering timely, quality healthcare for all Kiwis.”
Ongoing Debate
Brown’s comments reflect his broader push to limit Health NZ’s involvement in social and environmental issues. While some argue these matters are linked to public health outcomes, Brown’s remarks reinforce the government’s focus on improving healthcare delivery.
As Health NZ faces mounting pressure to redefine its priorities, public discussion continues about the balance between health advocacy and ensuring medical services remain effective and accessible.