133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
20 September 2023
Ron Yu
By email: [FYI request #23476 email]
Ref:
H2023031564
Tēnā koe Ron
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) which was
transferred to Manatū Hauora (the Ministry of Health) from Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand
on 13 September 2023 for information regarding male life expectancy. You requested:
“Males have a lower life expectancy than females, and the health minister has promised
equitable health outcomes. Please provide any advice to the Minister, Ministry of Health or
internally that discuss options for improving Male life expectancy through equity
adjustment”
No specific documents on options for improving male life expectancy through equity adjustment
were identified. However, to assist your query I have provided information below about work that
is underway across the health system that seeks to improve health outcomes for all New
Zealanders including males.
Manatū Hauora recently developed a suite of six strategies required by the Pae Ora (Healthy
Futures) Act 2022. These strategies are for all New Zealanders, with the New Zealand Health
Strategy setting a whole of population direction alongside the Hauora Māori Strategy and
targeted strategies for Pacific health, health of disabled people, women’s health, and rural
health. This will inform the next Government Policy Statement on Health and New Zealand
Health Plan (Te Pae Tata).
Further information on the Pae Ora Strategies and the interim Government Policy Statement on
Health and the interim Te Pae Tata can be found below:
•
www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/pae-ora-healthy-futures-all-new-
zealanders/pae-ora-strategies
•
www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/whats-happening/what-to-expect/nz-health-plan/.
•
www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/new-health-and-disability-
system/interim-government-policy-statement.
We note your point around health differences between men and women. While women have a
longer life expectancy than men, women are more likely to spend these years in poorer health
and disability. You can view data on health expectancy and time spent in poor health in the
Health and Independence Report 2022, which is publicly available here:
https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/health-and-independence-report-2022
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this decision, please feel
free to contact the OIA Services Team on: [email address].
Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any
decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Manatū Hauora website at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-
official-information-act-requests. Nāku noa, nā
Steve Barnes
Group Manager Family and Community Health Policy
Strategy Policy and Legislation | Te Pou Rautaki
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