133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
18 October 2023
Brendan Swan
By email: [FYI request #23771 email]
Ref: H2023030558
Tēnā koe Brendan
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to Manatū Hauora
(the Ministry of Health) on 10 August 2023 for information regarding the interim Government
Policy Statement 2022–2024 and the first Government Policy Statement 2024-2027. You
requested:
I am requesting information regarding the process used to create the Government Policy
Statement on Health. Specifically:
1. How are the topics decided upon?
2. What is the process for deciding what items are selected for inclusion?
3. Who is responsible for drafting the document?
4. Who is responsible for reviewing and editing the document?
5. Are there any protocols for submitting suggestions?
6. Can you please share documentation that was used to support and create the current
"Interim Government Policy Statement on Health 2022-2024”?
Manatū Hauora contacted you on 17 August 2023 in accordance with section 18B of the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act) as part six of your request, as it is currently wprded, is for a very
large volume of information. On 18 August 2023 you agreed to refine this part of your request to
the following:
“All briefings that were used to support and create the current “Interim Government
Policy Statement on Health 2022-2024”?.”
Each part of your request is responded to below.
1.
How are the topics decided upon?
The Minister of Health set their priorities for the health sector over a three year period via the
Government Policy Statement of Health (s36(1) of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 [Pae
Ora Act] refers). The topics within the GPS are decided by the Minister, in line with their
priorities.
Manatū Hauora has developed a suite of six Pae Ora strategies as required by the Pae Ora Act
to set the direction for the health system over the next 10 years. These include the New
Zealand Health Strategy, Pae Tū-Hauora Māori Strategy, Te Mana Ola-Pacific Health Strategy,
Health of Disabled People Strategy, Rural Health Strategy and Women’s Health Strategies.
This information is publicly available
: www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/pae-ora-
healthy-futures-all-new-zealanders/pae-ora-strategies. The priorities from the Pae Ora Strategies informs the GPS priorities. Section 35(b) of the Pae
Ora Act states that the Minister must have regard to but is not bound by any health strategy.
2. What is the process for deciding what items are selected for inclusion?
The Minister of Health decides on the priorities of the GPS. When preparing the GPS, the
Minister must consult with Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) and the Māori Health Authority
(Te Aka Whai Ora) and have regard for their views (s35(c) refers) and engage with
organisations and individuals that the Minister considers appropriate (s35(d) refers).
Manatū Hauora is engaging with Te Whatu Ora, Te Aka Whai Ora, The Treasury and specialist
crown entities such as Te Tāhū Hauora | Health Quality and Safety Commission, Pharmac, the
New Zealand Blood and Organ Service, Te Aho O Te Kahu| Cancer Control Agency, Mental
Health and Wellbeing Commission| Te Hiringa Mahara, Health Research Council, Accident
Compensation Commission [ACC] and Health and Disability Commissioner.
In addition, the development of the GPS priorities draws on what New Zealanders have said
during the consultation on the Pae Ora strategies across the motu which included face-to-face
engagements with Māori, multi-ethnic communities, rainbow communities, Pacific communities
and an online discussion platform (Tātou).
3. Who is responsible for drafting the document?
Manatū Hauora is responsible for leading the development of the GPS 2024-2027.
4.
Who is responsible for reviewing and editing the document?
Manatū Hauora wil be responsible for reviewing and editing of the GPS 2024-2027.
5.
Are there any protocols for submitting suggestions?
A substantive engagement process was recently undertaken on the development of the Pae
Ora Strategies. The insights gathered from engagement will inform the broad direction of the
GPS. The Pae Ora Strategies are available here
: www.health.govt.nz/news-media/news-
items/launch-pae-ora-healthy-futures-strategies. The process for consultation on the GPS 2024-2027 is currently under development. Therefore,
this part of your request is refused under section 18(e) of the OIA Act 1982, as the information
requested does not exist.
6. Can you please share all briefings that were used to support and create the current
“Interim Government Policy Statement on Health 2022-2024”?.
Manatū Hauora has identified eight documents in scope of this part of your request. All
documents are itemised in Appendix 1 and copies of the documents are enclosed. Where
information is withheld under section 9 of the Act, I have considered the countervailing public
interest in release and consider that it does not outweigh the need to withhold at this time.
Page 2 of 6
The relevant links are provided below for your reference:
•
8 October 2021 - Memorandum: Development of the interim Government Policy
Statement for the reformed health system. Please refer to page 3-11.
•
22 October 2021 - Memorandum: Further advice on the interim Government Policy
Statement – priorities for inclusion. Please refer to page 3-11.
•
26 November 2021 - Memorandum: Further advice on the interim Government Policy
Statement – high level approach to priorities. Please refer to page 3-11.
I trust this information fulfils your request. 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
Maree Roberts
Deputy Director-General
Strategy Policy and Legislation | Te Pou Rautaki
Page 3 of 6
Appendix 1: List of documents for release:
#
Date
Document details
Decision on release
1
28 January 2022
Briefing: Update on the iGPS –
Some information withheld under
iMHA board feedback and
section 9(2)(a) of the Act, to
headline measures to achieve
protect the privacy of natural
priorities
persons.
1A
Annex 1: Draft Interim
Refused in full under section 18(d)
Government Policy Statement on of the Act as the document is
Health 2022-24
publicly available:
www.health.govt.nz/system/files/do
cuments/publications/hp8132-igps-
v28.pdf.
2
16 March 2022
Briefing: Update on the iGPS –
Some information withheld under
feedback from interim entities
section 9(2)(a) of the Act, to
and approach to sector
protect the privacy of natural
engagement
persons.
2A
Annex 1: Emerging content for
Released in full.
the Interim Government Policy
Statement on Health 2022-24
3
7 April 2022
Briefing: Update on the iGPS –
Some information withheld under
draft narrative and detailed plan
the following sections of the Act:
for engagement in April – June
• section 9(2)(a) to protect
2022
the privacy of natural
persons.
• section 9(2)(g)(i) to protect
the effective conduct of
public affairs through the
free and frank expression
of opinions. The greater
public interest is in the
ability of individuals to
express opinions in the
course of their duty.
3A
Annex 1: Draft Interim
Refused in full under section 18(d)
Government Policy Statement on of the Act as the final version of
Health 2022-24
this document is publicly available:
www.health.govt.nz/system/files/do
cuments/publications/hp8132-igps-
v28.pdf.
3B
Annex 2: Integrated health reform Released in full.
engagement plan April – June
2022
4
13 May 2022
Briefing: Further update on the
Some information withheld under
interim Government Policy
the following sections of the Act:
Statement (iGPS) – refined
• section 9(2)(a) to protect
narrative and proposed iGPS
the privacy of natural
measures
persons.
• section 9(2)(h) of the Act as
it is legally privileged. The
greater public interest is in
ensuring that government
Page 4 of 6
#
Date
Document details
Decision on release
departments are able to
continue to access
confidential legal advice.
4A
Annex 1: Draft interim
Refused in full under section 18(d)
Government Policy Statement
of the Act as the final version of
(iGPS)
this document is publicly available:
www.health.govt.nz/system/files/do
cuments/publications/hp8132-igps-
v28.pdf.
4B
Annex 2: Proposed iGPS
Released in full.
meaures
5
27 May 2022
Briefing: Appendices to the
Some information withheld under
interim Government Policy
section 9(2)(a) of the Act, to
Statement
protect the privacy of natural
persons.
5A
Annex A: Assessment of
Released in full.
direction-setting documents
6
10 June 2022
Briefing: Update on the interim
Some information withheld under
Government Policy Statement
the following sections of the Act:
(iGPS) – final draft iGPS and
• section 9(2)(a) to protect
steps to completion
the privacy of natural
persons.
• section9(2)(f)(iv) as it is
under active consideration.
The release of this
information at this time
would be likely to prejudice
the ability of government to
consider advice and the
wider public interest in
effective government would
not be served.
• section 9(2)(h) of the Act as
it is legally privileged. The
greater public interest is in
ensuring that government
departments are able to
continue to access
confidential legal advice.
6A
Annex 1 – Draft interim
Refused in full under section 18(d)
Government Policy Statement on of the Act as the final version of
Health 2022-24
this document is publicly available:
www.health.govt.nz/system/files/do
cuments/publications/hp8132-igps-
v28.pdf.
6B
Annex 2 – Summary of updates
Released in full.
to iGPS measures
6C
Annex 3 – Health sector
accountability and monitoring
framework technical appendix
Page 5 of 6
#
Date
Document details
Decision on release
6D
Annex 4 – Accountability
Framework A3
7
16 June 2022
Briefing: Interim Government
Some information withheld under
Policy Statement for Ministerial
section 9(2)(a) of the Act, to
Oversight Group on Health and
protect the privacy of natural
Disability System Reform
persons.
8
17 June 2022
Briefing: Interim Government
Some information withheld under
Policy Health Statement on
section 9(2)(a) of the Act, to
Health
protect the privacy of natural
persons.
8A
Annex 1: Draft interim
Refused in full under section 18(d)
Government Policy Statement on of the Act as the final version of
Health
this document is publicly available:
www.health.govt.nz/system/files/do
cuments/publications/hp8132-igps-
v28.pdf.
9
28 June 2022
Briefing: Final Interim
Some information withheld under
Government Policy Statement
section 9(2)(a) of the Act, to
(iGPS) package for approval to
protect the privacy of natural
issue and publish
persons.
9A
Annex 1: Final draft iGPS
Refused in full under section 18(d)
of the Act as the final version of
this document is publicly available:
www.health.govt.nz/system/files/do
cuments/publications/hp8132-igps-
v28.pdf.
9B
Annex 2: iGPS draft with MOG
Refused in full under section 18(d)
feedback highlighted
of the Act as the final version of
this document is publicly available:
www.health.govt.nz/system/files/do
cuments/publications/hp8132-igps-
v28.pdf.
9C
Annex 3: Existing Health entities Released in full.
letters
9D
Annex 4: New Health entities
Released in full.
letters
9E
Annex 5: Letters to other entities Released in full.
9F
Annex 6: iGPS measure baseline Released in full.
and expectation for 2022 to 2024
Page 6 of 6