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NZ Fertility Rate and Health Consequences

H Carter made this Official Information request to Simeon Brown

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From: H Carter

Dear Simeon Brown,

I’m reaching out under the Official Information Act 1982 to get a clearer understanding of how the government is tackling New Zealand’s declining population. I’m particularly interested in how your role as Minister of Health ties into broader, cross-sector efforts to address this issue. Since this topic involves so many areas - Health, Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport, Housing, Immigration, Economic Development, Digital Infrastructure, and beyond - I’m hoping you can provide some insight or redirect me to those who can.

Specifically, I’m looking for information on:

1. The latest available fertility rate data, detailed by each Te Whatu Ora district, including any analysis or reports highlighting trends related to declining birth rates over the past five years. Please include sources, methodologies, and criteria used to collect and analyse this data. (Likely to be addressed by Health and Statistics New Zealand.)

2. Information on existing or proposed multi-agency policies, strategies, or initiatives aimed at addressing declining fertility rates, promoting sustainable population growth, and supporting young families holistically across sectors. Additionally, please include any policy evaluations, reports, or reviews conducted on their effectiveness. (Relevant agencies: Health, Social Development, Education, Immigration, Housing, Economic Development.)

3. Details on current inter-agency efforts and initiatives targeted at improving women’s health, reproductive education, maternity care, and family planning. Please include ongoing or planned initiatives, pilots, or proposals related to these areas. (Primarily addressed by Health, with contributions from Education and Social Development.)

4. Comprehensive details of programs and policies across Health, Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport, Housing, and Digital Infrastructure providing support to parents, including mental health services, parental leave policies, childcare, education resources, corrections rehabilitation programs, transport accessibility, social assistance, and the use of technology to improve service delivery. (Relevant agencies: Health, Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport, Housing, Economic Development.)

5. The most recent population pyramid data and demographic projections, with breakdowns by age, gender, and district. Please include any cross-agency studies, reports, or reviews examining demographic shifts, their implications, and proposed responses. (Primarily Statistics New Zealand, Health, and Immigration.)

6. Information on policies addressing the economic and workforce implications of declining population, including workforce shortages, immigration strategies, economic development plans, housing availability, and related digital infrastructure improvements. (Relevant agencies: Immigration, Social Development, Housing, Economic Development, Digital Infrastructure.)

7. A detailed summary of your responsibilities, priorities, and initiatives as Minister of Health in collaborating with other ministers and departments (Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport, Housing, Immigration, Economic Development, Digital Infrastructure, etc.) to respond effectively to population decline. Please include formal or informal coordination mechanisms between agencies such as working groups, interdepartmental meetings, or policy forums.

Please confirm if any part of this request is transferred to other agencies and provide details on the progress and estimated timelines for responses from those agencies.

I would really appreciate it if you could share any relevant information or let me know who I should be speaking to. Please feel free to pass this request along to the right agencies as needed. If it helps, I’d be happy to continue this conversation through this email chain or under the Official Information Act.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours faithfully,

H Carter

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From: Simeon Brown (MIN)
Simeon Brown

Thank you for contacting the Hon Simeon Brown, Minister of Health,
Minister for State Owned Enterprises, and Minister for Auckland.

If the topic of your correspondence falls outside of the Minister's
portfolio responsibilities, expresses a personal view, or is copied to
multiple Members of Parliament, then your email will be noted, and it may
be transferred to another Minister’s office, or there may be no further
response to you.

If your correspondence is related to a constituent matter, please get in
touch with the Minister’s electorate team by email
at [1][email address]

 

If it’s a medical emergency – call 111

This can include chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, choking,
severe bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop, sudden weakness or difficulty
talking, fainting or unconsciousness.

 

Associate Health Ministers

Please note that all emails are read, however please do not expect a
response from this office if your email relates to the below matters as
these responsibilities are delegated to Associate Ministers of Health.

·       Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister
of Health. If your matter relates to mental health, neurodiversity,
nutrition, or rural health, you can contact Hon Doocey by
emailing [2][email address].

·       Hon Casey Costello, Associate Minister of Health. If your matter
relates to emergency services, women’s health, aged care, or smoking and
vaping, you can contact Hon Costello by
emailing [3][email address].

·       Hon David Seymour, Associate Minister of Health. If your matter
relates to Pharmac, Medsafe, or medicines funding and supply, you can
contact Hon Seymour by emailing [4][email address].

Further delegations details of Associate Ministers of Health can be
found [5]here.

Other health support and services

·       Healthline – call free on 0800 611 116

·       If you’re concerned or not sure about something

·       If you can’t access a GP or you don’t have one

·       For advice about what’s happening for you and next steps

·       If you want advice on finding services near you
visit [6]Healthpoint.

·       If you want information on COVID-19, call the COVID-19 Healthline
on 0800 358 5453.

·       If you are feeling stressed, a bit overwhelmed or just need
someone to talk to Freecall or text 1737 any time for support from a
trained counsellor.

·       Call the Vaccination Healthline for information about COVID-19,
flu, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), Boostrix (whooping cough) on 0800
28 29 26 8AM – 5:30PM Monday to Friday.

·       You can also visit: [7]bookmyvaccine.health.nz.

·       If you or your family are not happy with public health services
received, you can [8]contact Health New Zealand.

·       If you would like to raise a complaint about a health and
disability service,  you can also [9]contact the Health and Disability
Commissioner.

 

References

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1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[email address]
5. http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-uni...
6. https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/
7. https://bookmyvaccine.health.nz/
8. https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/corporate...
9. https://www.hdc.org.nz/making-a-complain...

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From: Simeon Brown (MIN)
Simeon Brown

Dear Mr Carter,

Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request, received on 4th April, in which you requested the following information:

"I’m reaching out under the Official Information Act 1982 to get a clearer understanding of how the government is tackling New Zealand’s declining population. I’m particularly interested in how your role as Minister of Health ties into broader, cross-sector efforts to address this issue. Since this topic involves so many areas - Health, Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport, Housing, Immigration, Economic Development, Digital Infrastructure, and beyond - I’m hoping you can provide some insight or redirect me to those who can.

Specifically, I’m looking for information on:

1. The latest available fertility rate data, detailed by each Te Whatu Ora district, including any analysis or reports highlighting trends related to declining birth rates over the past five years. Please include sources, methodologies, and criteria used to collect and analyse this data. (Likely to be addressed by Health and Statistics New Zealand.)

2. Information on existing or proposed multi-agency policies, strategies, or initiatives aimed at addressing declining fertility rates, promoting sustainable population growth, and supporting young families holistically across sectors. Additionally, please include any policy evaluations, reports, or reviews conducted on their effectiveness. (Relevant agencies: Health, Social Development, Education, Immigration, Housing, Economic Development.)

3. Details on current inter-agency efforts and initiatives targeted at improving women’s health, reproductive education, maternity care, and family planning. Please include ongoing or planned initiatives, pilots, or proposals related to these areas. (Primarily addressed by Health, with contributions from Education and Social Development.)

4. Comprehensive details of programs and policies across Health, Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport, Housing, and Digital Infrastructure providing support to parents, including mental health services, parental leave policies, childcare, education resources, corrections rehabilitation programs, transport accessibility, social assistance, and the use of technology to improve service delivery. (Relevant agencies: Health, Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport, Housing, Economic Development.)

5. The most recent population pyramid data and demographic projections, with breakdowns by age, gender, and district. Please include any cross-agency studies, reports, or reviews examining demographic shifts, their implications, and proposed responses. (Primarily Statistics New Zealand, Health, and Immigration.)

6. Information on policies addressing the economic and workforce implications of declining population, including workforce shortages, immigration strategies, economic development plans, housing availability, and related digital infrastructure improvements. (Relevant agencies: Immigration, Social Development, Housing, Economic Development, Digital Infrastructure.)

7. A detailed summary of your responsibilities, priorities, and initiatives as Minister of Health in collaborating with other ministers and departments (Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport, Housing, Immigration, Economic Development, Digital Infrastructure, etc.) to respond effectively to population decline. Please include formal or informal coordination mechanisms between agencies such as working groups, interdepartmental meetings, or policy forums."

Your request will be answered within the provisions of the Official Information Act.

Kind regards,

Georgia Carr
Private Secretary Administration | Office of Hon Simeon Brown MP
Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
Minister of Health | Minister for Auckland | Minister for State Owned Enterprises
Email: [email address] Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

show quoted sections

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From: Simeon Brown (MIN)
Simeon Brown


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Attachment SBOIA25 655 transfer.pdf
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Good afternoon,

 

Please find a letter regarding your request for information attached.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Office of Hon Simeon Brown

Minister of Health, Minister for State Owned Enterprises, Minister for
Auckland
Email: [1][email address]

Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

 

 

 

 

References

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1. mailto:[email address]

Link to this

From: Shane Reti (MIN)
Simeon Brown


Attachment image001.jpg
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Attachment SBOIA25 655 transfer.pdf
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Kia ora

 

Thank you for your request for official information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act) that has been transferred in parts to the
Office of Hon Dr Shane Reti. As per the transfer, you requested:

 

“1. The latest available fertility rate data, detailed by each Te Whatu
Ora district, including any analysis or reports highlighting trends
related to declining birth rates over the past five years. Please include
sources, methodologies, and criteria used to collect and analyse this
data. (Likely to be addressed by Health and Statistics New Zealand.)

 

5. The most recent population pyramid data and demographic projections,
with breakdowns by age, gender, and district. Please include any
cross-agency studies, reports, or reviews examining demographic shifts,
their implications, and proposed responses. (Primarily Statistics New
Zealand, Health, and Immigration.)”

 

The reference number for your request is: SROIA-050

As required under the Official Information Act 1982, the Office will
endeavour to respond to your request no later than 20 working days after
the day your request was received. You can expect a response by 30 May
2025.

 

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: [1][email address] or by calling 0800
802 602. 

 

Ngâ mihi

 

Office of Hon Dr Shane Reti

Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology

Minister for Universities

Minister of Statistics

Minister for Pacific Peoples
Email: [2][email address]

Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

From: Simeon Brown (MIN) <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 2 May 2025 12:15 PM
To: [FOI #30615 email]
Subject: SROIA-050: Transfers of your request for information: SBOIA25-655

 

Good afternoon,

 

Please find a letter regarding your request for information attached.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Office of Hon Simeon Brown

Minister of Health, Minister for State Owned Enterprises, Minister for
Auckland
Email: [3][email address]

Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

 

 

 

 

References

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1. mailto:[email address]
2. file:///tmp/[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]

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From: OIA Requests


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Kia ora H Carter, 

 

Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the
Act), received by the Ministry of Health on 2 May 2025. You requested:

 

2. Information on existing or proposed multi-agency policies, strategies,
or initiatives aimed at addressing declining fertility rates, promoting
sustainable population growth, and supporting young families holistically
across sectors. Additionally, please include any policy evaluations,
reports, or reviews conducted on their effectiveness. (Relevant agencies:
Health, Social Development, Education, Immigration, Housing, Economic
Development.)

 

3. Details on current inter-agency efforts and initiatives targeted at
improving women’s health, reproductive education, maternity care, and
family planning. Please include ongoing or planned initiatives, pilots, or
proposals related to these areas. (Primarily addressed by Health, with
contributions from Education and Social Development.)

 

4. Comprehensive details of programs and policies across Health,
Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport, Housing, and
Digital Infrastructure providing support to parents, including mental
health services, parental leave policies, childcare, education resources,
corrections rehabilitation programs, transport accessibility, social
assistance, and the use of technology to improve service delivery.
(Relevant agencies: Health, Education, Corrections, Social Development,
Transport, Housing, Economic Development.)

 

6. Information on policies addressing the economic and workforce
implications of declining population, including workforce shortages,
immigration strategies, economic development plans, housing availability,
and related digital infrastructure improvements. (Relevant agencies:
Immigration, Social Development, Housing, Economic Development, Digital
Infrastructure.)

 

7. A detailed summary of your responsibilities, priorities, and
initiatives as Minister of Health in collaborating with other ministers
and departments (Education, Corrections, Social Development, Transport,
Housing, Immigration, Economic Development, Digital Infrastructure, etc.)
to respond effectively to population decline. Please include formal or
informal coordination mechanisms between agencies such as working groups,
interdepartmental meetings, or policy forums."

 

The reference number for your request is H2025066270. As required under
the Act, the Ministry will endeavour to respond to your request no later
than 20 working days after the day your request was received:
http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/.   

 

If you have any queries related to this request, please do not hesitate to
get in touch ([1][email address]).

 

 

Ngā mihi 
 
OIA Services Team 

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From: Sasha Karosas


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Dear H Carter,

 

Partial transfer of your request for information

Thank you for your request for official information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act) that has been transferred in parts to the
Office of Hon Dr Shane Reti. As per the transfer, you requested:

 

“1. The latest available fertility rate data, detailed by each Te Whatu
Ora district, including any analysis or reports highlighting trends
related to declining birth rates over the past five years. Please include
sources, methodologies, and criteria used to collect and analyse this
data. (Likely to be addressed by Health and Statistics New Zealand.)

 

5. The most recent population pyramid data and demographic projections,
with breakdowns by age, gender, and district. Please include any
cross-agency studies, reports, or reviews examining demographic shifts,
their implications, and proposed responses. (Primarily Statistics New
Zealand, Health, and Immigration.)”

 

I am now transferring this part of your request to Stats NZ for response.
The information to which your request relates is operational in nature,
and therefore more closely connected to the function of the agency.
Ministers decide both the direction of, and the priorities for, the
agencies for which they hold portfolio responsibilities. They are
generally not involved in their agencies’ day-to-day operations.

In these circumstances, I am required by section 14 of the OIA to transfer
your request.

You will hear further from Stats NZ concerning your request. As required
under the Official Information Act 1982, the agency will endeavour to
respond to your request no later than 20 working days after the day your
request was received. You can expect a response by 3 June 2025.

 

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: [1][email address] or by calling 0800
802 602. 

 

Ngâ mihi

Sasha Karosas

 

Sasha Karosas

Private Secretary (Statistics) | Office of Hon Dr Shane Reti

Minister for Pacific Peoples

Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology

Minister of Statistics

Minister for Universities
 

Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

From: Shane Reti (MIN) <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 2 May 2025 3:19 PM
To: [FOI #30615 email]
Subject: RE: SROIA-050: Transfers of your request for information:
SBOIA25-655

 

Kia ora

 

Thank you for your request for official information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act) that has been transferred in parts to the
Office of Hon Dr Shane Reti. As per the transfer, you requested:

 

“1. The latest available fertility rate data, detailed by each Te Whatu
Ora district, including any analysis or reports highlighting trends
related to declining birth rates over the past five years. Please include
sources, methodologies, and criteria used to collect and analyse this
data. (Likely to be addressed by Health and Statistics New Zealand.)

 

5. The most recent population pyramid data and demographic projections,
with breakdowns by age, gender, and district. Please include any
cross-agency studies, reports, or reviews examining demographic shifts,
their implications, and proposed responses. (Primarily Statistics New
Zealand, Health, and Immigration.)”

 

The reference number for your request is: SROIA-050

As required under the Official Information Act 1982, the Office will
endeavour to respond to your request no later than 20 working days after
the day your request was received. You can expect a response by 30 May
2025.

 

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: [2][email address] or by calling 0800
802 602. 

 

Ngâ mihi

 

Office of Hon Dr Shane Reti

Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology

Minister for Universities

Minister of Statistics

Minister for Pacific Peoples
Email: [3][email address]

Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

From: Simeon Brown (MIN) <[4][email address]>
Sent: Friday, 2 May 2025 12:15 PM
To: [5][FOI #30615 email]
Subject: SROIA-050: Transfers of your request for information: SBOIA25-655

 

Good afternoon,

 

Please find a letter regarding your request for information attached.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Office of Hon Simeon Brown

Minister of Health, Minister for State Owned Enterprises, Minister for
Auckland
Email: [6][email address]

Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

 

 

 

 

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. file:///tmp/[email address]
4. mailto:[email address]
5. mailto:[FOI #30615 email]
6. mailto:[email address]

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