The Ministry of Health has published the 2025 Health and Independence Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the health of New Zealanders and the performance of the health system.
The report brings together data from across the health system to provide a snapshot of New Zealand's population, health outcomes, factors that influence health and wellbeing, and the services that support people throughout their lives. The report provides insights into where efforts can be targeted in the future to improve the health of New Zealanders.
Director-General of Health, Audrey Sonerson says the report provides valuable insights into both the progress being made and the challenges facing the health system.
"It shows that our health system continues to serve many New Zealanders well while also experiencing increased demand for services, driven by changing population needs, health trends, and the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing".
"The findings will help inform decisions across the health sector and support ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes and ensure New Zealanders can access the care they need, both now and in the future".
The report is structured into three key sections:
- People of New Zealand - an overview of New Zealand's population and how it is changing, including population growth, ageing, diversity, disability, and rural and urban population patterns.
- Population health - key measures of population health, including health status, leading causes of health loss, non-communicable and communicable diseases, determinants of health and wellbeing, and risk and protective factors.
- Delivery of health services - information on the delivery of health services, including primary care, hospital and specialist services, emergency care, experience of care, and the health workforce.
The Health and Independence Report is published annually and its findings will help guide future planning and investment, and support the Government's focus on delivering timely, high-quality, patient-centered care.
Read the Health and Independence Report 2025
