16100 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

16100 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: Does the Minister believe social, economic, and physical environments influence our physical and mental health and wellbeing, if yes, what actions or measures is the Minister taking to tackle these factors to improve health needs in New Zealand?

Hon Simeon Brown: A number of factors play a role in the health of New Zealanders. For example, housing conditions are linked to conditions like rheumatic fever, and poor air quality can contribute to respiratory diseases. To address these factors, Health New Zealand is implementing initiatives such as the Healthy Homes Initiative. These efforts aim to achieve better health outcomes as part of our Government's focus on delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.