Waitemata DHB has looked at the health needs of local people to help us draw up our plans for healthcare for the next ten years. For the first time we have focussed on the needs of Maori and Pacific people, who we know suffer disproportionately poorer health than other New Zealanders. Reducing these inequalities is one of our key goals. We have also looked at the specific needs of the large Asian population.

Alongside advice from our own public health doctors, epidemiologists and other health providers, these Health Needs Assessments were compiled by going out into the community and talking to people about their priorities and where there may be gaps in our services. They give us a snapshot of the health of our population and help us plan for the future.