Who We Are

Northland DHB is the funder, planner and a key provider of health and disability services for the population of Te Tai Tokerau (Northland). Employing over 2200 staff and covering the area from Topuni in the south to North Cape, it serves a population of about 148,500.

Northland DHB operates under the Public Health and Disability Act 2000. Guidance is given by means of the Government’s overall vision for the health sector as contained in the NZ Health Strategy, the NZ Disability Strategy, the Primary Health Care Strategy and He Korowai Oranga (the Maori Health Strategy).

Northland is characterised by a large Maori population, widely dispersed rural communities and a disproportionately high level of socio-economic deprivation. This poses particular challenges for Northland DHB, which has taken an innovative approach to the way it funds and delivers health care in line with the Government’s over-arching strategies.

Key strategies include:

• Emphasising health lifestyles to maintain wellbeing and prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases.
• Managing the impact of chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer
  Supporting the work of the region’s six Primary Health Organisations (PHOs).
• Working in collaboration with health organisations and other agencies.
• Reducing inequalities in the health status of the people of Te Tai Tokerau.
• Promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
• Achieving regional consistency for mental health services.
• Developing and implementing a strategy for the health of older people.
• Investing in the youth of Northland through child and youth health initiatives.
• Improving oral health.
• Managing the impact of the ageing population and increasing healthy lifestyle choices for older people