NZCPHM Statement on ethnicity as a marker of need

The NZCPHM has serious concerns at suggestions that ethnicity should not be used as a proxy for need, and therefore not be used as a justification for targeted public services.

Ethnicity is a key evidence-based marker of population health risk and need. Comprehensive evidence demonstrates that in Aotearoa New Zealand, ethnicity is a stronger marker of need than other commonly utilised variables such as socio-economic deprivation and rurality. For example, inequities in health need, access and outcomes for Māori persist at all levels of socio-economic deprivation and rurality.

Targeting of health services for specific population groups, including by ethnicity, is scientifically sound and leads to better resource allocation. Ignoring ethnicity risks perpetuating inequities and wasting public resources due to less effective targeting of groups most in need.  

The NZCPHM asserts that ethnic health inequities in New Zealand are unjust and avoidable. We call for ethnicity data quality, collection, analyses and reporting to be further strengthened to enable better identification and monitoring of health need. We strongly support the use of ethnicity as a key parameter to inform population health needs, design health interventions and monitor health system effectiveness.