New Zealand Reviews Health Consumer and Whānau Engagement Code

Aotearoa New Zealand is reviewing its national expectations for how health organisations engage with consumers, whānau and communities, with a new Code of Expectations expected in April 2027.

The Health Quality & Safety Commission Te Tāhū Hauora is leading the work following changes to the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Act 2022.

The review provides an important opportunity to consider how meaningful engagement is embedded in health service planning, delivery and evaluation, and how consumer and whānau voices influence decisions.

What is changing?

The existing Code of Expectations for Health Entities’ Engagement With Consumers and Whānau, introduced in 2022, sets out how health entities must involve people in decisions about health services.

It emphasises the importance of partnership, accessibility, lived experience and shared leadership.

Under the existing Code, health organisations are expected to work with consumers, whānau and communities throughout the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of services, rather than seeking feedback only after key decisions have been made.

Changes to health legislation now require the Commission to develop a new Code that reflects the updated legislative framework.

From September to November 2026, the Commission is engaging with health entities and consumer networks across Aotearoa New Zealand to inform its development.

Why does this matter for engagement professionals?

For practitioners working in health, the review highlights the importance of moving beyond consultation activities to demonstrate how engagement informs decisions and improves services.

The existing Code provides a useful foundation for considering several questions:

• Are consumers and whānau involved early enough to influence decisions?
• Are engagement opportunities accessible to people with different needs and circumstances?
• Is lived experience valued alongside clinical and organisational expertise?
• Are people supported and resourced to participate meaningfully?
• Can organisations demonstrate how feedback has contributed to service improvements?

These questions are relevant to engagement teams across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly those working to strengthen consumer partnerships and embed engagement into everyday health service delivery.

The review also provides an opportunity for health organisations to reflect on how they assess the quality and outcomes of their engagement, rather than focusing solely on participation numbers.

What happens next?

The Commission expects to release the new Code in April 2027.

It is also reviewing how consumer engagement reporting will work under the updated arrangements. Health entities and providers are not required to submit the September 2026 reports, although annual reporting for 2026/27 remains required in March 2027.

The precise expectations in the new Code have not yet been finalised.

For engagement professionals, this is an opportunity to follow the review, reflect on current practice and consider how consumer and whānau involvement can be strengthened across the health system.

Meaningful engagement requires more than a commitment to listen. It also requires clear processes, appropriate resources and accountability for how community perspectives are considered in decisions.

Follow the development of the new Code of Expectations