POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE
The PHANZ has a key role in influencing public health policy. Public health policies play a crucial role in shaping the well-being of individuals, communities, and entire societies. Effective, evidence-based policies are essential for creating healthier, more resilient societies.
The PHANZ Team will continue to monitor and evaluate our approach to policy development going forward. If you have any questions or feedback on any aspect of our policy mahi, please email Luke Garland, Senior Policy Advisor, luke.garland@pha.org.nz.
MEET THE PHANZ POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE
The PHANZ Policy Subcommittee has a critical role in supporting the PHANZ's policy mahi.
The subcommittee provides guidance on emerging and developing public health issues, trends and policies of importance for Aotearoa New Zealand and that align with the PHANZ’s vision and goals, and reviews, comments on, and contributes to, draft public health policy position statements and policy submissions.
The subcommittee will also work with the PHANZ team to identify opportunities for engagement, endorsement and collaboration with other key partners, including (but not limited to) government agencies, non-government organisations, community organisations, researchers and research groups, and tāngata whenua, to support and align policy and advocacy efforts to advance public health in Aotearoa New Zealand, and to increase the impact of the PHANZ’s policy mahi.
The subcommittee consists of a co-chair (Council) and a co-chair (Māori), plus six other members (at least two of whom are Māori) from the PHANZ membership.
In determining the membership of the subcommittee, the PHANZ gives specific consideration to ensuring diversity and a broad representation of the PHANZ membership.
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Nivedita Sharma Vij
Co-Chair, Council
Nivedita Sharma Vij is a respected public health professional with over 25 years of experience. She serves as a PHANZ Executive Council member, Chair of the PHANZ Asian & Ethnic Caucus, and Co-Chair of the PHANZ Policy Subcommittee. A dietitian and nutritionist, Nivedita advocates for equity-driven healthcare transformation and culturally responsive initiatives.
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Moana Tane
Co-Chair, Māori
Dr. Moana Tane is an experienced executive and postdoctoral researcher specialising in qualitative and decolonised health research. She has held leadership roles in Indigenous health services, public health, and research, focusing on evidence-based, community-driven initiatives. A visionary leader, she advocates for sustainable, culturally diverse health services and lifelong learning.
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Jude Ball
Dr. Jude Ball is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Otago, Wellington, and Co-Director of the ASPIRE Aotearoa Tobacco Control Research Centre. She has contributed significantly to public health research, particularly in tobacco control, youth health, and health equity. Jude is also the secretary of the Public Health Association’s Wellington branch, advocating for evidence-based policy to improve community health and well-being.
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Nadia Charania
Dr. Nadia Charania is an Associate Professor in Public Health at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. She specialises in infectious disease prevention, public health, and participatory research. Her work focuses on health inequities in marginalised populations, including migrants and Indigenous communities, with current studies on maternal health and pandemic preparedness.
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Sarah Colhoun
Sarah Colhoun has 15 years of experience in public health and social sciences research, focusing on evidence-based solutions for population needs. Her research aims to reduce inequities, particularly for Māori and Pacific peoples, and includes topics like older person’s health, child protection, the environment, and mental health. She is a Research Fellow at the University of Otago.
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Jason Haitana
Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maruwharanui, Te Ati Haunui a Paparangi
Jason is a Principal Advisor Lived Experience within the Oranga Hinengaro Team at Te Whatu Ora. He blends mātauranga Māori, lived experience, and strategic insight to tackle health sector challenges. With a focus on innovation, he explores creative, technological solutions using kaupapa Māori principles and contemporary methods.
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Osman Mansoor
Dr. Mansoor is a public health medicine specialist with expertise in immunisation, program design, and communicable disease control. He has clinical experience and managed a general practice in Wellington. He worked with the NZ Ministry of Health, WHO, and UNICEF before returning to Aotearoa in 2014. Currently, he serves as the Medical Officer of Health in Gisborne.
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Hannah Rapata
Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Rahiri Tumutmu
Hannah is a kaupapa Māori health researcher and dietitian specialising in Māori food sovereignties, data sovereignty, cultural safety, and infant nutrition. She focuses on health policy analysis and design, promoting equitable healthcare. Committed to Māori health, she integrates research and practice to drive policy change and improve community health outcomes.
Our approach to policy development
The PHANZ has developed a framework to support how we identify, prioritise, and develop policy position statements, to ensure all policies help achieve the goals and priorities of the PHANZ, are evidenced-based, align with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and reduce inequities and improve the hauora of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
PHANZ Policy Position Statements will be identified, developed, and updated via three main approaches:
Planned approach - to identify and develop a certain number of new policy position statements each Financial Year, with the aim of growing the PHANZ’s policy library.
Reactive approach - to respond to emerging and developing public health issues, trends and policies of importance for Aotearoa New Zealand (e.g., potential legislative or policy changes, emergence of significant new evidence etc.)
Periodic review - to review existing PHANZ policies (generally on a 3-yearly cycle) to ensure PHANZ policies remain relevant and fit for purpose.
All approaches can lead to policy that informs PHANZ submissions in response to specific consultations, bills and legislation, as well as broader PHANZ advocacy.
Other ways to contribute
The PHANZ is keen to ensure there are opportunities for engagement with, and input from, the PHANZ membership, branches and caucuses, to determine perspectives and evidence to inform policy development as required.
In addition to the PHANZ's annual call for policy suggestions, there are several other ways that members can contribute to PHANZ’s policy and advocacy work:
PHANZ Branches and Caucuses: Engaging with your local PHANZ branch or participating in one of our Caucuses is an excellent way to influence and support regional and community-specific public health priorities. If there isn’t currently an active branch in your area, we’d love to hear if you’re interested in helping to establish one.
Special Interest Groups: PHANZ also supports Special Interest Groups (SIGs) focused on specific public health topics. You’re welcome to contribute to existing groups or help form a new one if there is an area you’re particularly passionate about.
Think Pieces: We want to hear from members with a strong viewpoint on key public health issues to submit a Think Piece for potential publication on our website. If you’re interested in sharing your perspective on a key issue for public health in Aotearoa, please feel free to complete a PHANZ Think Piece Expressions of Interest Form.
PHANZ members will also have an opportunity to provide feedback on draft policy statements as these are developed, to ensure our policy statements reflect the broader views of the PHANZ membership. The PHANZ will also ensure we can respond to emerging and developing public health issues, trends and policies of importance for Aotearoa New Zealand (outside of any planned approach to policy development). Members can notify the PHANZ (individually, or through a branch, caucus or SIG) of critical public health issues or policies outside of the annual cycle by emailing luke.garland@pha.org.nz.