EDITORIAL

Since our last magazine, significant changes to the health system have been announced by the government in response to the Health and Disability System Review. A new national organisation, provisionally called Health New Zealand, will run all public hospitals. It will also be responsible for commissioning primary and community health services and will be spread across four regional bases. A Māori Health Authority to advise the government and Health NZ on giving effect to tino rangatiratanga in health is being established, as well as a new Public Health Agency that will lead public health strategy, policy, analysis, and monitoring.

These changes have influenced the direction of Diabetes NZ’s strategies developed for our recent 2021 Strategic Plan. They have been aligned with the Review's recommendations in recognition that population-health functions need to be strengthened, with a shift to a health and wellbeing focus. We will advocate for NGOs to become more involved and influence the new models of care. Our focus will be on making sure that diabetes is a government health priority and that a national diabetes action plan is developed.

Another piece of advocacy was the opportunity to finally – after a year’s delay because of Covid-19 – present the petition we took to Parliament in November 2019 to the Health Committee. The petition asked the House of Representatives to urge Pharmac to fund continuous glucose monitors. Medications were also part of the petition, but these have been recently funded. Our submission was well received, with an acknowledgement of the burden of this condition on individuals and their whānau. The additional cost to the Pharmac budget is incidental compared with how life changing this technology is. We will continue to push for this funding.

Unfortunately, this quarter was a particularly sad time for Diabetes NZ, with the death of our patron Sir Eion Edgar, who was an active and generous supporter of Diabetes NZ for 10 years. He leaves many legacies, but the most recent one is The Economic and Social Costs of Diabetes report. He instigated the four-way partnership that produced it, between Diabetes NZ, the Edgar National Centre for Diabetes and Obesity, He Oranga Hauora – Healthier Lives Challenge, and Tony and Heather Falkenstein. Along with our usual recipes, healthcare and lifestyle features, and inspirational profiles, in this issue of Diabetes Wellness, we reflect more on his achievements and his generosity.

Sir Eion was an unflagging advocate for better awareness and funding for diabetes care, particularly in those communities hardest hit by this very serious condition. Diabetes NZ is determined to continue this advocacy through our awareness campaigns and support services so his legacy will not be forgotten.

HEATHER VERRY Chief Executive, Diabetes NZ

Diabetes New Zealand is a national charity that provides trusted leadership, information, advocacy, and support to people with diabetes, their families, and those at risk. Our mission is to provide support for all New Zealanders with diabetes, or at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, to live full and active lives. We have a network of branches across the country that offer diabetes information and support in their local communities. Join today at www.diabetes.org.nz

Heather Verry, Diabetes NZ Chief Executive