Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Under National the access and affordability of quality healthcare for Pacific people has gone
backwards.
The unemployment rate at nearly double the national average means it is financial challenge
for Pacific people to get the healthcare they require. It is difficult for many Pacific families to
meet the day to day cost of living. As a result their day to day health is suffering.
National is not working in the interests of the day to day and long term health care of Pacific
families.
Labour will ensure all Pacific people have fair access to quality, affordable health
care.
Labour will develop and support, in consultation with Pacific health and community
leaders, Pacific models for delivery of services that have an integrated approach to
working with Pacific families.
Labour will as part of the wider Pacific policy focus on developing a healthy, strong
and vibrant community now and into the future by:
Reducing inequalities
Target the reduction obesity, diabetes, heart diseases
Smoking cessation amongst Pacific Youth
Mental Health
Halt alcohol abuse
Growing the Pacific health workforce
Ensuring safe and healthy homes
Target the reduction in obesity, diabetes and heart disease
Pacific peoples have by far the largest prevalence of obesity by ethnic group and the pattern
over the last decade or so has shown it is a growing problem 38 .
A real focus on changing the mind-set of eating and lifestyle choices must be made to
address this major and developing issue for Pacific people. Initiatives must be prepared to
challenge norms or sensitivities. The primary focus must be on improving the health of the
community.
38 http://www.socialreport.msd.govt.nz/health/obesity.html
282