Introducing the Public Health Observatory of New Zealand

The purpose of the platform is to bring people together locally, nationally, and internationally to collaborate and exchange ideas. The network will also be a repository for news, data, analytical tools, information about public health intelligence, and workforce development opportunities.

Massey’s Professor Barry Borman, Director of Environmental Health Intelligence New Zealand has led the establishment of PHONZ, and is the chair of the Steering Group that will guide the initiative and its strategic direction.

Professor Borman says that the limited and fragmented workforce and new health reforms provide an ideal environment for the network to flourish.

“As with many health systems, Aotearoa New Zealand has a vast amount of data being collated into information which is often computer driven, resulting in limited interpretation, communication, and dissemination of information through human intelligence capacity and capability. PHONZ can step into this space to address the deficiencies by providing a forum for ‘intelligence-driven’ decision making. It can support the development of strategies around public health intelligence being used to plan and commission within the health system. By enhancing the understanding of our health system, PHONZ will provide intelligence that will improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders,” Professor Borman says.

As part of the network, virtual meetings and presentations will be hosted on various topics to support the sharing of information, breaking down silos, and connecting people. There is also the potential for developing workforce training courses and creating special interest groups within PHONZ, including geospatial, Māori, and Pacific.

PHONZ will be holding their first virtual meetings on 15, 22, and 29 July from 9-12pm and encourage all new members or those interested in joining to attend.

There is no cost to join PHONZ. Membership will result in communication via newsletter and invitations to join virtual presentations and contribute news, information, and research in the field of public health intelligence. You can become a member of PHONZ here and register for the conference here.

For more information and to keep up with PHONZ, visit their website or follow PHONZ on LinkedIn and Twitter.