1 Introduction
In this paper, I argue that health economics has had a
significant impact on the New Zealand health system over
the past 30 years, but that there are still key areas where
further health economics analysis is needed to further
improve the performance of the New Zealand health system.
The paper is divided into five sections. First, in this
introduction, I set out a framework to guide the discussion.
Second, I provide some historical background about New
Zealand and the New Zealand health system. Third, I discuss
how health economics has influenced thinking about
the organisation of the health sector. Fourth, I examine the
role of health economics in priority setting in New Zealand.
In the fifth and final section, I conclude the paper with
overall observations about the role of health economics in
health policy in New Zealand, also identifying where
health economics has not made the contribution it could
and where further influence might be beneficial.