OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council comprises health professionals in Aotearoa/New Zealand concerned with:

• The negative impacts of climate change on health.
• The health gains that are possible through strong, health-centred climate action.
• Highlighting the impacts of climate change on those who already experience disadvantage or ill-health (equity impacts).
• Reducing the health sector's contribution to climate change.

We are part of a worldwide movement of health professionals and health organisations urgently focusing on the health challenges of climate change and the health opportunities of climate action. The Council is a not-for-profit, politically non-partisan incorporated society.

Organisational Vision

‘Healthy Climate, Healthy People’

Mission Statement/Purposes

• To educate all New Zealanders on the threat of climate change and its effects on human health and survival.
• To promote interventions that combine health and environmental benefits.
• To encourage, particularly in the health sector, personal and organisational action on climate change.
• To promote a rapid reduction in New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions.
• To encourage societal responses to climate change that promote equitable health and social outcomes and are consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

For an account of the history of the organisation, and the meaning of the name ‘OraTaiao’ see here.  Constitution here.

OraTaiao signed the Doha Declaration on Climate, Health and Wellbeing of December 2012, which reflects an international perspective.  OraTaiao is also a member of the Climate and Health Alliance CAHA.

We invite health professionals, health students and others to join us.