Abstract
Since 2016, public hospitals and healthcare organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand have been encouraged to follow the voluntary National Healthy Food and Drink Policy, which aims to promote healthier food environments for staff and visitors (not in-patients). A 2021/22 co-designed evaluation found that fewer than half the District Health Boards (now Health Districts) had formally adopted the Policy and none fully met its nutrition standards. While some positive changes were observed over time, implementation across regions was inconsistent, under-resourced, and largely ineffective. However, broad support for the Policy exists among healthcare staff, visitors, and food providers.
Following the evaluation, an updated third edition of the National Food and Drink Policy has been published in June 2025 as a mandatory, nationwide standard for the public health sector. It is in the early stages of implementation. Successful adoption will require adequate resourcing, regular monitoring, and approaches that make use of new and cost-effective technologies.