SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

At the Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ), Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are spaces where members connect around a shared passion or focus area within public health. Whether it’s climate change, mental health, Indigenous health, or food systems (to name just a few), SIGs offer opportunities to connect, kōrero, exchange ideas, and work together to create impact.

SIGs are led by members, for members. They help shape PHANZ’s mahi by informing policy, sparking conversations, organising events, and advocating for the issues that matter most to them. Joining a SIG is a great way to meet like-minded people, stay informed on emerging thinking, and contribute to meaningful change in Aotearoa.

If you’re a PHANZ member and passionate about a particular kaupapa, there’s probably a SIG for it—and if there isn’t, you can help start one.

You’ll find the process for forming a PHANZ SIG outlined here.

To get started, send your initial request (Step 1 in the process) to policy@pha.org.nz. We’ll connect you with others who share your interests and support you in bringing your ideas to life.

Active & PENDING Sigs

  • THE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP ON INSTITUTIONAL RACISM (STIR)

    STIR, the PHANZ Special Interest Group on Institutional Racism exists to confront and eliminate institutional racism within the public health sector in Aotearoa. Formed in 2013, it has grown into a nationwide network of public health practitioners and activist scholars committed to Tiriti justice and equity.

    VISIT SIG PAGE

  • YOUTH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

    The PHANZ Youth Special Interest Group is a space created by and for young people who are passionate about public health and the future of Aotearoa.

    Guided by kaupapa Māori values like kotahitanga (unity), manaakitanga (care), and rangatiratanga (self-determination), this SIG exists to create space for rangatahi to influence policy, lead conversations, challenge the status quo, and build strong networks across the motu.

    VISIT SIG PAGE

  • RURAL HEALTH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

    The PHANZ Rural Health Special Interest Group exists to influence public health policy and practice so that it reflects the realities and challenges of rural and remote communities across Aotearoa.

    This group aims to build connection and community. It creates space for collaboration, learning, and support, amplifying the voices of underrepresented and isolated regions, and working together toward more equitable health outcomes for all.

    Visit SIG Page

  • WHAIKAHA DISABILITY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

    The PHANZ Whaikaha Disability Special Interest Group exists to elevate lived-experience leadership, advance disability equity, and champion access across the public health landscape in Aotearoa.

    This group is a space to connect, share knowledge, and advocate for meaningful change. Together, we aim to build a public health system that reflects the rights, needs, and aspirations of disabled people; where equity is not an afterthought, but a starting point.

    VISIT SIG PAGE