Public Health Communication Centre strategic outline

Our purpose

To effectively communicate public health research evidence in order to protect and improve the health, well-being, and equity of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand and the health of the environment in which we live.

Primary Charter Objectives

The PHCC was formed on the basis of a Charter signed between the University of Otago and the philanthropic Gama Foundation. The Charter outlines the two core objectives of the Centre:

1. Communicate public health research findings and evidence to the public and decision makers.
2. Make submissions to Government Ministers, relevant Ministries and Departments, and during legislative process on how to protect and improve public health in New Zealand.

Strategic aims

1. Provide high-quality analysis and commentary from the public health community.

• Publish and promote accessible scholarly analysis of important and topical public health issues, notably in the Public Health Expert Briefing.

1. Engage with the media on public health issues and research.

• Provide comment and support to media on public health issues.
• Produce media releases, op-eds, and articles.

3. Engage with policymakers on public health issues and research.

• Produce policy submissions and briefs.
• Network with policy professionals.

4. Support researchers to effectively communicate their work to the public and policy makers.

• Provide a central hub for public health researchers who are willing to engage with the news media on public health issues.
• Offer communication training and resources for researchers.

5. Promote public discussion and debate on important public health issues.

• Use evidence to help inform priorities for public health action.
• Plan and execute strategic communication activities on important public health issues.
• Carry out communication-related research.

6. Demonstrate commitment to equity, Te Tiriti, and a healthy environment in Aotearoa.

• Develop, in consultation with Māori stakeholders, a Treaty responsiveness framework for the Centre. 
• Engage with and support Māori health experts and Māori media promoting health equity and Māori health perspectives.
• Evaluate our work according to high ethical and environmental standards.

Our Values

              Strategic; Evidence-Based; Fiercely Independent; Culturally Safe; Solution focussed

About the Centre

The Public Health Communication Centre is an organisation dedicated to communicating with the public and decision-makers on public health issues using New Zealand and international research evidence.  The Centre is funded by the philanthropic Gama foundation and based at the University of Otago, Wellington.