About us

The story behind the name

Since 1984 Women's Health Action has been at the forefront of women's health in New Zealand. Founded by health activists Phillida Bunkle and Sandra Coney, the group came to national prominence when it broke the story of 'the unfortunate experiment' at National Women's Hospital in Auckland.

Women's Health Action represented consumers at the inquiry and has stayed on the case by monitoring the implementation of the Cervical Inquiry Report, prodding sometimes reluctant health care officials. It played a leading role in helping to get cervical screening off the ground and lobbied to see the appointment of a Health Commissioner. Well-informed, outspoken and sometimes controversial, Women's Health Action has a proven track record as advocates for women and health care consumers.

Back in 1993 we planted this pohutakawa at National Women's Hospital, to honour the hospital doctors who tried to stop 'the unfortunate experiment'.
Every year we check its progress on the anniversary of the release of the Cartwright Report

Who we are

Women's Health Actionis a registered charitable trust governed by board of trustees. We have an office in Auckland .We rely on grants, private donations, fees, and contracts for services, to finance our activities.

As advocates we:

• Engage with health officials and politicians
• Make submissions and contribute to policy development processes
• Make media statements
• Act as consumer reps on government and other health sector committees
• Publish reports, books and discussion papers

Network with other community groups and health professionals.

We support Health consumers' rights

• Reproductive rights
• Health services that meet women's needs
• Health professional accountability
• Health promotion
• Ethical health research
• Women's Health Action focuses primarily on the health of well women,
  providing the support and information that enables them to make decisions about their health that are right for them.
• We develop and distribute high quality information so that women and providers are up-to-date and knowledgeable.
• Resources are evidence-based.
• We are wary of medicalisation and, where appropriate, emphasise what women can do for themselves
  (for example, by way of diet and exercise) to maintain good health.
• Women's Health Action adopts a health promotion approach, recognising the economic, social and
  political factors that impact on the health of women.

Info-line

Need to know about particular health issues, treatments or services?
Ring us and we can give information or refer you to someone who can help. Ph: 09 520 5295 (New Zealand people only)

Health information

Our large range of pamphlets, fact sheets and health packs covers a wide variety of topics. We can also search out information just for you, or send you our catalogue of resources.

Women's Health Update

This succinct and easy-to-read bulletin has up-to-the-minute news about policies, research and women's health services, written especially for health professionals, health agencies, women's groups and others interested in women's health. Published quarterly.