This report analyses the level of health consciousness in New Zealand’s population aged 15 and older. Health consciousness is quantified by averaging five sub-indexes that are indicators of health. These five indicators are: the per capita consumption of alcohol, the smoking rate, the per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables, the level of obesity and the level of sport and active recreation participation. The index has a base of 100.0, with 2017-18 designated as the base year. The data for this report is sourced from Statistics New Zealand (Tatauranga Aotearoa), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the Ministry of Health (Manatu Hauora) and Sport New Zealand.
IBISWorld forecasts that the level of health consciousness will increase by 2.0% in 2023-24, to 140.0 index points. A large anticipated decline in the smoking rate and per capita alcohol consumption will drive the increase in health consciousness during the year. Sports and active recreation participation is projected to rise and the obesity levels are expected to decline slightly. However, apparent fruit and vegetable consumption is forecast to decline, placing pressure on the rise in health consciousness. These factors are projected to contribute to the overall rise in health consciousness in the current year.
New Zealand’s adult population has become increasingly health conscious over the past few years. A declining smoking rate and per capital alcohol consumption has supported rising health consciousness over the period. Ongoing tobacco tax increases have largely driven falling smoking rates. As a result of these tax increases, there has been a larger decline in smoking among younger age groups than in older age groups, as younger consumers are typically more price-sensitive.
IBISWorld forecasts that the level of health consciousness will rea...