Asian health in New Zealand--progress and challenges

The recent increase in the population classed as 'Asian' in New Zealand (now 9.5%) has seen the establishment of an 'Asian health' platform with activities by academic institutions, service providers, and community organisations. However, Asian health remains outside the frames of reference for most health professionals. Three recent reports provide the first large-scale systematic data about the health of Asian peoples in New Zealand. These reports identify the problem of 'averaging' if the whole Asian category is used. Key health concerns include access to health services; cardiovascular disease, and diabetes for Indian peoples; levels of physical activity; and mental health, particularly in young people. Asian peoples born in New Zealand are less healthy than recent migrants classified as Asian. This 'healthy immigrant effect' abates with length of settlement in New Zealand. Despite these identified issues, there is a policy void for the health of Asian peoples in New Zealand, with no clear mandate to consider or monitor Asian peoples when undertaking research or formulating policy. Explicit engagement, policy, and service development for this significant and diverse part of the population should build on the agenda laid out by the recent advances in knowledge about Asian health in New Zealand.