HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION | A FAIR GO FOR A L L ? In addition to pay, NZNO also identify other inequities in working conditions, including terms for annual leave, sick and domestic leave and merit payments. Health equity position statement The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) is the largest medical organisation in New Zealand, representing all disciplines within the medical profession. In conjunction with a symposium, Health equity and the social determinants of health, held in July 2011, NZMA published a Health Equity Position Statement. The position statement explores factors that contribute to inequity and recommends action to reduce health inequities. In addition to the obvious benefits to society through better health, the position statement notes the economic need to reduce productivity costs associated with illness and the high cost of healthcare. It calls for a whole-of-government approach: Most of the social determinants of health lie beyond the mandate of the health sector. Actions are required in many non-health sectors, including local government, social development, transport, finance, education and justice. The health sector has a role in advocating for and actively encouraging inter-sectoral approaches to addressing the social determinants of health and the whole of society needs to be involved along with the whole of government.110 NZMA’s position statement emphasises the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing not only health disparities, but also the value of working across sectors to address the socio-economic factors that contribute to structural discrimination. 23