13/07/ 2026
On 9 April 2026, Cabinet approved the Government Healthy Workforce Policy 2026 (Policy), jointly developed by Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health (TMO), the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) and the National Policy Group. This collaborative approach ensures the Policy aligns with whole‑of‑government priorities, and establishes a principle‑based national framework to improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of the Cook Islands Public Service workforce. It gives effect to both the National Health Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 and the Cook Islands Government Public Sector Strategy 2026-2031, recognizing that a healthy workforce is essential to achieving better health outcomes, stronger public service performance, and long‑term national productivity.
The Policy applies across the Cook Islands Public Sector which includes Public Service Departments, Island Governments, Crown and Statutory Agencies, Offices of Parliament, Ministerial Support Offices and State‑Owned Enterprises. It promotes a coordinated and consistent approach to workplace wellbeing across Government.
Non‑communicable diseases (NCDs), lifestyle‑related illnesses, and preventable workplace health risks continue to place pressure on individuals, families and the health system. These issues also reduce workforce productivity and create long term costs for Government. Addressing these early is critical to improving national productivity and reducing avoidable expenditure.
Workplaces play an important role in shaping daily behaviours and supporting healthy choices. This Policy encourages early detection, healthier behaviours, and supportive work environments. It is designed to help public servants take practical steps – both individually and collectively- to improve their health and wellbeing.
The Policy is designed to support, not control. It sets clear expectations for Government as an employer while allowing Agencies flexibility to implement the Policy in ways that reflect their size, workforce profile and operational context. The focus is on creating workplace environments that make healthy choices easier and more normal, rather than mandatory or punitive.
At the centre of the Policy are seven core commitments that promote regular movement during the working day, healthier food and drink choices, smoke‑free workplaces, positive mental wellbeing, early detection of health risks through regular check‑ups, and active travel to work where practical. The Policy also requires Government‑funded events to demonstrate healthy catering standards, recognizing that Government sets the standard when public funds are used.
The seven core commitments include:
- Moving more to overcome prolonged physical inactivity
- Eating better to focus on healthy eating choices and drinking plain water
- Smoke-free workplaces to minimise second-hand smoking and exposure
- Caring for mental wellbeing for a stress-free workplace
- Knowing your health numbers by maintaining regular health check-ups
- Active travel to work for those not far to walk or cycle
- All Government funded events demonstrates healthy catering standards, alcohol free and sugar free beverages
A copy of the Government Healthy Workforce Policy 2026 is available on the TMO Website: https://www.health.gov.ck
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