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Consumer and whānau engagement quality and safety marker Te tohu hononga ā-kiritaki kounga

A framework to measure what successful consumer, whānau and community engagement looks like and how it improves the quality and safety of services.

Health entities and providers do not need to submit reports for September 2026. Annual reporting for 2026/27 will continue as normal.

The code of expectations for health entities' engagement with consumers and whānau is changing.  

This includes a review into what reporting will look like for consumer engagement and we will share more information when we can. 

Consumer, whānau and community engagement is a pillar of health quality and safety. It supports the health sector to engage with consumers and ensure their perspectives are reflected in the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of health services.  

The consumer and whānau engagement quality and safety marker (QSM) highlights examples of how health care organisations are engaging with consumers, whānau and communities.

Reporting in 2026/27

Entities and providers should submit an annual report only.  No September reporting is required.  

The following process applies:

  1. Support a local group of staff and consumers to assess your organisation’s engagement with consumers, whānau and communities.  
  2. Submit a score at the end of the year using the QSM framework as a guide. Upload evidence to illustrate the rating.

If you have any technical queries, contact our QSM team: qsm@hqsc.govt.nz 

Published: 26 Oct 2021 Modified: 26 Aug 2026