Ministry issues list of words and phrases

A list of words and phrases to be avoided or used when dealing with the new National Government has been circulating around the Health Ministry.

Radio New Zealand today reported the table of 26 phrases had two columns, one labelled "in" and the other "out".

Among terms now considered "out" were public health, social change, inequalities and advocacy.

Primary Health Care, value for money health information and clinical networks were "in".

Prepared by someone at ministry, a spokesman said the aim was for staff to be clear communicators.

Green MP Sue Bradford said some of the "out" words and phrases underpinned what ministries like health were working to address.

Ms Bradford said another example of an out phrase was "organised effort of society" while public private partnerships were in.

She said the focus shifted away from everyone working together for a common cause.

Labour MP Ruth Dyson said there should be a focus on the very topics whose names were now being considered "out".

Health Minister Tony Ryall declined to comment.

- NZPA