Why do Australians live longer than New Zealanders?

The aim of this study was to compare patterns of mortality in Australia and New Zealand, using routinely collected data. Life expectancy at birth is g reater in Australia than in New Zealand(in 1996 the gap was 1.5 years for w omen and 1.1 years for men). Prior to 1970, mortality was lower in New Zeal and than Australia. Possible reasons for the divergence in life expectancie s include slower economic growth in New Zealand, more marked increases in e conomic inequalities which have affected Maori in particular and, to a mode st extent, differentials in health care.