The New Zealand Health Survey is performed continuously. Results and indicators are drawn from a specific time period of data collection. The purpose of the New Zealand Health Survey 2012/2013 was to gather information on the health of adults and children in order to find trends, develop indicators, and discern topics that require research. Data were collected through in-person interviews of one child and one adult per participating household. The sample size was 13,009 adults and 4,485 children.

The questionnaire topics included chronic conditions, health status, behavior, health care use, and demographic details. In addition, measurements of height, weight, and waist circumference were taken from adults and children. Adults also had blood pressure taken. The 2012/2013 survey included a segment that data were collected for in October. This segment focused on alcohol and tobacco use in adults. The specific topics for children in this segment were development, food, and second-hand smoke exposure.