Exploring the interface of the Therapeutic Products Bill and rongoā.
On 30 November 2022, Hon Peeni Henare Associate Minister of Health (Māori) announced a new rongoā workstream alongside the Therapeutic Products Bill.
This rongoā workstream was created to explore the interface of the Therapeutic Products Bill and rongoā. For more information about the Therapeutic Products Bill, visit Therapeutic products regulatory regime.
From the beginning, the Government has been clear that it wanted to ensure rongoā was protected. This is why the Minister asked for the stand-alone rongoā workstream.
The rongoā workstream was established to develop advice on:
- the protection of rongoā;
- the assurance of patient safety; and
- ensuring access to the export markets for rongoā practitioners providing direct services to patient (alongside those providing therapeutic and products with health benefit claims).
The workstream also explored where rongoā matters are being addressed through other government work programmes, such as Te Pae Tawhiti: Wai 262.
The Select Committee consultation period on the Bill ran from 15 December 2022 to 5 March 2023. During this time more than 16,500 submissions on the Bill were received, showing how important these issues are for New Zealanders.
Public submissions to the Health Select Committee on the Therapeutic Product Bill closed on 11.59pm Sunday, 5 March 2023. The Health Select Committee tabled its final report on 13 June 2023. This report is available on the Committee’s website.
Rongoā workstream engagements
Manatū Hauora met with approximately 300 Māori rongoā experts and advocates. This involved two online hui, two in-person hui and an online survey to identify gaps and opportunities in the Bill that people working in the rongoā workstream should consider as part of its advice.
Manatū Hauora used the information shared at these engagements to provide advice for the Minister of Health and Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health).