Public consultation on amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) took place between 17 January and 18 February 2024. Over that period, the Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) received 3,629 submissions: 3,587 via the online platform CitizenSpace, and 42 via email.
A large number of submissions appeared to duplicate content and wording. In addition, some submissions provided general comments rather than responding to the amendments specifically.
The vast majority of submissions strongly opposed the proposed amendments to the IHR. A common concern raised in the submissions was that the amendments would require New Zealand to cede parts of its sovereignty and give the World Health Organization (WHO) or other international entities too much power. However, it is important to note that, if the World Health Assembly adopts the IHR amendments, any decision to become bound will be subject to the full treaty making process. This process includes Cabinet approval, a national interest analysis and parliamentary treaty examination and will determine whether these changes are in New Zealand’s interest.
A small number of submissions from New Zealand organisations acknowledged that the IHR need to be strengthened to protect New Zealand against future pandemics.