The Therapeutics Products Bill (the 'Bill') was introduced into Parliament on 30 November 2022, with this mahi being led by Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health.
This Bill will replace the Medicines Act 1981 and the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985 with a new law for medicines, medical devices, natural health products and biological ‘products’ such as blood donations.
Unless changes are made to exclude rongoā, both rongoā rākau and elements of rongoā practice will be regulated by the Bill, under the sections that apply to natural health products and potentially medicines or medical devices.
Te Aka Whai Ora has been working to ensure Māori, including the rongoā Māori sector, know what is in the Bill - how it impacts you, and how you can provide feedback on it. We are also elevating your voices to help shape the policy thinking and decision-making on the future sustainability of rongoā Māori.
We created two guides to explain what's in the Bill and how to provide feedback (by making a submission):
Guide to the Therapeutic Products Bill [PDF, 178 KB]
Guide to rongoā in the Therapeutic Products Bill [PDF, 338 KB]
Please note whānau, submissions have now closed.
Te Aka Whai Ora provided a formal response (submission) to the Health Select Committee calling for stronger Tiriti clauses and opposing the regulation of rongoā Māori in the Bill, available here:
Therapeutic Products Bill submission from Te Aka Whai Ora, 3 March 2023 [PDF, 462 KB]
If you would like to kōrero with us about this mahi or have any questions, please email us at rongoa@health.govt.nz.
|
1. What is the Therapeutic Products Bill?
|
Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health is working on a modern, comprehensive, cost-effective regulatory system for therapeutic products and natural health products in New Zealand, which will replace the Medicines Act 1981 and the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985. The Therapeutic Products Bill will regulate how therapeutic products (including medicines, medical devices, natural health products, active pharmaceutical ingredients and biologics (eg. blood donations) are manufactured, tested, imported, promoted, supplied, and exported. For more information about the Bill, head to: Therapeutic products regulatory regime | Ministry of Health NZ(external link) If you would like to discuss the Bill with Manatū Hauora, please contact them at maorihealth@health.govt.nz. |
|
2. How can I have my say on the Bill?
|
Submissions on the Bill closed 5 March 2023. But stay up to date on the progress of the Bill here: Parliament.nz - Therapeutic Products Bill(external link). |
|
3. How is Te Aka Whai Ora prioritising rongoā Māori?
|
Te Aka Whai Ora is undertaking a separate programme of work that will empower Māori to determine the protection and support needed for the future sustainability of rongoā. Our kaupapa on rongoā Māori will be shaped by matanga rongoā and whānau Māori, with three key focus areas:
Find out more about our rongoā kaupapa or how to be involved in this mahi: Our work and priorities/Rongoā(external link) or email rongoa@health.govt.nz. |
