PHANZ SIGNS LETTER CALLING FOR GOVERNMENT TO REPEAL THE REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL

The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) has joined leading medical colleges and health organisations in calling for the immediate repeal of the Regulatory Standards Bill, which recently passed its third reading in Parliament.

The letter describes the Bill as a threat to evidence-based health policy and to the Government’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Signatories argue that the legislation would weaken protections for disadvantaged communities, including Māori, Pacific peoples, and other groups with specialised mental health needs. The letter highlights data showing that cuts to kaupapa Māori mental health funding correlate with increased suicide and seclusion rates. It also warns that the Bill’s “equal application” principle could end targeted programmes designed to address longstanding health inequities.

The organisations emphasise that social determinants such as housing, clean water, safe food, and environmental protections account for around 80% of health outcomes, and that the bill prioritises economic efficiency over these critical public health considerations.

The PHANZ previously submitted evidence as part of the public consultation process on how the Bill would weaken Aotearoa New Zealand’s ability to protect health, increase inequities, and undermine democratic decision-making.