DOI: 10.5176/2382-5650_CCS17.77
Authors: Dr. Sandra D. Smith, Dr. Joanna Bishop, Ms. Erena Wikaire, Dr. Amabel Hunting, Associate Professor Joanne Barnes
Abstract:
Since the 1990s, the New Zealand government has made several attempts to develop and implement a regulatory framework for natural health products (NHPs). The Natural Health Products Bill was first read in the New Zealand Parliament on 15th September 2011. The Bill has gone through several iterations and a second reading, and is set to be read for a third and final time once the current submission process has been completed. If passed the Bill will be enacted and the first regulatory scheme specific to NHPs in New Zealand will be enforced. This article presents an initial analysis of public submissions made to New Zealand’s Ministry of Health in response to the proposed regulations under the newly-named Natural Health and Supplementary Products Bill. Data pertaining to the perceived impact of this Bill on various stakeholders is presented as key themes. A notable finding thus far is the absence of a public submission from those commenting on the effects of the Bill on Māori and specifically those involved in rongoā Māori.
Keywords: natural health, legislation, stakeholders, traditional healers, rongoā Māori
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