Te Pāti Māori join health professionals, medical bodies, and community organisations across Aotearoa in calling on Te Whatu Ora to immediately release the updated Guidelines for Gender Affirming Healthcare.

The guidelines were developed by medical professionals with expertise in this form of care and approved by Te Whatu Ora’s National Clinical Governance Group. They were due for release in March 2025 but have been indefinitely delayed due to political interference from the new Health Minister.

“Guidelines for safe medical practice should be left to experts and practitioners, not politicians” said Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

“The delay of these guidelines is clear political interference by a government that has continually attacked the mana and hauora of our trans and non-binary whānau for votes”

Te Pāti Māori condemns any political manoeuvring that threatens the safety and wellbeing of marginalised communities. “It is extremely unsafe for politicians to interfere in decisions relating to life affirming care for children and adults”.

“These guidelines are essential for safe, evidence-based care. They reflect the lived realities and clinical needs of our trans and non-binary people. Holding them back only furthers harm.

“This is not just a healthcare issue - it’s a human rights issue” said Ngarewa-Packer.

Te Pāti Māori echoes the call of the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa in demanding the government allow Te Whatu Ora to publish the guidelines without further delay.

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