Tçnâ koe Stella
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) on 24 January 2022 for information related to the use of kawakawa balm to treat a sore throat caused by COVID-19. Specifically, you requested:
“1. Any medical evidence such as studies or scientific/medical review held by the Ministry of Health or any other agency, body or Ministry, in particular the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
2. If there is no such evidence I request the Government Policy that governs the release of medical advice to the public.
3. Documents or official policy that would allow DPMC to write such material, noting that the DPMC was the author of the above document.
4, Any advice received by the DPMC and particularly Rory McKenzie of that Office to support the inclusion of Kawakawa Balm as a response to a sore throat caused by a Covid infection.
5. Disclosure as to Rory McKenzie's formal qualifications and those qualifications of any public servant who has made written advice in public communications as to such treatment.
6. Any correspondence with producers of Kawakawa Balms as to the use of the Balm for such treatment.
7. Any report, communications, policy, consideration or direction regarding the ability of beneficiaries to access this treatment with respect to cost.”
The Ministry of Health does not hold any information relating to parts 3, 4, and 5 of your request; however, I have been advised that this information is held by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). For this reason, I have decided to transfer these parts of your request to DPMC under section 14(b)(i) of the Act. You can expect a response from DPMC in due course.
Part 1 of your request has also been partially transferred to DPMC for response. You can expect a response from DPMC in due course. The Ministry of Health will respond with any information that it holds in scope of part 1 of your request, as well as parts 6 and 7.
Under section 28(3) of the Act you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at: [email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Ngâ mihi
OIA Services
Government Services
Office of the Director-General
Ministry of Health