133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
10 February 2025
Di Landy
By email: [FYI request #29834 email]
Ref:
H2025059428
Tēnā koe Di
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Ministry of
Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) on 22 January 2025. You requested:
“Please may I know who the panel, consultants, specialists, and clinicians that are
reviewing Puberty Blockers in NZ. Their names, qualifications and the organisations they
work for.”
I have interpreted your request as querying who is leading the Ministry’s work related to the
prescribing of puberty blockers in gender-affirming care. The Ministry undertook consultation on
the prescribing of puberty blockers on behalf of the Minister of Health. The Ministry’s work is
being co-led by myself as Associate Deputy Director-General, Strategy, Policy and Legislation,
and Dr Joe Bourne, the Ministry’s Chief Medical Officer, representing both policy and medical
expertise. Information about Dr Bourne is available at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-
us/organisation-and-leadership/chief-clinical-officers.
You will be aware that the Ministry also recently published an evidence brief and position
statement. That work was also led by Dr Bourne in partnership with the office of the Ministry’s
Chief Science Advisor, Professor Ian Town who holds the qualifications MBChB, DM, FRACP.
The position statement and evidence brief can be viewed here at the following links:
•
www.health.govt.nz/publications/position-statement-on-the-use-of-puberty-blockers-in-
gender-affirming-care.
•
www.health.govt.nz/publications/impact-of-puberty-blockers-in-gender-dysphoric-
adolescents-an-evidence-brief.
I trust this information fulfils your request. If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with
us, including this decision, please feel free to contact the OIA Services Team on:
[email address].
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.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Manatū Hauora website at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-
official-information-act-requests.
Nāku noa, nā
Steve Barnes
Associate Deputy Director-General Strategy, Policy and Legislation
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