Dear Ministry of Health,
OIA Request – Internal Records Regarding Medical Conference Advertising Policy Change

From: Gregory P. Marshall LLB
Date: 17 July 2025
Subject: OIA Request – Internal Records Regarding Medical Conference Advertising Policy Change

Tēnā koe,

Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following information:

All internal communications, meeting notes, policy documents, briefings, and email correspondence held by Medsafe or the Ministry of Health referencing or relating to the Government’s decision to lift the prohibition on pharmaceutical advertising at medical conferences and trade exhibitions.

The date on which Medsafe or Ministry of Health staff were first informed (formally or informally) of the Government’s decision to change the policy, or of the Ministry for Regulation’s investigation into the matter.

Any impact assessments, position statements, or internal analysis prepared by Medsafe or the Ministry in response to the decision to lift the medical conference advertising ban.

Any discussion or consideration of whether Medsafe’s updated advertising guidance on medicinal cannabis products, issued July 2025, would conflict with the upcoming change to conference advertising policy.

All correspondence between Medsafe (including Chris James) and:

the Ministry for Regulation;
Minister David Seymour’s office; or
Minister Simeon Brown’s office
in relation to the conference advertising policy change, between 1 May 2025 and the present.
This request is made in the public interest and relates to potential conflict between Medsafe’s regulatory actions and active Government policy.

Please confirm receipt and advise of any need for refinement or clarification.

Yours faithfully,

Greg marshall