27 February 2026
T Dobbie
[FYI request #33699 email]
Tēnā koe
Your request for official information, reference: HNZ00200675
Thank you for your email on 12 February 2026, asking Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora for the
following under the Of icial Information Act 1982 (the OIA):
1. Provide the following under the usual terms and as expressed below:
Provide details of the funding allocated or allocated in the past (whether used by Health
New Zealand/Ministry of Health or Te Whata Ora or others) for research and/or studies
into any and all effects on the human body from:
a) 5G cellular technology and
b) Small cell technology and
c) Mil imetre wave technology
2. Provide contact for specialised experts within Health New Zealand (or other orgs)
researching the effects of any and all types of 5G radiation/mil imetre technology on the
human body?
3. If people/children are at risk, harmed or injured from EMF radiation, who wil provide the
health care, what are the costs, and what is the funding allocation?
4. What are the proven processes, guidelines and advice for people who are sensitive or
hypersensitive to [electromagnetic radiation]?
I respectively request an early reply as the WHO regards wireless radiation exposure as a
Class 2B risk. Also, other bodies are asking for this to be reviewed due to there being new
hazards. This technology is currently being trialled in New Zealand and due to be rolled
out in May 2026.
Response
Health NZ does not have funding allocated for research into electromagnetic fields (EMF). The
Interagency Committee on the Health Effects of Non-Ionising Fields monitors international
research and reviews the latest research and reports back directly to the Director-General of
Health. The interagency committee publishes their reports on the Ministry of Health website,
here:
www.health.govt.nz/publications/interagency-commit ee-on-the-health-effects-of-non-
ionising-fields-report-to-ministers-2022. There are no specialised experts within Health NZ researching the effects of 5G. Research is
conducted internationally, which Health NZ then reviews as part of the Interagency Committee
on the Health Effects of Non-Ionising Fields.
There is no persuasive evidence that EMF, including radiofrequencies technologies, referenced in
this request pose any health risks to people or children. Within the publicly funding healthcare
system there are no specific costs or funding on harm or injuries related to EMF exposure. More
information can be found, here:
www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/publications/electric-and-magnetic-fields-
and-your-health.
In response to question 4, information on non-ionising fields can be found on the Health NZ
website:
www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/environmental-health/non-
ionising-radiation.
How to get in touch
If you have any questions, you can contact us at
[email address].
If you are not happy with this response, you have the right to make a complaint to the
Ombudsman. Information about how to do this is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
by phoning 0800 802 602.
As this information may be of interest to other members of the public, Health NZ may proactively
release a copy of this response on our website. Al requester data, including your name and
contact details, wil be removed prior to release.
Nāku iti noa, nā
Sara Freitag
Manager, Government Services
