133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
9 April 2026
John Luke
By email: [FYI request #34088 email]
Ref:
H2026080097
Tēnā koe John
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 14 March 2026 for information regarding nominations
to the National Ethics Advisory Committee - Kāhui Matatika o Te Motu. Please find a response
to each part of your request below:
May I ask how you called for public nomination and on what platform you have call for
public nominations e.g. govt.jobs website.
The roles were advertised on the Ministry of Health vacancy portal as well as the New Zealand
Government Jobs website:
www.health.govt.nz/about-us/careers and
jobs.govt.nz/ respectively.
A copy of your ad and pay rate as well.
A copy of the advertisement is attached as Document 1 and the National Ethics Advisory
Committee’s Terms of Reference is attached as Document 2; both of which are itemised in
Appendix 1 and released to you in full, with an excerpt of the Fees and allowances section
pasted below for your ease of reference:
Fees and allowances
52. Members of the National Ethics Advisory Committee are entitled to be paid fees for
attendance at meetings. The level of attendance fees are set in accordance with
Cabinet Office Circular CO (12) 6, Fees framework for members appointed to bodies
in which the Crown has an interest.
53. The Chairperson wil receive $430 per day (plus half a day’s preparation fee) and an
allowance of two extra days per month to cover additional work undertaken by the
Chairperson.
54. The attendance fee for members is set at $320 per day (plus half a day’s preparation
fee).
Also, how many applications you have received for each of the role from the public and
how many you have received from other nominating agencies such as TPK or Ministry of
women etc for your role.
Applications were received for 24 lay member and eight non-lay or health practitioner
applicants. The Ministry for Women – Manatū Wāhine submitted eight nominations but only one
nominee submitted an application. Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People submitted one
nomination, which resulted in an application.
How many you have shortlisted and how many you have interviewed.
The appointments process has not advanced enough to have shortlisted or interviewed
candidates.
Also, can I request to view the previous appointment letter if there is one sent to the
previous appointee. I am happy for you to remove all the personal information.
A copy of an appointment letter from the 2024 Appointments to the National Ethics Advisory
Committee is attached as Document 3 and itemised in Appendix 1. Where information is
withheld under section 9 of the Act, I have considered the countervailing public interest in
release in making this decision and consider that it does not outweigh the need to withhold at
this time.
Further, How many vacancies are you looking to fill for this round.
The Ministry can confirm that six roles have been advertised for this round of appointments,
including two non-lay roles and four lay roles.
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
Ministry website at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-official-
information-act-requests. Nāku noa, nā
Stasha Mason
Manager, Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services Performance and Governance | Te Pou Tokomanawa
Page 2 of 3
Appendix 1: List of documents for release
#
Date
Document details
Decision on release
1
February 2026
NEAC Advertisement 2026
Released in full.
2
February 2024
NEAC Terms of Reference
3
October 2024
2024 Appointment Letter
Some information withheld
under section 9(2)(a) of the Act,
to protect the privacy of natural
persons.
Page 3 of 3
Document 1
Vacancies on the National Ethics Advisory Committee – Kāhui Matatika o Te Motu
The Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) is seeking candidates who wish to be
considered for appointment as lay or non-lay members or the Deputy Chair to the National Ethics
Advisory Committee (the Committee). The Committee is a ministerial advisory committee
established under section 92 of the Pae Ora Act 2022 (the Act). The purpose of Committee is to
provide the Minister of Health with advice on ethical issues of national significance in respect of
any health and disability matter (including research and health services), determine nationally
consistent ethical standards across the health sector, and provide scrutiny for national health
research and health services.
About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga
Being a member of the Committee is rewarding and challenging. An ability to work objectively
across a range of relevant perspectives and not adopt a narrow advocacy position is required of all
members. Members are also expected to demonstrate open and responsive communication skills,
with an ability to reach consensus when different points of views are shared.
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Appointments to the Committee are made by Associate Minister of Health, Hon Matt Doocey,
typically for terms of terms of three years. Members can be reappointed once for up to a total of
Act
six consecutive years.
The Ministry recognises that diversity enables our boards and councils to be high-performing and is
committed to delivering greater diversity to statutory boards and ensuring they represent the
diversity in New Zealand's population, including gender, ethnicity, disability, age and geographic
location. The Ministry encourages people from all backgrounds, especially those who can reflect
the needs, values, and beliefs of Māori, have an understanding and are committed to meeting
obligations of the Treaty of Waitangi, to apply for these roles.
Information
The Committee meets every two months, mostly online although there may be one or two in-
person meetings per year in Wellington, with occasional between meeting work.
Further information about NEAC can be found in the
Terms of Reference.
Official
About you – Kōrero mōu
the
For all applicants, governance and/or regulatory experience is a plus but not required. It is
beneficial if you have the ability to lead strategically, and to balance competing demands.
In this instance, we are particularly looking to receive applications from non-lay candidates who
under
are registered medical practitioners with expertise in research, epidemiology, or ethics experience.
We are also looking for candidates who can represent the perspectives of Māori, Pacific people and
people with lived experience of disability.
A non-lay member is defined as health practitioners, professionals, academics and those involved
in health research as well as clinical practice, businesses or organisations.
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We are also seeking lay candidates who can represent the community/consumers who must not be
health professionals or health researchers.
Preferred and attributes for these roles includes:
•
lead in a fair, objective, efficient and collegial manner
• have the ability to listen to the viewpoints of others, to question effectively, challenge
constructively and respond to various positions in a sensitive and reasonable way
•
the willingness to lead, oversee all work and collaborate with other Members and the
Committee Secretariat
• be prepared to commit the necessary time both during and between Committee meetings.
Document 1
How to apply – Me pēhea te tono
Applications must be made using the Ministry of Health online Career Centre by close of business
10 March 2026 and include:
•
a covering letter, and
•
a current CV.
Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are applying for the deputy chair position and/or a
member position.
Due diligence checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants. Your personal information will
be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. The Ministry may also request that the New
Zealand Security Intelligence Service conduct national security screening of you as part of the
appointment process.
The appointment process can be lengthy, taking up to six months. Your patience and
professionalism as we work through the next steps is appreciated. The outcome of the recruitment
process for this Committee will be confirmed after it has been considered by the Minister as per
their delegated authority.
Who we are – Ko wai mātou
See the Ministry of Health Board appointments webpage for more information. If you would like to
obtain further information or clarification, or if your circumstances change or should you wish to
withdraw your application, please contact the Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services team
by emailing: [email address]
under the Official Information Act 1982
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Document 2
Terms of Reference for the National Ethics Advisory Committee
1.
The National Advisory Committee on Health and Disability Support Services Ethics (the
National Ethics Advisory Committee) is a ministerial advisory committee established under
section 16 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 (the Act). The National
Ethics Advisory Committee is established by and accountable to the Minister of Health.
Functions of the Committee
2.
The National Ethics Advisory Committee’s statutory functions are to:
provide advice to the Minister of Health on ethical issues of national significance in
respect of any health and disability matters (including research and health services)
determine nationally consistent ethical standards across the health and disability sector
and provide scrutiny for national health research and health services.
3.
As part of its functions the Committee is also required to:
consult with any members of the public, persons involved in the funding or provision of
services, and other persons that the committee considers appropriate before providing
advice on an issue (section 16(4) of the Act refers)
at least annually, deliver to the Minister of Health a report setting out its activities and
summarising its advice on the matters referred to it under section 16 of the Act by the
Minister of Health.
4.
In undertaking its functions, the Committee is expected to:
provide advice on priority issues of national significance as requested by the Minister of
Health
provide advice to the Minister of Health regarding ethical issues concerning emerging
areas of health research and innovative practice. The advice is to include the
Committee’s rationale for its advice and any relevant evidence and/or documentation
provide advice to the Minister of Health regarding aspects of ethical review in New
Zealand, including the setting of principles and guidelines in relation to each of the
different types of health research and innovative practice. The advice is to include the
Committee’s rationale for its advice and any relevant evidence and/or documentation
develop and promote national ethical guidelines for health research and health and
disability support services. The guidelines should address how to conduct different
types of health research (including ethical issues relating to Māori health research)
under the Official Information Act 1982 and
innovative practice in an ethical manner and should establish parameters for, and
provide guidance on, the ethical review of such types of health research and health and
disability support services.
monitor and review the operation of the health and disability ethics committees for the
purposes of providing direction, guidance and leadership to ensure the ongoing quality
and consistency of ethical review in the health and disability sector
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undertake its tasks in a manner consistent with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
develop guidelines on conducting observational studies in an ethical manner and
establish parameters for the ethical review of observational studies (including guidance
on weighing up the harms and benefits of this type of research).
Composition of the Committee
5.
The National Ethics Advisory Committee will have a maximum of 12 members appointed by
the Minister of Health.
6.
The Committee’s membership must include:
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two health professionals (one of whom must be a registered medical practitioner)
three community/consumer representatives (must not be health professionals, health
researchers, or professional members)
one member nominated by the Health Research Council of New Zealand
two or more Māori members (one of whom must have a background in Māori research
and/or ethics).
7.
The membership must also have expertise in the following areas:
ethics
research (qualitative and quantitative)
epidemiology
law.
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Terms and conditions of appointment
8.
Members of the National Ethics Advisory Committee are appointed by the Minister of Health
Act
for a term of up to three years. The terms of members of the Committee will be staggered to
ensure continuity of membership. No member may be appointed for more than six
consecutive years unless an additional period of up to twelve months is confirmed to allow
for continuity of projects.
9.
Unless a person sooner vacates their office, every appointed member of the Committee will
continue in office until their successor comes into office.
10. Any member of the Committee may at any time resign as a member by advising the Minister
Information
of Health in writing.
11. Any member of the Committee may at any time be removed from office by the Minister of
Health for inability to perform the functions of office, bankruptcy, neglect of duty, or
misconduct, proved to the satisfaction of the Minister.
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12. The Minister may from time to time alter or reconstitute the Committee, or discharge any
member of the Committee or appoint new members to the Committee for the purpose of
the
decreasing or increasing the membership or filling any vacancies.
Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson
13. The Minister will from time to time appoint a member of the National Ethics Advisory
under
Committee to be its Chairperson. The Chairperson will preside at every meeting of the
Committee at which they are present. The Chairperson may appoint a member as Deputy
Chairperson, in consultation with the Minister. The Deputy Chairperson may exercise the
powers of the Chairperson in situations where the Chairperson is not present or is unable to
act (eg, if the Chairperson has a conflict of interest).
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Duties and responsibilities of a member
14. This section sets out the Minister of Health’s expectations on the duties and responsibilities
of a person appointed as a member of the National Ethics Advisory Committee. This is
intended to aid members by providing them with a common set of principles for appropriate
conduct and behaviour and serves to protect the Committee and its members.
15. As an independent statutory body, the Committee conducts its activities in an open and
ethical manner, and operates in an effective and efficient way within the parameters of its
functions as set out in its Terms of Reference.
16. Committee members should have a commitment to work in the best interests of the
Committee.
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17. Members are expected to make every effort to attend all the Committee meetings and devote
sufficient time to become familiar with the affairs of the Committee and the wider
environment within which it operates.
18. Members are expected to act responsibly with regard to the effective and efficient
administration of the Committee and the use of Committee funds.
19. Members will:
be diligent, prepared and participate
be respectful, loyal and supportive
not denigrate or harm the image of the Committee.
20. The Committee as a whole will:
ensure that the independent views of members are given due weight and consideration
ensure fair and full participation of members
1982
regularly review its own performance
act in accordance with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Act
Conflicts of interest
21. Members must perform their functions in good faith, honestly and impartially, and avoid
situations that might compromise their integrity or otherwise lead to conflicts of interest. They
must also be, and be seen to be, independent of the Minister of Health and the Ministry of
Health. Proper observation of these principles will protect the National Ethics Advisory
Committee and its members and will ensure it retains public confidence.
Information
22. Members attend meetings and undertake Committee activities as independent persons
responsible to the Committee as a whole. Members are not appointed as representatives of
professional organisations and groups. The Committee should not, therefore, assume that a
particular group’s interests have been taken into account because a member is associated
with a particular group.
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23. Members are required to declare any actual or perceived interests to the full Committee. The
the
Committee will then determine whether or not the interest represents a conflict, and if so,
what action will be taken.
24. The Chairperson will ask members to declare any actual or perceived interests at the start of
each meeting.
under
Confidentiality
General
25. The public has a right to be informed about the issues being considered by the National
Ethics Advisory Committee. The Committee should have procedures in place for the release
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of information and processing requests for information.
26. Individual members must observe the following duties in relation to Committee information.
These provisions ensure that the Committee as a whole maintains control over the
appropriate release of information concerning issues before it.
General meeting discussions
27. Key discussion points in meetings are recorded in the meeting minutes. Upon request, a
member’s dissenting views may be recorded in the meeting minutes.
28. Members must ensure that the confidentiality of Committee business is maintained.
Members must be clear about what Committee matters are permitted to be discussed with
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people that are not Committee members and, in doing so, should be familiar with the
information that is publically available about the Committee’s work.
29.
Meetings of the Committee, including agenda material and draft minutes, are confidential.
Committee members must ensure that Committee documents are kept secure to ensure that
the confidentiality of Committee work is maintained. Committee correspondence or papers
can only be released with the approval of the Committee.
30.
Members are free to express their own views within the context of Committee meetings, or
as part of the general business of the Committee.
31.
Members may communicate general meeting discussions with other Committee members
that were not present during at the meeting.
32.
At no time should members individually divulge details of Committee matters or decisions of
the Committee to persons who are not Committee members. Disclosure of Committee
business to anyone outside the Committee must be on the decision of the Committee, or
between meetings, at the discretion of the Chairperson. In choosing to release or withhold
information, the Committee must comply with the provisions of the Official Information Act
1982 and the Privacy Act 1993.
‘In committee’ discussions
33.
At no time will a Committee member discuss the conduct or performance of another member
who is not present at the ‘in committee’ session.
34.
The meeting minutes will note that an ‘in committee’ session took place. A record of ‘in
committee’ discussions will be kept in the Chairperson’s notes.
35.
‘In committee’ discussions can be communicated with other Committee members who were
not present during the ‘in committee’ session. This can either be done formally by the
Chairperson or informally by another Committee member.
Media policy
36.
Only the Chairperson is authorised to comment publicly on the affairs and policies of the
Committee, and where appropriate, the Chairperson will advise the Minister of Health in
advance. The Chairperson may delegate comment to other Committee members.
37.
Where the Chairperson has delegated comment to another Committee member, the member
must publicly support a course of action decided by the Committee. If unable to do so,
members must not publicly comment on decisions.
38.
The Chairperson, members and Secretariat will not support any action or public sta
under the Official Information Act 1982tement
that is derogatory or in any way damaging to the Committee.
39.
Members have the right to comment to the media on any matter in their professional
capacity, as long as they do not attribute the comment to the Committee or imply that they
are speaking on behalf of the Committee. If a member is forewarned of being asked to
comment to the media, they should advise the Committee accordingly. If a Committee
member is not forewa
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comment to the media.
Working arrangements
40.
The National Ethics Advisory Committee will agree a work programme with the Minister of
Health.
41.
In carrying out its Terms of Reference, the Committee must:
provide the Minister of Health with advance notice of any media statements or reports
to be published
ensure its advice is published and widely available
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ensure that, in developing any advice and guidelines, an appropriate balance exists
between protecting the rights and wellbeing of patients and research participants, and
facilitating health research and innovative practice
ensure that, where appropriate, any advice or guidelines contain clear guidance on the
application of ethical principles that is appropriate to the type of health research or
innovative practice being considered (due regard should be given to the different
nature of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research)
ensure that any advice and guidelines comply with the laws of New Zealand
ensure appropriate consultation has occurred in accordance with the requirements set
out below.
Consultation
42.
In meeting its obligations to consult before providing advice to the Minister, the National
Ethics Advisory Committee will, where appropriate, make reasonable attempts to consult
with:
health and disability ethics committees
the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology
the Health Research Council Ethics Committee
any other Ethics Committee established by the Minister of Health
organisations that represent affected patients or other groups of the community
relevant whānau, hapū and iwi
a reasonably representative sample of affected patients or members of the public or, if
the Committee thinks it more appropriate, a reasonably representative sample of
people who would be entitled to consent on behalf of the affected patients or members
of the public
a reasonably representative sample of affected health researchers and/or affected
health professionals
relevant government bodies.
43.
The Committee will ensure that stakeholders are provided with feedback following
consultation, in line with good consultation practice.
under the Official Information Act 1982
Performance measures
44.
The National Ethics Advisory Committee will be effectively meeting its tasks when it provides
relevant and timely advice to the Minister of Health based on research, analysis and
consultation with appropriate groups and organisations.
45.
The Committee must:
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agree in advance to a work programme with the Minister of Health
achieve its agreed work programme
stay within its allocated budget.
Meetings of the Committee
46.
Meetings will be held at such times and places as the National Ethics Advisory Committee or
the Chairperson of the Committee decides.
47.
At any meeting, a quorum will consist of six members. A quorum must include either the
Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson. An effort will be made to ensure reasonable
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representation of community/consumer members and members with specialist knowledge
and experience.
48.
Every question before any meeting will generally be determined by consensus decision-
making. Where a consensus cannot be reached a majority vote will apply. Where a decision
cannot be reached through consensus and a majority vote is made, the Chairperson will
have the casting vote.
49.
Subject to the provisions set out above, the Committee may regulate its own procedures.
Reporting
50.
The National Ethics Advisory Committee will:
keep minutes of all Committee meetings which outline the issues discussed and
include a clear record of any decisions or recommendations made
prepare an annual report to the Minister of Health setting out its activities and
comparing its performance to its agreed work programme and summarising any advice
that it has given to the Minister of Health (as per section 16(6) of the Act). The report is
to include the Committee’s rationale for its advice and any relevant evidence and/or
documentation. This report will be tabled by the Minister of Health in the House of
Representatives pursuant to section 16(7) of the Act.
Secretariat
51.
The Ministry of Health will provide dedicated analytical policy and administrative support to
the National Ethics Advisory Committee through Secretariat staff, consistent with the
Memorandum of Understanding between the Committee and the Ministry of Health.
Secretariat staff are Ministry employees and are funded through the Committee’s allocated
budget.
Fees and allowances
52.
Members of the National Ethics Advisory Committee are entitled to be paid fees for
attendance at meetings. The level of attendance fees are set in accordance with Cabinet
Office Circular CO (12) 6, Fees framework for members appointed to bodies in which the
Crown has an interest.
53.
The Chairperson will receive $430 per day (plus half a day’s preparation fee) and an
allowance of two extra days per month to cover additional work undertaken by the
under the Official Information Act 1982
Chairperson.
54.
The attendance fee for members is set at $320 per day (plus half a day’s preparation fee).
55.
The Ministry of Health pays for actual and reasonable travel and accommodation expenses
of the Committee members.
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s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
Dear
Appointment as a lay member of the National Ethics Advisory Committee 1982
Thank you for your willingness to serve as a lay member of the National Ethics Advisory
Committee (NEAC).
Act
In accordance with section 92 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, I hereby appoint
you as a lay member of NEAC for a three-year term of office commencing on 18 November
2024 and ending on 17 November 2027.
Please ensure you familiarise yourself with the attached NEAC Terms of Reference, which is
Information
also available on the NEAC website (www.neac.health.govt.nz). Please formally
acknowledge your appointment by signing the attached memorandum and emailing it to
[email address].
Thank you again and congratulations on your appointment.
Official
Yours sincerely
the
under
Hon Matt Doocey
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For Minister of Health
Encl
Terms of Reference
Appointment Memorandum
cc
Saskia Patton, Manager, Ethics, Ministry of Health
[email address]
Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services, Ministry of Health
[email address]
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MEMORANDUM
To:
Stasha Mason
Manager
Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services
Ministry of Health
1982
Email:
[email address]
Act
Subject:
Appointment as a lay member of the National Ethics Advisory
Committee
s 9(2)(a)
From:
__________
_____________________________________
1.
I acknowledge my appointment as a lay member of the National Ethics Advisory
Information
Committee pursuant to section 92 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, for a
three-year term commencing on 18 November 2024 and ending on 17 November
2027.
2.
I have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions of my appointment
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outlined in the Terms of Reference.
the
under
__________________________
______________________
Signed
Date
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1982
Act
Information
Official
the
under
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