Endometriosis New Zealand is New Zealand’s national endometriosis organisation

History

Endometriosis New Zealand (ENZ) is Aotearoa’s national charity dedicated to supporting people living with endometriosis. It was established in 1985 by Deborah Bush, Margaret McKenzie, and the late Joan Moultrie as a small regional support group. In 1994, it became a registered charitable trust—the New Zealand Endometriosis Foundation Incorporated—and has since grown into a national organisation with international reach.

ENZ delivers education, support, information, and advocacy to tens of thousands of people each year. It engages with individuals, whānau, clinicians, researchers, workplaces, schools, and government, helping to raise awareness and improve the recognition, diagnosis, and management of endometriosis.

From grassroots beginnings, ENZ has become a trusted voice in women’s health and is well known for its approach to patient-centred education and outreach. Its work spans clinical advice, resource development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy to ensure equity in access to care and improved health outcomes.

The organisation has been led by Chief Executive Tanya Cooke since 2021 and is supported by strong governance through its Board of Trustees. In 2022, ENZ established a Clinical Advisory Committee, comprising health professionals with specialist endometriosis expertise in gynaecology, pain management, research, and allied fields, to guide the organisation’s clinical direction and strategy.

Today, ENZ continues to lead the conversation on endometriosis in Aotearoa and is actively advocating for a National Action Plan for Endometriosis. Drawing on Australia’s model, ENZ is urging the New Zealand Government to adopt a coordinated strategy that prioritises early diagnosis, improved access to care, increased awareness, and dedicated research funding.

ENZ believes all New Zealanders living with endometriosis deserve timely, equitable, and effective care—and is committed to achieving lasting change.