Endometriosis New Zealand Advocacy Work

We actively engage with the New Zealand government to advocate for the lives of those impacted by endometriosis in New Zealand. Below is some of the work we have done to progress this goal.

Endometriosis New Zealand Women’s Health Strategy Submission

Endometriosis New Zealand submitted on this strategy prior to its release to advocate for Manatū Hauora to include endometriosis in the release.

Our submission specifically called for for the development of a national endometriosis action plan, similar to that which was successfully implemented in Australia. Such a plan will provide a clear pathway to address endometriosis, through enhanced education, increased awareness, improved clinical management and care, and focused research initiatives.

Endometriosis New Zealand would like to sincerely thank everyone in our community who sent in a personal submission, as well as New Zealand’s two other endometriosis charities, Insight Endometriosis and Endo Warriors Aotearoa, who also supported our submission.

Advocating for Better Care: ENZ Urges Adoption of New Endometriosis Guideline

Endometriosis New Zealand is calling on the Ministry of Health to formally adopt the Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis as Aotearoa New Zealand’s new national clinical guideline.

Developed by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), this modern, evidence-based guideline has already been adopted across Australia and is internationally recognised as best practice. It offers significant improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and equity of care for the more than 120,000 New Zealanders living with endometriosis.

Why Change Is Urgently Needed

The current 2020 Ministry of Health guideline is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. In contrast, the new Australian guideline is:

• Responsive to emerging evidence, with a living guideline model that ensures regular updates
• Aligned with international best practice
• Designed to improve early diagnosis and equitable care

Key Features of the New Guideline

• Non-invasive imaging, such as ultrasound, used as a first-line diagnostic tool
• Hormonal therapy offered in parallel with diagnosis investigations
• A multidisciplinary model of care, reflecting the complexity of endometriosis and the diverse needs of those affected

Our Call to Action

Endometriosis New Zealand urges the Ministry of Health to:

1. Formally adopt the Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis
2. Decommission the current 2020 Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis in New Zealand
3. Ensure appropriate resourcing, workforce training, and implementation support, particularly for Māori, Pacific, and rural communities

Press Releases on our advocacy work