6 August 2025
Campaign launched
EWA launched a petition calling for an independent review and rewrite of Aotearoa New Zealand’s endometriosis guidance.
Kāinga / Home / Petition for Change
5,921 voices calling for change
Better guidance. Earlier recognition. More equitable care.
The petition asks for an independent, evidence-informed review and rewrite of Aotearoa New Zealand’s endometriosis guidance, shaped by both clinical evidence and lived experience.
Latest update · 10 September 2026
Our evidence is now part of the official record
Endo Warriors Aotearoa has now spoken directly to Parliament’s Health Committee about our petition and proposed model for endometriosis care.
Following our Committee appearance, EWA emailed Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall with a detailed response explaining what good endometriosis care should look like in Aotearoa.
Dr Verrall confirmed that she had asked the Health Committee Chair to table EWA’s detailed email. EWA also received a phone call confirming that the response had been accepted. Our full response is now part of the official record.
Our advocacy continues
Our petition remains before the Health Committee, and our advocacy for equitable, evidence-based and accountable endometriosis care continues.
Why this matters
Guidance should reflect current evidence and real lives
Too many with endometriosis experience delayed diagnosis, dismissal of symptoms, inconsistent care and major barriers to appropriate treatment and support.
National guidance influences recognition, clinical decisions, referrals and expectations of care. When guidance is unclear, outdated or not consistently implemented, care can depend on where someone lives, what they can afford and which services they can access.
The petition brought together 5,921 voices asking for clearer, more equitable guidance and meaningful recognition of the impact endometriosis can have across a person’s life.
5,921
signatures presented to Parliament.
Petition timeline
The complete confirmed progress is kept here, so the community does not need to follow a separate updates page.
12 August 2025
1,000 signatures reached
16 November 2025
5,000 signatures reached
18 November 2025
Petition closed with 5,921 signatures
22 April 2026
Presented to Parliament
The petition was formally presented to Parliament by Kahurangi Carter MP and referred to the Petitions Committee.
Read the Parliament record4 May 2026
Invited to make a written submission
EWA was formally invited to provide a written submission supporting the petition. The submission identified gaps in diagnosis, access to care and treatment consistency and called for equitable, enforceable national clinical guidance.
June 2026
Transferred to the Health Committee
The petition and supporting evidence were transferred to the parliamentary committee responsible for health matters.
18 August 2026
Government guideline announcement
The Government announced that Health New Zealand would adapt the Australian RANZCOG endometriosis guideline, with publication expected in mid-2027. EWA welcomed progress but identified unanswered questions about funding, implementation, workforce capacity, equitable access and accountability.
19 August 2026
Questions sent to Hon Nicola Grigg
EWA emailed Hon Nicola Grigg, Minister for Women, with our questions and concerns.
9 September 2026 — 9:00 a.m.
EWA spoke to the Health Committee
EWA spoke directly to the Health Committee about our petition, community evidence and proposed model for endometriosis care.
10 September 2026
Detailed response sent
Following the Committee appearance, EWA emailed Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall with a detailed response explaining what good endometriosis care should look like in Aotearoa.
10 September 2026
Response accepted
Dr Verrall confirmed that she had asked the Health Committee Chair to table EWA’s detailed email. EWA also received a phone call confirming that the response had been accepted. Our full response is now part of the official record.
5,921 voices
Our petition journey
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What the community is asking for
The petition and supporting submission focus on practical, system-wide change.
Independent review and rewrite
A transparent review of the 2020 guidance against current evidence and the experiences of those navigating care in Aotearoa.
Consistent pathways
Earlier recognition, clearer referral pathways, multidisciplinary support and nationally consistent, evidence-informed care.
Accountability
Stronger implementation across the health system, with lived experience included in policy and healthcare design.
Whole-body recognition
Better recognition of endometriosis as a chronic, whole-body disease rather than a condition limited to menstruation.
Equitable access
Guidance that responds to barriers faced by Māori, Pasifika, disabled and rainbow communities and upholds Te Tiriti-based equity.
Respectful, inclusive language
Language, treatment options and support pathways that reflect different bodies, identities, circumstances and care needs.
Community-led policy work
View our suggested changes and Guidelines Review
EWA has created a detailed review of the 2020 National Endometriosis Guidelines to identify what is missing and recommend urgent changes to endometriosis (mate kirikopu) care in Aotearoa.
The review was developed by Endo Warriors Aotearoa with input from our Youth Advisory Board and reviewed by a medical professional. It brings together lived experience, community knowledge and evidence-informed recommendations.
Inside the review
- A summary of where the current guidance falls short
- Suggested changes to language, treatment options and access to care
- An emphasis on inclusive, equitable and evidence-informed care
- A call to embed Te Tiriti-based equity
- Recommendations that reflect the needs of Māori, Pasifika, disabled and rainbow communities
The work continues
Placing endo hāpori at the centre
Our goal is to place the voices of the endo hāpori—our endometriosis community—at the centre of health policy.
The rewrite is being led by EWA and our Youth Advisory Board, in partnership with a national panel of experts, clinicians and lived-experience voices. Together, we are working toward guidance that is inclusive, enforceable and grounded in evidence and real-life experience.
This is community-led policy work, not a final clinical guideline. It will be strengthened through expert and community feedback.
Share your whakaaro
If you live with endometriosis, support someone who does, work in endometriosis care or the health sector, or belong to an organisation supporting affected communities, we welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions. Your insight can help ensure this kaupapa reflects the needs of the communities it is intended to serve.
Email Guidelines Review feedback