31 December 2001 Media Statement
Health Minister Annette King has announced the first members of a new national ethics committee.
The National Advisory Committee on Health and Disability Support Services Ethics (National Ethics Committee) will
provide her with advice on ethical issues of national significance related to health and disability matters, including
research and health services.
"I am delighted to announce the establishment of an advisory committee that will provide leadership, guidance and
direction on ethical issues in the health and disability sector."
The committee will also set nationally consistent ethical standards across the health and disability sector.
"The committee will have a key role in ensuring the co-ordination and quality of ethical standards in the New Zealand
health and disability sector."
The National Ethics Committee is a ministerial advisory committee set up under the New Zealand Public Health and
Disability Act.
The members are: Dr Andrew Moore (chair); Professor Michael Ardagh; Dr Dale Bramley; Dr Neil Pearce; Dr Fiona Cram; Dr
Charlotte Paul; Philippa Cunningham; Dr Alison Kirkman; Dr Anne Bray; Mele Tuilotolava; Dr Martin Sullivan and Professor
Donald Evans.
Dr Moore is a senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Otago and is currently a member of the National Health
Committee.
More than 150 public nominations for committee membership were received and Mrs King made the final selection.
Ends
Questions and Answers
What are the requirements for the committee's composition?
Twelve members will be appointed to the National Ethics Committee. Each member will have a term of office of up to three
years. The National Ethics Committee's membership will comprise: two health professionals, two health researchers, one
epidemiologist, one ethicist, one lawyer, one other member (not a health professional of health researcher), three
consumer/community representatives (not health professional, health researcher or professional member), a representative
of the Health Research Council.
At any time, the National Ethics Committee shall have at least two Maori members, one of whom shall be a person with
Maori research/ethics background.
Why were some members appointed for three years and some for two years?
Staggered terms of appointment were recommended to ensure a balance of new and experienced members on the committee. The
requirement to have staggered membership is included in the terms of membership of the committee. Appointments to the
committee can be renewed up to a maximum of six consecutive years. The members appointed for three years are: Dr Dale
Bramley, Dr Neil Pearce, Dr Charlotte Paul, Dr Andrew Moore, Dr Alison Kirkman, Dr Martin Sullivan.
The members appointed for two years are: Professor Michael Ardagh, Dr Fiona Cram, Philippa Cunningham, Dr Anne Bray,
Mele Tuilotolava, Professor Donald Evans.