National Kaitiaki Group to retain control of Maori women’s cervical screening data
Women’s Affairs Minister Ruth Dyson today announced the outcome of the government’s review of the 1995 Kaitiaki
Regulations. Reviewing the regulations was one of the recommendations of the Gisborne Inquiry into the under-reporting
of cervical smear abnormalities.
Speaking at the Maori Women’s Welfare League’s annual conference in Gisborne today, Ms Dyson said the existing system
would be retained.
“The National Kaitiaki Group, established under health regulations in 1995, will continue to consider all applications
for access, use and publication of aggregate Maori women’s data on the National Cervical Screening Programme register.
Processes will be improved so that the National Cervical Screening Programme can better access this data.
“It is important to Maori women that their data held on the register is treated appropriately and used in a way that
benefits tangata whenua. This decision balances protection of that data with the need to use it to monitor and evaluate
the National Cervical Screening Programme to ensure it is safe and effective for Maori women.”
Ruth Dyson said the decision followed nationwide consultation with Maori women, and the release of a discussion document
that sought comment on four options, ranging from retaining the existing system to repealing the regulations and
dissolving the National Kaitiaki Group.
“In making its decision, the government has listened to Maori women and their whanau. Most submissions supported the
status quo, along with improved processes so that the National Cervical Screening Programme can better access the data.”
The government also noted that the programme would benefit from the establishment of an advisory group of Maori women to
provide advice on screening issues.