Health Minister Simeon Brown says he will demand an explanation from the Pharmacy Council over its competence standards for pharmacists, which have been described as “deeply disturbing.”
It follows inquiries to his office by chrislynchmedia.com over the standards, published on 15 June 2023 and enforced from 1 April 2024, which require all pharmacists to be “confident to perform waiata tautoko,” a Māori support song, and to advocate for “giving effect to te Tiriti at all levels,” “prioritising Māori voices and trusting Māori intelligence.”
Pharmacists must also be familiar with Māori health models such as Te Pae Mahutonga, which, according to the Health Ministry, refers to the Southern Cross constellation.
Additionally, pharmacists are expected to explain the impacts of pre- and post-Te Tiriti o Waitangi events on the health of New Zealanders.
The Pharmacy Council said on its website the introduction of these standards involved “a whāriki tāpui”—a formal woven mat—symbolising a deliberate integration of Western and Te Ao Māori ideologies. The Council described this as an effort to create a “stronger and more cohesive fabric” by merging two distinct worldviews.
Former pharmaceutical practitioner Brian Kennedy didn’t hold back his contempt of the new standards. “This is racism on steroids, the woke, totally unnecessary, unwarranted imposition of irrelevant culture and beliefs on a professional group whose sole focus should be on the safe practice of pharmaceutical medicine.
“The Minister of Health needs to stamp down immediately on this repugnant, racist, woke over-reach by the Pharmacy Council and weed out any of the incompetent and/or radical members of the Pharmacy Council.”
Another retired pharmacist with 50 years working in more than 40 different pharmacies along with 20 years of work as an Advisory Pharmacist told chrislynchmedia.com “We do no look out from the dispensary and say, Oh – that patient is part Maori. Therefore I will explain their medication to them differently than if they were European, Indian, or Chinese or whatever.
“The Pharmacy Council that dictates the cultural safety nonsense is in an isolated office in Wellington, totally removed from the real world of about 2000 frontline pharmacists out there dealing with the public daily.
“The Council when asked what was their main function actually said “To protect the public” From whom? From pharmacists? All pharmacists that I have known and worked with hold the Council in mild contempt, because they are not standing up for pharmacists, and are out of touch with the real world of dispensing pharmacy. Pharmacists that I have spoken to feel the same. Many are contemplating moving to Australia because of this.”
Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall told chrislynchmedia.com, “All professionals providing health care in this country should have a basic understanding of te Tiriti and te ao Māori in order to best meet the needs of their clients.This knowledge gives professionals a deeper understanding of their patients and clients, and how to provide the best care that meets their needs.” She did not respond to other questions sent to her office.
A senior pharmacist, representing dozens of colleagues, said many professionals feel “dispirited” by the imposition of what they see as irrelevant cultural mandates. Speaking anonymously to chrislynchmedia.com, the pharmacist said, “Despite years of practice, I’ve never encountered a patient whose needs were unmet due to cultural differences.”
The pharmacist criticised what they described as a politically driven narrative, saying, “New Zealand is grappling with an ideological movement focused on increasing Māori entitlement and amplifying the harms of colonisation. While addressing historical injustices is valid, much of this agenda seems exaggerated, serving political motives rather than delivering tangible benefits to grassroots Māori.”
They pointed out the growing financial strength of iwi compared to the ongoing poverty many Māori face, questioning whether current efforts truly serve those most in need. The pharmacist added, “Many Māori patients and staff I work with feel objectified and disempowered by this narrative of victimhood. Suggesting Māori are incapable of making better health choices is patronising and harmful.”
The pharmacist also condemned the idea of treating patients based solely on ethnicity, calling it an “extreme form of racism” that undermines medical expertise. “My approach focuses on respecting every patient’s individual health needs, rather than applying blanket cultural assumptions,” they said.
Another pharmacist, who owned several North Island outlets and speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the standards were “absurd.”
“There’s no denying health disparities exist among different groups. I proudly employ people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, but at the end of the day, our responsibility is to our patients from a science standing point. We’re here to provide evidence-based healthcare, not chase ideas that belong in fairy tales. I guess there’s good money in consultation, though.”
Nick Hanne, Education Partnerships Manager from the Free Speech Union, added his voice to the criticism during a recent interview with The Platform, calling the new standards “disturbing.”
“We’re talking about the scientific method here,” Hanne said. “Incorporating mātauranga Māori and a Te Ao Māoriworldview into pharmacy means venerating ancestral knowledge that isn’t open to scrutiny, which clashes with the fundamental principles of science. The scientific method demands that everything be questioned—nothing is sacred.”
Hanne went further, questioning the practicality of merging these two knowledge systems. “How do you bring those two things together? I don’t see any intellectual possibility for marrying them. Yet, that’s what’s being imposed here,” he said. “It’s not about offering options—it’s about enforcing compliance.”
Pharmacists must also be familiar with Māori health models such as Te Pae Mahutonga, which, according to the Health Ministry, refers to the Southern Cross constellation.
Additionally, pharmacists are expected to explain the impacts of pre- and post-Te Tiriti o Waitangi events on the health of New Zealanders.
The Pharmacy Council said on its website the introduction of these standards involved “a whāriki tāpui”—a formal woven mat—symbolising a deliberate integration of Western and Te Ao Māori ideologies. The Council described this as an effort to create a “stronger and more cohesive fabric” by merging two distinct worldviews.
Former pharmaceutical practitioner Brian Kennedy didn’t hold back his contempt of the new standards. “This is racism on steroids, the woke, totally unnecessary, unwarranted imposition of irrelevant culture and beliefs on a professional group whose sole focus should be on the safe practice of pharmaceutical medicine.
“The Minister of Health needs to stamp down immediately on this repugnant, racist, woke over-reach by the Pharmacy Council and weed out any of the incompetent and/or radical members of the Pharmacy Council.”
Another retired pharmacist with 50 years working in more than 40 different pharmacies along with 20 years of work as an Advisory Pharmacist told chrislynchmedia.com “We do no look out from the dispensary and say, Oh – that patient is part Maori. Therefore I will explain their medication to them differently than if they were European, Indian, or Chinese or whatever.
“The Pharmacy Council that dictates the cultural safety nonsense is in an isolated office in Wellington, totally removed from the real world of about 2000 frontline pharmacists out there dealing with the public daily.
“The Council when asked what was their main function actually said “To protect the public” From whom? From pharmacists? All pharmacists that I have known and worked with hold the Council in mild contempt, because they are not standing up for pharmacists, and are out of touch with the real world of dispensing pharmacy. Pharmacists that I have spoken to feel the same. Many are contemplating moving to Australia because of this.”
Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall told chrislynchmedia.com, “All professionals providing health care in this country should have a basic understanding of te Tiriti and te ao Māori in order to best meet the needs of their clients.This knowledge gives professionals a deeper understanding of their patients and clients, and how to provide the best care that meets their needs.” She did not respond to other questions sent to her office.
A senior pharmacist, representing dozens of colleagues, said many professionals feel “dispirited” by the imposition of what they see as irrelevant cultural mandates. Speaking anonymously to chrislynchmedia.com, the pharmacist said, “Despite years of practice, I’ve never encountered a patient whose needs were unmet due to cultural differences.”
The pharmacist criticised what they described as a politically driven narrative, saying, “New Zealand is grappling with an ideological movement focused on increasing Māori entitlement and amplifying the harms of colonisation. While addressing historical injustices is valid, much of this agenda seems exaggerated, serving political motives rather than delivering tangible benefits to grassroots Māori.”
They pointed out the growing financial strength of iwi compared to the ongoing poverty many Māori face, questioning whether current efforts truly serve those most in need. The pharmacist added, “Many Māori patients and staff I work with feel objectified and disempowered by this narrative of victimhood. Suggesting Māori are incapable of making better health choices is patronising and harmful.”
The pharmacist also condemned the idea of treating patients based solely on ethnicity, calling it an “extreme form of racism” that undermines medical expertise. “My approach focuses on respecting every patient’s individual health needs, rather than applying blanket cultural assumptions,” they said.
Another pharmacist, who owned several North Island outlets and speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the standards were “absurd.”
“There’s no denying health disparities exist among different groups. I proudly employ people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, but at the end of the day, our responsibility is to our patients from a science standing point. We’re here to provide evidence-based healthcare, not chase ideas that belong in fairy tales. I guess there’s good money in consultation, though.”
Nick Hanne, Education Partnerships Manager from the Free Speech Union, added his voice to the criticism during a recent interview with The Platform, calling the new standards “disturbing.”
“We’re talking about the scientific method here,” Hanne said. “Incorporating mātauranga Māori and a Te Ao Māoriworldview into pharmacy means venerating ancestral knowledge that isn’t open to scrutiny, which clashes with the fundamental principles of science. The scientific method demands that everything be questioned—nothing is sacred.”
Hanne went further, questioning the practicality of merging these two knowledge systems. “How do you bring those two things together? I don’t see any intellectual possibility for marrying them. Yet, that’s what’s being imposed here,” he said. “It’s not about offering options—it’s about enforcing compliance.”
Nick Hanne
Education Partnerships Manager, Free Speech Union
“If patients expect pharmacists to apply scientific methods and instead receive treatment influenced by an ideological framework, that’s a serious problem,” Hanne said.
“This isn’t just theory—it could have real-world impacts on patient outcomes.”
Hanne also criticised the language used by the Pharmacy Council, calling it “dictatorial.” He said, “They talk about weaving together Western and Te Ao Māori ideologies as if it’s a gentle fusion, but it’s not. It’s an enforced directive, with no room for questioning.”
“Is this genuinely about improving health outcomes for Māori, or is it just cultural tokenism? If it’s tokenism, it’s a waste of time and potentially dangerous.”
Hanne said that pharmacists deserve the right to uphold scientific integrity without being forced to adopt ideological practices.
“People have the freedom to seek traditional healers if they choose, but pharmacists should not be compelled to abandon scientific standards,” he said.
Pharmacy Council CEO Michael Pead
Health Minister Simeon Brown told chrislynchmedia.com “As Minister of Health, my priority is to ensure that all Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare. That means ensuring we have the qualified workforce of domestic and international practitioners to meet Kiwis’ health needs.
“Kiwis expect that professional bodies focus on safety and core competencies, not on imposing stringent cultural requirements on practitioners. These act as a barrier to entry for health professionals who have the technical competencies and desire to help New Zealanders receive the healthcare they need” The minister said.
“Pharmacists are valued members of the communities they serve. They develop a strong understanding of community and culture through their service and interactions with the public. I will be writing to the Pharmacy Council to outline my concerns with the imposition of these requirements, and the effects these could have on Kiwis receiving timely, quality healthcare.”
Pharmacy Council CEO Michael Pead declined an interview with chrislynchmedia.com but in a statement said “Hauora Māori, cultural competence, and cultural safety has distinct meanings and expectations and should be considered both individually and collectively, depending on the health consumer or context in which a pharmacist is working. It is important that these terms are not conflated or used solely in reference to Māori.” However, they are addressed solely in reference to Māori.
The Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand refused to comment on the matter, although its Communications Manager Kirsty Taylor-Doig said in a statement “our role is to help our members meet the requirements of the Council, so we’re focused on that.”
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media and is published here with kind permission.
5 comments:
That anyone should be having to display the total idiocy of such directives is unbelievable!
The whole incident has served to illustrate the extreme power wielded by maori today through the implied threat of cancellation. Trace maori congenitally with the te ao and tikanga tradition of utu and school and media brain washed pro maori now permeate everywhere. Very many pharamacists must have been outraged when they first read of this but no one invites a boycott. If the msm would give these matters the attention and criticism warranted, NZ could rapidly restore to post stone age normality and democratic rationality. But the msm (including RNZ) seems even more captured by maorification than is the general public.
Verrall observed that all health professionals should have an understanding of te ao. I have met several who, based on grim experience, have. Their views and anecdotes would never appear in current msm. For terror of cancellation it has now become dangerous to recount in almost any company.
I am intrigued to conjecture exactly how the pharmacist council communications manager spent her days before current revelation publicity. Did she have the gall to circulate and remind members of the council rules?Very likely the Board used one of those current public service job templates to recruit her.
The very fact that the Pharmacy Council would not repond to questions tells you all you need to know.
This is socio-political eugenics in action and frankly eugenics would be an anathema to maoridom as much as it is to anyone.
The entire (for want of a better term) 'maorification' of every aspect of New Zealand society makes almost no sense as to make absurdity, absurd!
Reverse this racist bs immediately. Pead, you are now officially under scrutiny due to your racist policies. Karma will sort you out.
Excellent article, Chris.
You (and Brian Kennedy) are absolutely correct in condemning this overbearing demand by the Council.
Post a Comment