National Ethics Advisory Committee

The National Ethics Advisory Committee's (NEAC) statutory functions are to provide advice to the Minister of Health on ethical issues of national significance regarding health and disability research and services, and to determine nationally consistent ethical standards and provide scrutiny for such research and services.

NEAC was established under section 16 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000, and its members were appointed in December 2001. The Committee’s full name is the National Advisory Committee on Health and Disability Support Services Ethics, and it is also known by its Māori name; Kāhui Matatika o te Motu. Read more about us.

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News and Updates

Nov 30: Ethical Guidelines for Intervention Studies
NEAC has developed guidelines on conducting intervention studies that aim to contribute to better health outcomes for New Zealanders by further developing best practice in intervention studies.

In an intervention study, an investigator intervenes to prevent, diagnose or treat illness or disease, and also studies the effects of the intervention for its safety and/or benefit. A clinical trial of a new blood pressure medicine is an example of an intervention study.

The evidence that intervention studies provide is a fundamental driver of innovation, patient safety and improved care so healthcare organizations should welcome the conduct of well-designed intervention studies. Intervention studies also have the potential both to benefit and to harm participants, so it is important that they are scientifically and ethically sound.

View full list of news and updates.

Page last updated: 30 November 2009