Our advocacy work

How we will achieve our objectives

We will use public channels to advocate for changes to policies and practices.

Since mid-2024 we have:

Established HG Advocacy NZ and our website
Created Getting through Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Non-clinical guidance for women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum in New Zealand
Contacted each of the six midwifery schools to request information on their coverage of HG within their programmes
Met with the midwifery council to discuss how the improve knowledge of HG amongst registered midwives (and students of midwifery)
Submitted an OIA to Te Whātu Ora request copies of treatment protocols used across 3 of the 18 Te Whātu Ora districts (the initial request for all districts was declined, so the 3 districts will provide a sample)
Created our Instagram page – www.instagram.com/hgadvocacynz
Created a survey for women who have experienced HG in New Zealand in the last 5 years – survey is still available to complete https://forms.gle/Kb3cdJfCKDQobYvH7
Engaged with MBIE to confirm parental leave entitlements for women too sick to work during pregnancy

We are currently working on:

Getting a ‘Hyperemesis Gravidarum’ information page created on the info.health website
Improving the ‘Hyperemesis Gravidarum’ information page on Healthify
Engaging with the College of Midwives
Engaging with each of the midwifery schools to improve their HG teaching and assessment standards
Engaging with Te Whatu Ora to require improvements to HG protocols within healthcare service providers
Engaging with MSD to discuss an approach to advocating for better access to income supports for women too sick to work while pregnant

There are some support options already available to women who are struggling with HG in New Zealand.

The Hyperemesis peer support New Zealand Facebook group has almost 1,000 members who can offer guidance and support for women experiencing HG.

The Health and Disability Advocacy is a free service that helps you:

If you have tried these services and have not received the support you need, we may be able to help. You can contact us on hgguidancenz@gmail.com.

We would love your support with our mahi.

We need support with:

You can get in touch with us at hgguidancenz@gmail.com.

Write to your local MP or the Minister of Health

Find your local MP - https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/have-your-say/contact-an-mp/

Minister of Health – Shane Reti S.Reti@ministers.govt.nz

Consider lodging a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner if you believe that you did not receive appropriate healthcare during your pregnancy https://www.hdc.org.nz/making-a-complaint/make-a-complaint-to-hdc/
Contact your current or former LMC to make them aware of the information available. Not all midwives are up to date on the latest guidelines on identifying and treating HG.