Community action
5,921 voices
EWA gathered signatures calling for an independent review and rewrite of the national endometriosis guidance.
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5,921 voices calling for change
Better guidance. Earlier recognition. More equitable care.
The petition asks for an independent, evidence-informed review and rewrite of Aotearoa New Zealand’s endometriosis guidance, shaped by both clinical evidence and lived experience.
Latest update · June 2026
The petition is now with the Health Committee
Our petition has been transferred to the Health Committee. This means the issues raised by our community will now be considered by the parliamentary committee responsible for health matters.
This is an important step forward. EWA will continue advocating for guidance that is nationally consistent, evidence-informed, equitable and shaped by lived experience.
What happens now?
The Health Committee can consider the petition, supporting evidence and recommendations. EWA will keep this page updated when there is a confirmed development to share.
Why this matters
Guidance should reflect current evidence and real lives
Too many with endometriosis experience delayed diagnosis, dismissal of symptoms, inconsistent care and major barriers to appropriate treatment and support.
National guidance influences recognition, clinical decisions, referrals and expectations of care. When guidance is unclear, outdated or not consistently implemented, care can depend on where someone lives, what they can afford and which services they can access.
The petition brought together 5,921 voices asking for clearer, more equitable guidance and meaningful recognition of the impact endometriosis can have across a person’s life.
5,921
signatures presented to Parliament.
Petition timeline
The complete confirmed progress is kept here, so the community does not need to follow a separate updates page.
22 April 2026
Presented to Parliament
The petition was formally presented to Parliament and referred to the Petitions Committee.
Read the Parliament recordJune 2026
Transferred to the Health Committee
The issues and recommendations raised by the community will now be considered by the parliamentary committee responsible for health matters.
What the community is asking for
The petition and supporting submission focus on practical, system-wide change.
Independent review and rewrite
A transparent review of the 2020 guidance against current evidence and the experiences of those navigating care in Aotearoa.
Consistent pathways
Earlier recognition, clearer referral pathways, multidisciplinary support and nationally consistent, evidence-informed care.
Accountability
Stronger implementation across the health system, with lived experience included in policy and healthcare design.
Whole-body recognition
Better recognition of endometriosis as a chronic, whole-body disease rather than a condition limited to menstruation.
Equitable access
Guidance that responds to barriers faced by Māori, Pasifika, disabled and rainbow communities and upholds Te Tiriti-based equity.
Respectful, inclusive language
Language, treatment options and support pathways that reflect different bodies, identities, circumstances and care needs.
Community-led policy work
View our suggested changes and Guidelines Review
EWA has created a detailed review of the 2020 National Endometriosis Guidelines to identify what is missing and recommend urgent changes to endometriosis (mate kirikopu) care in Aotearoa.
The review was developed by Endo Warriors Aotearoa with input from our Youth Advisory Board and reviewed by a medical professional. It brings together lived experience, community knowledge and evidence-informed recommendations.
Inside the review
- A summary of where the current guidance falls short
- Suggested changes to language, treatment options and access to care
- An emphasis on inclusive, equitable and evidence-informed care
- A call to embed Te Tiriti-based equity
- Recommendations that reflect the needs of Māori, Pasifika, disabled and rainbow communities
The work continues
Placing endo hāpori at the centre
Our goal is to place the voices of the endo hāpori—our endometriosis community—at the centre of health policy.
The rewrite is being led by EWA and our Youth Advisory Board, in partnership with a national panel of experts, clinicians and lived-experience voices. Together, we are working toward guidance that is inclusive, enforceable and grounded in evidence and real-life experience.
This is community-led policy work, not a final clinical guideline. It will be strengthened through expert and community feedback.
Share your whakaaro
If you live with endometriosis, support someone who does, work in endometriosis care or the health sector, or belong to an organisation supporting affected communities, we welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions. Your insight can help ensure this kaupapa reflects the needs of the communities it is intended to serve.
Email Guidelines Review feedback