11319 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

11319 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What, if anything, prevented the treaty examination process from being completed before the deadline to accept the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations amendments?

Hon Simeon Brown: The Parliamentary treaty examination process was not initiated. If the Government had not made a decision on the 2024 International Health Regulations amendments by 18 March 2026, New Zealand would become automatically bound. The Government’s position on the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulation was stated in the instrument of rejection. This is that “… in accordance with Article 61 of the International Health Regulations, New Zealand rejects the 2024 Amendments”.  New Zealand remains committed to the WHO and reserves its right to withdraw its rejection to the 2024 amendments in the future.