Summarised by Centrist
Pharmacists across New Zealand are upset over new cultural competency rules imposed by the Pharmacy Council, which require them to perform Māori waiata, prioritise Māori voices, and advocate for Te Tiriti principles.
Critics argue these mandates are an ideological overreach, undermining scientific standards and placing unnecessary barriers on professionals.
Christchurch journalist Chris Lynch reports that former pharmaceutical practitioner Brian Kennedy slammed the requirements as “repugnant, racist, woke over-reach,” calling it “racism on steroids.”
He called on Health Minister Simeon Brown to intervene.
Lynch cited another veteran pharmacist with over 50 years of experience criticising the Council for being “out of touch” with frontline practitioners, warning that many are considering moving to Australia. “We don’t treat patients based on ethnicity—we treat them based on need,” he said.
Nick Hanne of the Free Speech Union called the directives “disturbing,” arguing that merging Te Ao Māori knowledge with pharmaceutical science creates contradictions. “The scientific method demands scrutiny—nothing is sacred,” he said. “Yet pharmacists are being forced to comply with an ideological framework that could affect patient care.”
Minister Brown promised to demand an explanation from the Pharmacy Council, stating that professional bodies should focus on core competencies, not cultural mandates. “Kiwis expect safety and expertise from their pharmacists—not ideological compliance,” he said.
