On behalf of Hon Peeni Henare, Associate Minister of Health, Te Manatū Hauora | The Ministry of Health is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment to the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ECART).

ECART is established under section 27 of the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2004 (the HART Act).

ECART's purpose is to consider, determine and review applications for assisted reproductive procedures or human reproductive research.

Kōrero mōu | About you

Te Manatū Hauora is seeking applications for the following positions:

Two layperson members with expertise in Māori customary values and perspective

Preferred experience for this role includes:

• an understanding of tikanga Māori, particular around concepts like whānau, fertility, and cultural identity
• an interest in reproductive technology, fertility treatments, lived experience of fertility issues or the changing nature of what it means to have a family in Aotearoa New Zealand.

One non-layperson member with expertise in human reproductive research

Preferred skills for this role include:

• knowledge of and experience in human reproductive research/assisted reproductive technologies, and the concepts of family formation using assisted reproductive technologies an approach that is accepting of the values of diverse community perspectives

One non-layperson member with either expertise in mental health OR fertility treatment expertise

Preferred skills for this role include either:

• experience with the mental health and wellbeing of individuals or communities as a medically trained mental health worker (for example a mental health nurse, doctor, researcher or psychiatrist).

or:

• medical experience in fertility, fertility issues or gynaecology
• an understanding of tikanga Māori and application to reproductive technology.

The ideal candidate would have strong cultural awareness and experience working in research with Māori and/or Pacific communities. An ability to work objectively across a range of relevant perspectives and not adopt a narrow advocacy position is required of all members. Members are also expected to demonstrate open and responsive communication skills, with an ability to reach consensus when different points of views are shared.

To qualify for the layperson membership positions, you must not be:

• a health practitioner within the meaning of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003; or
• involved in health research; or
• be employed by or associated with (or has a pecuniary interest in) a fertility provider.

An ability to work objectively across a range of relevant perspectives and not adopt a narrow advocacy position is required of all members. Members are also expected to demonstrate open and responsive communication skills, with an ability to reach consensus when different points of views are shared.

Members are expected to develop a strong working knowledge of the HART Act 2004 and in particular the guiding principles for ECART; and be able to apply legislation and regulations in ethics review of applications.

Kōrero mō te tÅ«ranga | About the role

You are able to undertake this role from anywhere in New Zealand. You will need to have robust computer access and skills. Strong internet connection is necessary as most committee meetings are undertaken via video conferencing

The Committee may meet in-person in Wellington at the request of members. Travel costs are covered for members by the Ministry of Health.

ECART members meet every two months. The 2022 dates for ECART committee meetings are available online, linked below:

https://ecart.health.govt.nz/meetings/

Following appointment, training materials will be supplied. More comprehensive training is undertaken annually