On 12 April 2024, Hāpai te Hauora, the Māori Public Health Authority, published new guidelines detailing  recommendations and principles required for the diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Aotearoa NZ.

From the introduction:

"These guidelines were developed by a tāngata tiriti and tāngata whenua project team at Hāpai te Hauora, supported by a steering group and multiple advisory groups, and funded by Te Whatu Ora. The approach to developing the guidelines included co-design with lived experience whānau and health professionals which highlighted the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori understandings of health and wellbeing, and whānau voice." 

Whānau voice was been central to the development of these guidelines. They were established within and are responsive to the distinct context of Aotearoa and as such, they must be grounded within a Te Tiriti o Waitangi framework.

FASD-CAN Patron, Judge Fitzgerald wrote the preface to the guidelines. It is a living document and will be subject to regular review after implementation has occurred and more evidence becomes available.

Click here to find out more and access the guidelines.