Tu Te Akaaka Roa – the RANZCP New Zealand National Committee has expressed deep concern over the proposal of a new Member’s Bill from New Zealand First that risks further marginalising intersex, trans and gender-diverse people and undermining their rights, dignity and access to care. 

RANZCP President Dr Elizabeth Moore said the proposed legislation could have serious consequences for the mental health and wellbeing of some of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable communities. 

The Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill seeks to define “woman” and “man” in law as “adult human biological female” and “adult human biological male”. 

“Intersex, trans and gender diverse people in Aotearoa already face significant mental health disparities due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to culturally safe and affirming healthcare. This bill, if progressed, will only deepen those harms and their impact,” Dr Moore said. 

Psychiatrists have long maintained that being trans or gender diverse is not a mental illness, but trans and gender diverse people experience higher rates of mental illness than the general population. Stigma, discrimination, trauma, abuse and assault all contribute to it. 

“When politicians push legislation that questions people’s existence or aims to define them out of public life, it creates a climate of fear. We’ve seen the damage this can do, particularly to young people already struggling with acceptance and support. 

“Every one of us deserves to be treated with respect and dignity — including in our laws, policies, and public discourse.” 

The proposed bill comes just days after the College in Australia raised concerns about the worsening mental health of trans and gender diverse people, citing new research showing significant disparities in mental health outcomes and access to care. 

The RANZCP is calling on all parties to reject the bill, if selected for debate, and instead focus on inclusive policies that ensure intersex, trans and gender diverse New Zealanders can live safely, be recognised in their identities, and access the mental health care they need. 

"Psychiatrists have a responsibility to counter stigma, protect, and stand up against attempts to discriminate against communities most at risk. 

“If we want to build a fairer Aotearoa where all people can thrive, we must support policies that uphold mana, affirm identity, and ensure access to culturally safe, person-centred and responsive mental health care — not strip it away,” Dr Moore said. 

For media inquiries, please contact: Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org  

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org. 

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au. 

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.