In Aotearoa New Zealand, intersex children—born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical male or female categories are still subject to medical interventions that can cause lifelong harm. These procedures often happen before the child can consent, raising serious human rights concerns.
The UN has called on Aotearoa New Zealand to change its approach. Our 3-year research project aims to respond to that call.
Our mission
We are working to help public institutions better understand and support the human rights of intersex people. Our research brings together experts in law, health, and social sciences to explore how decisions are made and how they can be improved. Through conversations and workshops, we are learning from lived experiences and Indigenous and Pacific perspectives to promote fairer, more informed healthcare and policy choices.
Vision Mātauranga
We centre Indigenous rights and knowledge to ensure culturally grounded, inclusive outcomes, especially for Māori with variations in sex characteristics.
Key questions
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How can Aotearoa New Zealand better meet UN human rights obligations in healthcare for individuals with variations in sex characteristics ?
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What kinds of thinking and engagement lead to meaningful change?
What we are doing
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Engaging decision-makers in workshops and dialogue
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Analysing health data to understand impacts and inequalities
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Collaborating with intersex advocates, Māori and Pacific experts, and human rights leaders
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Mapping opportunities for change across public institutions
If you would like to know more about our research, download the project summary (PDF 404KB).
**This research project is funded by the Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Fund Grant (Agreement No. 110861)
Contact us
Get in touch if you have any questions