Cross-Party Parliamentary Group on Rare and Undiagnosed Disorders

On 12 March 2025, a cross-party parliamentary group on rare and undiagnosed disorders was formally established to increase awareness of rare and undiagnosed disorders within the New Zealand Parliament.

CPGRD, as it will informally be known, aims to support policies and initiatives that enhance equity, wellbeing, and social inclusion for people living with rare or undiagnosed disorders and their families.

At the inaugural meeting National MP Hamish Campbell was elected Chair of the group, and Labour MP Hon. Dr. Ayesha Verrall MP was elected Deputy Chair.

The establishment of the group was supported by Associate Minister of Health Hon. David Seymour, with the first meeting being hosted in the Minister’s office.

The initial members of the group include:

Hamish Campbell - Chair
Hon. Ayesha Verrall - Deputy Chair
Hon. James Meager
Sam Uffindel
Todd Stephenson
Hūhana Lyndon
Ingrid Leary
Helen White
Maureen Pugh
Cameron Luxton

The CPGRD will meet quarterly and Rare Disorders New Zealand will provide secretariat support.

Rare News

Our Collective

Rare Disorders NZ is the collective voice of all people living with a rare disorder and their whānau. Our rare collective is made up of more than 150 disorder-specific support groups. Our work is informed by the issues important to our collective, and we work together to improve healthcare and wellbeing for everyone living with a rare health condition in New Zealand.

Learn more