National Kaitiaki Group

The National Kaitiaki Group considers applications for approval to disclose, use, or publish protected information on the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) Register that relates to wāhine Māori.

The group protects wāhine Māori cervical screening data by making sure the data is:

• not used or published inappropriately or in a way that reflects negatively on Māori
• used to benefit wāhine Māori.

It also provides assurance that wāhine Māori data is protected, enabling them to continue to take part in the screening programme.

The group was established in 1995 by the Minister of Health under the Health (Cervical Screening (Kaitiaki)) Regulations 1995. Members are appointed by and accountable to the Minister.

Health (Cervical Screening (Kaitiaki)) Regulations 1995 — New Zealand Legislationexternal link

If you want to access, use or disclose wāhine Māori cervical screening data from the NCSP Register, you must first make an application to the National Kaitiaki Group.

The group meets monthly from February to December. Applications for data are required at least 3 weeks before a meeting.

You can also apply in writing to the NCSP programme manager to request data from the Register. They will let you know if you need to send your request to the group for approval.

Applications for data

To make an application you will need to complete both the:

• NCSP and NCSP Register - Request for Data form
• National Kaitiaki Group application form.

You can get both of these on our NCSP information request page.

Information requests — Health NZexternal link

Criteria for assessing data applications

The National Kaitiaki Group has certain criteria for assessing applications to access wāhine Māori data. Your application must show how you will:

• use the information for the benefit of wāhine Māori
• address the principle of the sanctity of te whare tangata
• protect the information in a manner that is culturally appropriate.

These criteria make sure the use of data is consistent with the Kaitiaki Regulations.

Data confidentiality

The National Kaitiaki Group makes sure any data released protects the confidentiality of wāhine Māori on the NCSP Register. Very small numbers that might identify individual wāhine will be formed into bigger groupings.

The Minister appointed National Kaitiaki Group members are:

• Dr Teah Carlson (Convenor)
• Ebony Duff
• Sandra Corbett
• Tasha Wharerau.