Another so called professional body goes woke

Chris Lunch reports:

Health Minister Simeon Brown says he will demand an explanation from the Pharmacy Council over its competence standards for pharmacists, which have been described as “deeply disturbing.”

It follows inquiries to his office by chrislynchmedia.com over the standards, published on 15 June 2023 and enforced from 1 April 2024, which require all pharmacists to be “confident to perform waiata tautoko,” a Māori support song, and to advocate for “giving effect to te Tiriti at all levels,” “prioritising Māori voices and trusting Māori intelligence.”

Pharmacists must also be familiar with Māori health models such as Te Pae Mahutonga, which, according to the Health Ministry, refers to the Southern Cross constellation.

The woke virus has infected almost every professional registration body in NZ. It is time for a law which states no regulatory body can impose cultural requirements beyond the basic treat all cultures with respect. Requiring pharmacists to undertake political advocacy around te Tiriti is wrong.

I don’t care if my pharmacist can perform a waiata and I suspect neither do the vast majority of Māori. I want them to be able to advise me on the best medicines for my children.