The system is failing people with ADHD. It doesn’t have to be this way.
A petition has now been formally presented to the New Zealand Parliament to investigate systemic harm and push for real change.
Current Status: Referred to the Health Committee
The petition closed for signatures on 30 January 2026 with 1,832 signatures in support of a public inquiry into systemic harm affecting people with ADHD in Aotearoa. It was formally presented to Parliament on 26 March 2026.
On 15 May 2026, the Petitions Committee referred the petition to the Health Committee for consideration. The Health Committee is expected to consider the petition in late June 2026.
What the Petition Asks For
The petition calls on Parliament to:
- Investigate systemic harm affecting people with ADHD
- Hear evidence from people, families, professionals and communities
- Develop a coordinated national response and long-term plan
Official Petition Wording
The full petition wording and submission details are available on the New Zealand Parliament website.
Why This Matters
ADHD is everywhere, but support is not.
There are about 280,000 people with ADHD in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Many have experienced:
- Late or missed diagnoses
- Punishment instead of support in school
- Workplace barriers and burnout
- Stigma in healthcare and communities
Despite this, New Zealand has no coordinated national ADHD strategy, no dedicated funding plan, and no formal inquiry into systemic harm.
Other countries, including Australia, the UK and Canada, have already undertaken formal ADHD reviews or inquiries.
A public inquiry would bring lived experience, evidence, and accountability together to identify where systems are failing and what needs to change.
Ways to Stay Involved
While the petition has now closed, you can still support the work by:
- Sharing awareness of ADHD-related systemic harm
- Telling your story (Your Story Matters page)
- Contacting your MP
- Following @ADHDInquiryNZ for updates