5 October 2025

O I A – Government funding and regulation of “natural pharmaceuticals” and seaweed resource use

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OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT REQUEST

File Reference: ILAW-NATPHARMA-MPI-OIA-2025-002

Date: 6 October 2025

From:
Office of the Attorney – InLandsAirWater Counsel (PTNDA)
Anne Kafo, Attorney / Secretary (per instruction of Tracy Lynch)
PO Box 237, Gore | [email protected] | 03 244 9516

To:
Chief Executive – Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Chief Executive – Ministry of Health (MOH)
Chief Executive – Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)
cc All Territorial and Regional Councils of New Zealand

Subject:

Official Information Act Request – Government funding and regulation of “natural pharmaceuticals” and seaweed resource use

Background

This request arises from public reporting and RNZ’s 4 October 2025 article “Government announces more funding for natural pharmaceutical sector.” That article records Minister Dr Shane Reti’s statement that $42.8 million will be redirected from the Strategic Science Investment Fund to a “Biodiscovery Platform” supporting the natural pharmaceutical sector.

Members of the InLandsAirWater Counsel – Private Trust (PTNDA) also hold evidence that MPI has interfered with or restricted seaweed harvesting by tangatawhenua, despite proven therapeutic benefits and ecological regeneration.

Because the term ‘pharmaceutical’ implies synthetic or regulated substances, clarification is required as to how government agencies are defining and funding ‘natural pharmaceuticals,’ particularly where the source is marine or botanical.

Request

1. 1. Funding and Grants

• All approvals, proposals, or payments directed to “natural pharmaceuticals,” “biodiscovery,” or “bio-based products.” The legal authority for reprioritising funds (e.g. from the Strategic Science Investment Fund). Applications, project reports, audits, or evaluations of funded initiatives.

2. 2. Regulatory and Legal Classification

• Internal or external legal advice on the definition or classification of “natural pharmaceuticals.” Correspondence between MPI, MBIE, and MOH regarding regulatory oversight, safety, or marketing. Risk or liability assessments linked to these products.

3. 3. Seaweed and Marine Resource Harvesting

• Policies, permits, or enforcement actions involving seaweed harvesting, aquaculture, or marine bioresources. Communications or decisions affecting customary seaweed use by tangatawhenua. Research contracts or funding linking seaweed to “natural pharmaceutical” development.

4. 4. Therapeutic Claims and Cures

• Submissions, trials, or reports evidencing cures or health improvements from seaweed or natural products. Internal analyses or external correspondence regarding such claims. Insurance or indemnity advice relating to harm or liability in this area.

5. 5. Refusals / Redactions

• A schedule of documents withheld, including OIA reasons. Any Ministerial consultations regarding potential withholding.

Administrative Notes

• Digital response preferred (PDF/email).
• Address for service: PO Box 237, Gore.
• Contact: [email protected] | 03 244 9516.
• Protected under the Private Trust Non-Disclosure Agreement (PTNDA).
• Non-response or partial response may be treated as a breach under the Trust Fee Schedule ($25,000 per breach).

Signed for Trustees,

Anne Kafo
Attorney / Secretary – InLandsAirWater Counsel (PTNDA)