Check you're eligible before you apply
Health and disability research must go to a Health and Disability Ethics Committee (HDEC). Commercial and government-funded research should go to IHREC — Social Science. Since our 2025 update, only community researchers and those unable to pay for review should apply here — we are all volunteers, and funded research using our capacity takes it away from those with nowhere else to go.
The application form
6pm on the 15th of the month
Applications close at 6pm on the 15th, except in December. The committee meets on the Monday after the last Sunday, and feedback follows 7–10 working days after that meeting. Expedited review is available within capacity — see fees.
What to send us
- Confirmation you are eligible — not HDEC scope, no institutional committee available, and not commercial or government-funded research.
- Completed application form — every section, including the Te Ara Tika questions.
- Participant information sheet and consent form, written in plain language.
- Recruitment materials — emails, posters, social media posts, anything a participant will see.
- Instruments — your interview guide, survey, or observation protocol.
admin@aotearoaresearchethics.org
Send everything in one email. We screen for completeness first and may come back to you for clarification before the review meeting.