Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
Genspect New Zealand says the tide has turned on the acceptability of puberty blockers and cross‑sex hormones for minors, after a new Curia poll found more than twice as many New Zealanders oppose the interventions as support them.
Genspect is an international group of parents, clinicians, and researchers who argue that medical treatments for gender‑distressed young people have moved too fast, with too little evidence. The New Zealand branch regularly engages in public debate and policy discussions, calling for a more cautious, psychological‑first approach for under‑18s.
The Curia poll asked whether hormone treatments for distress about one’s sex should not be available to those under 18.
Fifty‑six percent agreed, while just 23 percent disagreed. Younger adults were the most decisive, with support for restricting access running at roughly three to one.
Genspect NZ spokesperson Jan Rivers says the results show a clear shift in public sentiment. “It appears we have passed the high‑water mark for the acceptability of these damaging interventions that carry significant consequences for children and young people.”
Support for restricting youth access crossed every political party. If reflected in law, New Zealand would align with the United Kingdom, where puberty blockers are banned for under‑18s following major clinical reviews.
The findings echo earlier polling. After the government introduced a ban on new puberty‑blocker prescriptions for minors in December 2025, a Family First survey found 50 percent supported the move, with 23 percent opposed.
Rivers says the latest results reinforce a consistent message: New Zealanders have low tolerance for irreversible or high‑risk medical interventions when young people may not fully grasp long‑term consequences. “A judicial review of the puberty‑blocker ban will be heard in July, but this poll indicates broad public support for the government’s action.”
