Gender mender, bender or defender- variations in sex development/Intersex in the New Zealand context

The objectives of this PhD research are: 

1.To investigate and describe the nature of contemporary management of IVSC and decision-making processes in relation to the care and treatment including gender assignment and genital surgery in the NZ setting

2.To describe strengths and weaknesses in contemporary clinical management 

3.To uncover and describe key elements contributing to complexity of decision making 

4.To contribute unique and cutting-edge research to the international body of research in the IVSC
field that is currently engaged in lively debate, providing knowledge that can advance the care of those affected IVSC in both an individual and societal context. 

5.To develop a longitudinal study addressing long-term outcomes in DSD in NZ.
The research will maintain a partnership approach with both Maori, the indigenous population of NZ and IVSC advocates throughout the course of the study and will be involved in its dissemination.