01 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1154 views
Associate Health Ministers David Seymour and Matt Doocey support Pharmac’s proposal to fund seven emergency medicines for rural care, aiming to improve timely access for rural GPs, nurses, and midwives by March 2026. The proposal includes medicines for PRIME services and home births, addressing delays in ambulance and hospital access in rural New Zealand, and is part of broader efforts to ensure equitable healthcare regardless of location. Public consultation on the proposal will run from December 1 to 19, with the goal of enhancing emergency and everyday care in rural communities while reducing hospital pressure.
25 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1231 views
New Zealand is launching a 10-year Health Digital Investment Plan to modernize its healthcare system by replacing outdated, paper-based records with a single Electronic Medical Record system that enables seamless information flow between GPs, specialists, and hospitals. The plan focuses on improving patient outcomes, supporting clinicians, stabilizing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and enhancing data-driven decision-making through phased implementation and investments in technologies like remote monitoring, national radiology, and AI tools. To ensure success, the government has established the Centre for Digital Modernisation of Health and initiatives like HealthX to accelerate digital transformation and deliver faster, safer, and more coordinated care.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1166 views
The Government has renewed a $2.7 million investment in the Farmstrong rural wellbeing programme, part of a five-year $6.8 million agreement between ACC and Farmstrong aimed at reducing injuries in agriculture and horticulture. Since its 2016 launch, Farmstrong has delivered significant returns, saving over 9,800 injury claims and $52 million in costs by addressing the link between wellbeing and injury risk. The programme, supported by ACC, FMG, and the Mental Health Foundation, provides practical resources to support farmers' mental health and safety, reinforcing the sector's importance to New Zealand's economy.
17 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1194 views
The New Zealand Government is introducing safe harbour legal protections to enable banks, telecommunications providers, and digital platforms to act swiftly and confidently in blocking suspected online scams without fear of prosecution. These protections require reasonable grounds for suspicion, proportional action, and correction of any unintended disruption, supporting a prevention-first approach against scams that caused $265 million in losses last year. Complementing this, the New Zealand Anti Scam Alliance is developing a trusted flagger system and new fraud intelligence tools to identify and freeze suspicious accounts, enhancing cross-sector collaboration to combat evolving scam threats.
17 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1213 views
New Zealand’s Medicines Amendment Bill now allows nurse practitioners to prescribe a wider range of medicines, improving patient access and continuity of care. This change removes previous restrictions, enabling nurse practitioners to provide timely treatment directly within their scope of practice, especially benefiting communities with limited doctor access. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that this update recognizes nurse practitioners' advanced skills and enhances healthcare efficiency and outcomes.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1156 views
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has appointed four new members to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Board: Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM, Dr Uluomato'otua Saulaulu Aiono ONZM, Mr Simon Flood, and Mr Michael Chapman. These appointments aim to enhance the TEC Board's capabilities in driving the Government's priorities for the tertiary education system, including regional polytechnic re-establishment and skills-focused investment. The new Board members, appointed for a three-year term, bring diverse expertise to guide the TEC's strategic direction under the continued leadership of Dr Alan Bollard CNZM and Robin Hapi CNZM.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1232 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac's decision to fund access to five treatments, including for breast and lung cancer, starting from December 1, 2025. Pharmac's decisions include funding new subcutaneous options for existing IV medicines, two new medicines, and ongoing access to certain treatments. The move aims to make patients' lives easier, reduce strain on the health system, and provide better and faster access to cancer care in New Zealand, aligning with the government's focus on improving cancer management and ensuring better access to cancer medicines.
07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1251 views
The Taranaki Cancer Centre, recently opened, provides world-class cancer care close to home for patients in the region, featuring a Linear Accelerator for radiation therapy. This technology allows for precise treatment targeting, improving outcomes and patient comfort. The facility also offers increased access to chemotherapy, enhancing medication availability and treatment scheduling, in addition to various amenities to support patients and families throughout their care journey.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1142 views
Health New Zealand is launching a nationwide Measles Immunisation Week to combat rising measles cases, urging all New Zealanders to check and protect their immunisation status. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the MMR vaccine, promote timely immunisation for all ages, and support health sector efforts to prevent measles spread. Free MMR immunisations are available for individuals aged 12 months and older, with additional clinics running throughout the week to facilitate vaccinations.
31 Oct 2025
11 months ago
1185 views
Free blood testing is being introduced for nearly 24,000 residents in Te Anau and Wānaka, addressing the lack of local blood collection centers in rural South Island communities. Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey emphasize the importance of providing free blood tests to improve healthcare access and reduce inequities between rural and urban areas. The initiative aims to enable earlier diagnoses, eliminate travel and cost barriers, and ensure rural New Zealanders receive necessary care in their own communities, with support from local MPs and Health New Zealand's efforts for consistent free blood testing across the South Island.
28 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1267 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins appointed Bernadette Arapere, a barrister from Whanganui, as a District Court Judge. Judge Arapere, admitted to the bar in 2005, previously worked as a Crown Counsel and has a diverse legal background in public law and litigation. She will be based at the Hastings District Court, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 29 November.
28 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1041 views
Minister Scott Simpson is traveling to Canberra and Sydney to enhance New Zealand's partnerships with Australia, focusing on regulatory approaches, financial competition, and consumer protection. In Canberra, he will meet with Australian government officials to deepen cooperation and explore ways to promote fairer markets and economic growth. The Minister's agenda also includes engagements with the National Anti-Scam Centre, the Australian Banking Association, and Google to advance anti-scam initiatives and strengthen consumer protections in digital environments.
24 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1106 views
The Government of New Zealand is investing $12.6 million to replace ageing air ambulance helicopters with newer aircraft, with $7.3 million from Health New Zealand and $5.3 million from ACC. This investment aims to address the issue of New Zealand having the oldest helicopter fleet in the developed world by 2024. The new helicopters will enhance safety, reliability, weather response capabilities, maintenance efficiency, fuel efficiency, and operational performance, while also supporting standardization for improved maintenance and workforce efficiency.
19 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1137 views
The Traffic Light System is expanding with two new non-financial sanctions related to job searches and upskilling, aimed at increasing accountability for beneficiaries. These sanctions require reporting job search activities and attending employment-related training courses. The government is focused on reducing benefit dependency, offering support services and incentives to help individuals transition into employment and meet their obligations. The goal is to have fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030 by proactively preparing individuals for employment opportunities.
01 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1253 views
Jan Dawson has been appointed as the new Chair of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Board by Minister Scott Simpson due to her strong leadership and governance experience. Minister Simpson emphasizes the need for improved outcomes at ACC, highlighting the importance of prioritizing clients and delivering efficient rehabilitation services. Dawson's extensive background in governance and track record of driving results make her well-suited to lead the turnaround efforts at ACC, focusing on enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for injured New Zealanders.