23 Oct 2026
1 day ago
89 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has today welcomed Pharmac’s decision to extend the 12-month transitional access funding limit for Pertuzumab with trastuzumab (Phesgo) for people receiving treatment for certain types of breast cancer in private clinics. “In the past, when Pharmac funded a new cancer treatment, people already paying for that treatment privately are forced to make a very difficult choice: spend their savings to continue private treatment undisrupted, or transfer to a public hospital. The latter can be detrimental to their recovery,” Mr Seymour says.
23 Oct 2026
1 day ago
61 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $6 million towards replacing the Monowai Suspension Bridge in western Southland, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson and South Island Minister James Meager say. The funding will support construction of a new bridge on Lake Monowai Road, ensuring continued access to Monowai Valley and Fiordland National Park. “This bridge is a vital link for the Monowai Valley communities and businesses, and the historic Monowai hydroelectric power station which has contributed to the electricity network for more than 100 years,” Mr Patterson says.
02 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
337 views
Pharmac and Health New Zealand are expanding the range of funded medicines community pharmacies can provide without a prescription, including treatments for children’s skin conditions, oral thrush, vaginal thrush, and selected oral contraceptives. This initiative aims to improve timely access to healthcare, especially for rural and remote communities, reduce pressure on the health system, and lower primary care costs for families. Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown emphasize that utilizing pharmacists’ skills and pharmacies’ accessibility supports the government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare close to home.
29 Aug 2026
1 month ago
440 views
Over 53,000 hunting permits have been issued through a new self-service online system, exceeding projections and significantly reducing administrative workload, according to Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager. The digital upgrades streamlined permit regions, extended permit durations, and improved compliance, resulting in a 10% increase in active permits and over $130,000 saved in resources. The system's success reflects efforts to enhance outdoor access for hunters, with plans to expand the online platform to more high-demand areas for fairer allocation next season.
21 Aug 2026
2 months ago
524 views
The number of children waiting for dental surgery in Auckland has dropped by over 1,400, reaching its lowest level in years due to various initiatives like increased theatre capacity and better collaboration between hospital and community teams. A pilot program offering publicly funded sedation for dental treatment has provided an alternative to general anaesthetic, helping 340 children receive faster care and reducing the surgical waitlist. These efforts have freed up hospital capacity for more urgent cases and improved timely access to dental treatment for children.
07 Aug 2026
2 months ago
607 views
The Government is strengthening the Total Mobility scheme to enhance transport options for disabled and older New Zealanders by adopting a national purpose statement, reviewing funding for wheelchair accessible vehicles, and considering expanded provider standards including ride-hail services. After extensive public consultation, the Government decided against imposing mandatory documentary evidence, periodic reassessments, or trip caps to avoid burdening users, aiming to balance scheme sustainability with user independence. Funding changes implemented in July 2026 reduced subsidies and fare caps to address financial shortfalls, with further decisions on public transport concessions and operational reviews to be made by Cabinet and the NZ Transport Agency.
05 Aug 2026
2 months ago
595 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to expand access to type 2 diabetes medicines based on clinical need, benefiting over 30,000 patients regardless of ethnicity. From 1 September, medicines like empagliflozin and liraglutide will be funded for anyone with high blood sugar despite other treatments, removing previous restrictions related to cardiovascular or renal conditions. This change, supported by community feedback and a new supplier agreement, aims to improve health outcomes, reduce complications, and optimize health budget efficiency.
30 Jul 2026
2 months ago
717 views
The New Zealand government is investing over $8.5 million in three initiatives to strengthen the rural health workforce and improve local access to care. These include funding for Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training, expanded and subsidized Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) training, and a $6 million boost to the National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Service to attract a broader range of health professionals. These efforts aim to equip rural clinicians with better skills and support, ensuring timely, quality healthcare for rural communities and reducing reliance on distant hospital care.
06 Jun 2026
4 months ago
1731 views
Paramedics in New Zealand will be authorized to prescribe certain medicines, enabling more community-based care and reducing pressure on emergency departments, especially benefiting rural and remote areas. This change reflects the evolving role of paramedics beyond emergency response, supported by new training programs and regulatory adjustments under the Medicines Act 1981. The Ministry of Health is consulting on the specific medicines paramedics may prescribe and developing the necessary regulations and scope of practice to implement this policy.
27 May 2026
5 months ago
1186 views
A new 286-hectare commercial game preserve, Te Konini, will open in Hawke’s Bay in 2027, increasing hunting opportunities and supporting the local economy. Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager highlights that such preserves sustain hunting traditions, create rural jobs, and contribute significantly to New Zealand’s economy. The preserves operate on private land with landowners managing pheasant releases and hunting access, enhancing both local business growth and outdoor recreational experiences for Kiwis and visitors.
22 May 2026
5 months ago
875 views
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, in collaboration with Creative HQ, has selected six projects for the Access Activator pilot programme to improve accessibility for disabled New Zealanders through technology. These projects, which address needs in street navigation, reading, housing, and sports education, received a total of $405,000 in funding and will be supported with mentoring to maximize their impact. The initiative aims to help disabled people thrive and participate fully in society, reflecting the growing population with disabilities and their valuable contributions.
13 May 2026
5 months ago
838 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched a free Business Mental Health Toolkit to help small and medium-sized businesses improve workplace productivity by addressing mental health. The toolkit offers confidential support through the Groov app, 24/7 counselling via text or call, and in-person services, aiming to reduce barriers like cost associated with Employee Assistance Programmes. This initiative is part of the Government’s broader mental health plan to enhance access to support, increase frontline workers, and improve crisis response.
07 May 2026
5 months ago
1204 views
New Zealand’s Conservation Amendment Bill aims to modernize conservation land management by cutting red tape, speeding decision-making, and supporting economic growth while enhancing environmental protection. The reforms include a new National Conservation Policy Statement, faster concession approvals, and the introduction of international visitor access charges at select sites to generate approximately $60 million annually for reinvestment in conservation and infrastructure. The Bill balances job creation, improved visitor experiences, and stronger nature protection, with continued statutory safeguards and opportunities for public feedback during the legislative process.
24 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1004 views
Veterans Affairs has increased private vehicle mileage reimbursement rates by 50 percent to help veterans manage rising fuel costs when traveling for treatment. This temporary measure, funded within the existing budget, applies until petrol prices drop below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks and aims to ensure veterans continue accessing essential care. The government emphasizes supporting veterans amid global fuel price volatility, prioritizing those with limited transport alternatives.
20 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1269 views
The Govt. nz app will soon offer new digital features, including a digital wallet for storing accredited credentials from government and private sectors, supported by the Government Credential Issuance Platform. Hospitality New Zealand is collaborating to introduce a digital Kiwi Access Card for age verification, enhancing convenience and security without physical cards. By July 2026, secure messaging will enable direct communication from government agencies, while app use remains voluntary alongside existing service channels.