19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
610 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour praises Pharmac’s progress in responding to the 2025/26 Letter of Expectations, highlighting improvements in patient involvement, timeliness of decision-making, and sector collaboration. Key achievements include trialling streamlined assessment pathways, enhancing consumer engagement, updating rare disorder policies, and advancing digital investments, all contributing to a clear multi-year organisational improvement programme. While progress is noted as impressive and transparency has increased, Seymour emphasizes that continued efforts to listen to patients and improve access to medicines remain essential.
21 Jul 2026
3 months ago
768 views
The final report of the Public Inquiry into the disappearance of the Phillips children has been presented to the Governor-General’s office and delivered to Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop. The Attorney-General will review the report for necessary redactions due to suppression orders and the welfare of the children before presenting it to the House of Representatives. The Government will carefully consider the Inquiry’s recommendations and respond in the coming weeks, with thanks extended to the Inquiry Chair, Honourable Justice Simon Moore KC, and his team.
08 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1151 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing access to eating disorder support by introducing peer support workers across regional services and increasing funding by $4 million annually to reduce wait times and improve early intervention. Peer support workers, who have lived experience with eating disorders, are being implemented to aid recovery, alongside expanded support for families and carers through organizations like Eating Disorders Carer Support and the Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand. This initiative aims to strengthen community support networks and ensure timely, comprehensive care for individuals and their families affected by eating disorders.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1278 views
Health New Zealand is launching a two-year pilot program to provide faster, locally delivered genomic testing for cancer and rare disorders, reducing wait times by processing tests domestically rather than overseas. Partnering with Illumina, the pilot will use Whole Genome Sequencing and Comprehensive Genomic Profiling to improve diagnosis, treatment decisions, and build local expertise while managing genomic data securely. This initiative aims to enhance clinical outcomes, generate operational savings, and inform the development of a national genomics service focused on timely, patient-centered care.
10 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1191 views
The Government has welcomed the Health Committee’s report on aged care support for people with neurological cognitive disorders, following an inquiry launched in 2024 that gathered extensive input and made 14 recommendations. The Government’s response acknowledges these recommendations and will consider them through ongoing aged care reforms, including work by the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group. Committed to improving access and quality of care, the Government aims to ensure timely support for older people, particularly those with neurological cognitive conditions.
09 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1298 views
The Government has introduced the Arms Bill to Parliament to modernize New Zealand’s firearms laws, enhancing public safety while easing regulatory burdens on licensed owners. Key reforms include updating offences, disqualifying gang members from holding licences, creating an independent Firearms Regulatory Agency, and addressing emerging technologies like 3D printing. The Bill fulfills the ACT-National coalition’s commitment to rewrite the Arms Act 1983 and will undergo a six-month select committee process for public input.
03 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1371 views
New Zealand's Mental Health Minister, Matt Doocey, launched a refreshed strategic approach to eating disorders, with a significant funding increase of over $4 million annually, totaling over $23 million. The strategy emphasizes a full continuum of care, including prevention, primary health care, early intervention, community services, and specialist and inpatient services. The funding package includes initiatives such as peer support, community-based support for families, capacity increase for specialist services, and expansion of prevention and early intervention support to better support those battling eating disorders.
22 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2067 views
A bill to improve access to secondary legislation and digitize government services has passed its first reading, aiming to make legislation easier to find and comply with. Attorney-General Judith Collins highlights the importance of high-quality legislation that is easy to understand and use. The bill standardizes publication practices for secondary legislation and includes the redevelopment of the New Zealand legislation website to provide a one-stop shop for all legislation matters.