Articles tagged with David Seymour
Pharmac Proposes Funding Seven Key Medicines to Improve Rural Emergency Care in NZ
6 days ago | 95 viewsAssociate 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.
Tags: David Seymour Matt Doocey Pharmac Health NZ ACC rural health emergency care PRIME services intravenous tranexamic acid rural GPsNew ECE Licensing Criteria Reform to Boost Quality, Cut Costs from 2026
1 week ago | 97 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour announced the completion of reforms to Early Childhood Education (ECE) licensing criteria, reducing and simplifying requirements by nearly 20% to lower compliance costs while maintaining child safety. The changes, based on sector feedback, aim to remove unnecessary red tape, improve clarity, and introduce a new Director of Regulation to oversee licensing, enforcement, and support with a collaborative approach. These reforms, effective April 2026, are designed to make it easier to open and operate high-quality ECE centers, increasing parental choice and access.
Tags: David Seymour Early Childhood Education ECE licensing criteria Ministry of Education ECE Sector Review Director of Regulation compliance costs child safety early learning services Government reformCutting Red Tape in New Zealand Yields $223M-$337M Economic Benefits
1 week ago | 98 viewsMinister for Regulation David Seymour highlights that cutting red tape in New Zealand has generated significant economic benefits, with a return of $11–$17 for every dollar spent, totaling an estimated net public benefit of $223 million to $337 million over 10 years. Examples include lifting bans on medical conferences and revoking unnecessary sector-specific regulations, which have already brought millions in benefits and promise ongoing savings across various industries. The government aims to continue reducing unnecessary regulations to boost productivity, economic growth, and public value through practical reforms and improved regulatory standards.
Tags: David Seymour Ministry for Regulation New Zealand red tape medical conferences Hairdressing and Barbering Sector Review economic benefits regulatory reform early childhood education MotuNew ECE Regulation Law Prioritizes Child Safety and Streamlines Licensing
2 weeks ago | 107 viewsAssociate Education and Regulation Minister David Seymour announces a new law prioritizing child safety and establishing a Director of Regulation to oversee early childhood education (ECE) licensing, compliance, and enforcement with a focus on reducing unnecessary costs and red tape. The Director will ensure a proportionate, risk-based approach to regulation that supports children’s development, parental involvement, and high-quality ECE services, based on sector feedback highlighting previous rule confusion and excessive bureaucracy. These reforms, effective February 2026, aim to improve access and quality in ECE while aligning with the Government’s commitment to smarter regulation and will involve legislative changes to transfer regulatory functions to the Education Review Office.
Tags: David Seymour Ministry for Regulation Director of Regulation early childhood education ECE licensing Education and Training Act ECE Sector Review Ministry of Education ERORegulatory Standards Bill: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in New Zealand Law
3 weeks ago | 154 viewsRegulation Minister David Seymour celebrates the passing of the Regulatory Standards Bill, emphasizing its importance in revealing the true costs of regulations to the public and reducing regulatory burdens through political pressure. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in legislation by establishing a Regulatory Standards Board to assess consistency with principles of responsible regulation. By promoting evidence-based policy and providing recourse for individuals affected by overreaching regulations, the bill ultimately seeks to improve New Zealand's productivity and empower citizens to hold decision-makers accountable.
Tags: Regulation Minister David Seymour Regulatory Standards Bill Kiwis’ rights Public Finance Act Reserve Bank Act Bill of Rights Act Regulatory Standards Board Regulatory Impact Statements Earthquake Prone Buildings lawBoosting School Attendance: Insights from Education Minister David Seymour
3 weeks ago | 151 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour expressed disappointment over a drop in attendance rates in the last week of Term 3, attributing it to strike action disrupting learning. The decline in attendance was significant, with almost 20,000 students leaving early, prompting the need for schools to have an attendance management plan in place. Interventions outlined in the plan include escalating responses for declining attendance, with a focus on improving data monitoring and case management to ensure all students have the opportunity for positive educational outcomes.
Tags: David Seymour Education Minister Attendance Term 3 Strike action AMP Education and Training Amendment Bill Daily attendance reporting Frontline attendance servicesNew Zealanders to Benefit from 12-Month Prescriptions and Pharmacist Ownership Changes for Improved Access to Medicines
3 weeks ago | 157 viewsStarting from February 1, 2026, New Zealanders will have the option to receive 12-month prescriptions for their medications, aiming to save costs and enhance convenience for those on long-term treatments. This change, introduced in Budget 2025, allows stable patients to obtain longer prescriptions, reducing the need for frequent doctor visits and potentially saving up to $105 annually in GP fees. Additionally, the government is removing ownership restrictions for pharmacists to become prescribers, enabling more accessible care and innovation in the healthcare system.
Tags: New Zealanders Health Minister Simeon Brown Associate Health Minister David Seymour prescriptions medicines GP fees pharmacy pharmacist prescribers Medicines Amendment Bill community pharmaciesPharmac Funds Access to New Cancer Treatments, Including Subcutaneous Injections, for Improved Patient Care
3 weeks ago | 137 viewsAssociate 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.
Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Pharmac cancer medicines treatments patients access Health Minister Associate Health MinisterNew Zealand's Medicines Advertising Ban Lifted, Boosting Economic Growth
3 weeks ago | 128 viewsThe Medicines Amendment Bill in New Zealand has lifted the prohibition on advertising medicines at medical conferences and trade shows, signaling the country's readiness for business, according to Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown. This change is expected to inject cash into local economies through the Red Tape Tipline and provide Kiwis with increased access to needed medicines. The move is projected to generate $90 million in revenue over the next few years, attracting major medical conferences to New Zealand and fostering economic activity.
Tags: Medicines Amendment Bill New Zealand advertising medical conferences trade shows Regulation Minister David Seymour Health Minister Simeon Brown Red Tape Tipline pharmaceutical companies economic growthNew Zealand Implements 'Rule of Two' for Faster Medicine Approvals
3 weeks ago | 134 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes the passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill, which introduces the 'Rule of Two' for faster approval of medicines with recognition from two overseas jurisdictions. The streamlined verification pathway aims to increase access to medicines for New Zealanders, starting with countries like Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The government prioritizes improving patient outcomes by enhancing access to medicines through initiatives like increased Pharmac funding, patient input in funding decisions, and efficient regulatory processes.
Tags: David Seymour Medicines Amendment Bill Rule of Two Kiwis New Zealand Medsafe Pharmac pharmaceuticals patient outcomes regulatory approvalNew Education Bill Mandates Attendance Plans for Schools in 2023
3 weeks ago | 175 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is pleased with the passing of the Education Training Amendment Bill (No 2) at third reading, which mandates attendance management plans starting from Term 1 next year. The new STAR system, meaning Stepped Attendance Response, will provide escalating responses for declining attendance, with schools developing their own systems based on a standard framework. The government's focus on improving school attendance is showing positive results, with rising attendance rates and additional funding allocated to enhance attendance services and support students in returning to school.
Tags: David Seymour Education Minister Attendance Management STAR system Education Training Amendment Bill School Attendance Education Review Office Frontline Attendance Services Budget 2025 Educational OutcomesNew School Lunch Programme to Provide Affordable Nutritious Meals to 242,000 Students Daily from 2026
1 month ago | 151 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has announced a new school lunch program starting in Term 1 of 2026, providing affordable, nutritious lunches to around 242,000 students daily in contributing primary schools. Ten suppliers have been contracted to deliver lunches to 188 schools, catering to standard and special diets with sustainable packaging and efficient ordering systems. The program aims to save taxpayers $145 million in 2026 by utilizing a regional approach, offering meals at an average cost of $3.46 per lunch without requiring additional funding.
Tags: David Seymour school lunch programme suppliers nutritious meals primary schools affordable taxpayers funding studentsPharmac Progress Report 2024/25: Enhancing Transparency and Patient Involvement
1 month ago | 149 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's progress report against his 2024/25 Letter of Expectations, emphasizing the importance of patient input and transparency in decision-making processes. Pharmac has made strides in meeting expectations, such as enhancing consumer engagement, collaborating with health sector partners, and improving organizational culture and stakeholder sentiment tracking. The report highlights achievements, including increased funding and efforts to deliver better healthcare services for New Zealanders, signaling a positive shift in Pharmac's direction under the current government.
Tags: David Seymour Pharmac New Zealanders Pharmaceutical funding Consumer engagement Health sector Minister Transparency Performance metrics Stakeholder sentimentMeasles Immunisation Week Urges New Zealanders to Protect their Families
1 month ago | 164 viewsHealth 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.
Tags: Health Minister Simeon Brown Associate Education Minister David Seymour Measles Immunisation Week MMR vaccine immunisation status nationwide campaign measles outbreak Aotearoa Immunisation Register vaccination community transmissionInnovative Autism NZ Education Hub to Open in 2026: A Personalized Approach for Neurodivergent Students
1 month ago | 227 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour announced the opening of the Autism NZ Education Hub in Term 3, 2026, as a charter school, providing a tailored education option for autistic and neurodivergent secondary school students in Wellington and Auckland. The hub will offer personalized learning plans focusing on students' strengths, interests, and needs, aiming to address the high rates of absence and school rejection among neurodivergent and disabled students. The charter school model aims to bring innovative education options to communities, with a focus on flexibility, accountability, and student success, with plans for more charter schools to open in the future.
Tags: David Seymour Autism NZ Education Hub Charter School Autism NZ Dane Dougan Education Minister Education Review Office Alternative Education Charter School Agency Authorisation Board