12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1222 views
Starting 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.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1165 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
1241 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.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1157 views
The 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.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1261 views
US supermarket giant Costco is planning to open a second store in South Auckland, welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis. The Government is facilitating quick approvals for new supermarkets through legislation and working closely with Costco for efficient consenting processes. Kiwi Property has agreed to sell land for the new Costco store, expected to boost the economy, create jobs, and enhance competition for shoppers.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1231 views
Ellen MacGregor-Reid has been appointed as the new Secretary for Education, a role she has been acting in since October 2024. She has a strong background in education leadership, having held senior positions at the Ministry of Education since 2015. The Education Minister, Erica Stanford, highlights MacGregor-Reid's role in driving the government's education agenda and expresses optimism about working together to improve outcomes for all students.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1157 views
Associate 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.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1212 views
The Government marks one year since apologizing to survivors of abuse and neglect in care, acknowledging their suffering and emphasizing the need for remembrance and support. Survivor communities across New Zealand held events supported by the National Day of Reflection Fund, promoting healing and awareness. An additional $2.7 million is allocated for the Survivor Support and Recognition Fund to provide ongoing support services and efforts to prevent future abuse in care.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1249 views
Associate 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.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1263 views
The Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) has passed its third reading in Parliament, focusing on lifting student achievement, improving education workforce governance, and upholding freedom of expression in universities. Key changes include prioritizing educational achievement for school boards, extending notice period for strike action, implementing attendance management plans, strengthening teacher education requirements, and requiring universities to develop freedom of expression statements. The legislation aims to improve outcomes for young people, enhance academic freedom, and promote critical thinking and diversity in universities.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1221 views
The New Zealand Government is responding to a critical report on the Police's handling of complaints against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming by establishing strong oversight through an Inspector-General of Police. The report highlighted serious issues within the former Police executive, leading to concerns about integrity and culture. The Government and Police are accepting and implementing recommendations to strengthen oversight, integrity processes, and code of conduct, emphasizing the importance of public trust in the Police force.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1171 views
The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill has passed in Parliament, aiming to reduce congestion and improve travel times in New Zealand. Time-of-use charging encourages off-peak travel to keep cities moving efficiently. The legislation allows local authorities to partner with NZTA on targeted schemes to ease gridlock and support economic growth, with Auckland likely to be the first to implement such measures.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1310 views
New Zealand is implementing tougher enforcement against drug-impaired drivers by introducing roadside drug testing for THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine using oral-fluid devices. The initiative aims to reduce the 30% of road deaths involving impairing drugs and improve road safety. Police will conduct quick roadside screening tests, followed by laboratory analysis for positive results, leading to driving prohibitions and infringement notices for non-compliance.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1144 views
Stage 1 of the radiology upgrade at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital will provide over 10,000 additional MRI and CT scans annually, improving diagnostic speed. The refurbishment doubles MRI and CT imaging capacity, ensuring quicker and more reliable services for patients. The upgrades support government health targets, including reducing wait times, enhancing emergency care, and increasing diagnostic efficiency to meet growing demand in Hawke’s Bay.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1195 views
Cabinet has approved the repeal and replacement of the Arms Act 1983 with a new law aimed at enhancing public safety, streamlining compliance for licensed firearm owners, and cracking down on criminals. The new law will simplify regulations, increase penalties for offenses, address emerging technologies, and establish a more transparent firearms regulator. Changes include clarifying secure storage requirements, creating a new licensing review committee, and ensuring police access to essential information while enhancing trust in the licensing system. The proposed Arms Act overhaul aligns with the coalition commitment to prioritize public safety, simplify regulations, and undergo thorough public consultation during the six-month select committee process.