Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has welcomed prescribing changes that will enable GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose and treat adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

“I applaud Pharmac and Medsafe’s decision to widen prescribing rules for ADHD medicines from next February, this decision will give New Zealanders faster access to assessments and treatment,” Mr Doocey says.

“This is a common-sense change that will make a meaningful difference in many lives of New Zealanders. I have heard stories of many people with ADHD who have been unable to get a diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner because of long wait items and costs associated with seeing a specialist.”

Currently, GPs and nurse practitioners can only prescribe ADHD medicines to patients with a written recommendation from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, or after someone has already been diagnosed and had their first prescription.

“This is a great step forward for timely access to support and for system efficiency. A number of our GPs and nurse practitioners are already working closely with psychiatrists to treat ADHD, so they already have the skills to manage this work,” Mr Doocey says.

“It is still crucial that we balance risks. The Ministry of Health is working with sector representatives to develop a clinical principles framework for the assessment and treatment of ADHD. This will ensure there is quality and consistency for supporting patients with ADHD in New Zealand.

“I want to acknowledge the many advocates with lived experience and others who have spent years advocating for this change. This decision is based on the recommendations received from both healthcare practitioners and patients.

“We have heard your feedback loud and clear, and we know the positive impact this decision will have on many people’s ability to access what is often life-changing medicines.”

This change is only one in a suite of measures to increase access to ADHD medicines. Last year, Pharmac also removed the requirement for funded access to stimulant medicines to be renewed every two years and is funding a new ADHD medicine, lisdexamfetamine.

Note to editors:

• Health agencies will be working closely with health sector groups over the next few months to support these changes. Not all GPs and nurse practitioners will be equipped to carry out this work immediately after the regulatory changes come into effect.
• For younger people under 18, this change will allow nurse practitioners working within a multidisciplinary setting as part of paediatric or child and adolescent mental health services to diagnose and start treatment for ADHD.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is recognising Matariki at the official ceremony near Ohakune today, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

“We are honoured to be guests of Ngāti Rangi for this traditional hautapu ceremony,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“This is the fourth national Matariki broadcast but the first time it has been hosted by a marae, and the first year Puanga is the star of national celebrations. 

“Matariki and Puanga are both stars that sit in the night sky together to signal the start of the Māori new year for different iwi. 

“We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to witness and share in the Puanga traditions of Ngāti Rangi.

“The theme for this year’s celebration is Matariki mā Puanga, which means celebrating together. I hope that no matter where people are, they get the chance to remember, celebrate and look to the future. Mānawatia a Matariki!”

“For many Iwi, Puanga shines brightest above our communities as we grow the tradition of celebrating together,” Mr Potaka says.

“These Puanga observations signal the year is coming to a close, and inform forecasts for the future. It’s a time to reflect on the past, remembering and giving thanks to those who have passed on before us.

“It’s also a time to reflect on what was achieved over the past year. Along with the rising of Matariki, we welcome the dawn of a new year and plan ahead with ancestral wisdom.”

Source: PHARMAC

Source: New Zealand Government

A United Nations report ranking New Zealand’s fisheries among the world’s most sustainable is strong recognition of the sector’s hard work, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“The report compared fisheries around the world and found the region including New Zealand’s waters have the second highest levels of sustainable stocks in the world.

“New Zealand has a reputation around the world for high quality, sustainable kaimoana and, as this report shows, the reputation is richly deserved,” Mr Jones says.

The review of the state of world marine fishery resources report is produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to give an overview of the state of fisheries around the world.

The section of the report on the Southwest Pacific, including all of New Zealand and the Australian New South Wales coast, said 85.5 percent of fish stocks were considered sustainably fished.

“The report confirms what we already knew – that the quota management system (QMS) works well to keep our fisheries sustainable and continues to be the best framework for managing fisheries sustainably,” Mr Jones says.

“It is a good validation of our approach and it didn’t happen by accident. It is the result of generations of effort since the introduction of our quota management system in 1986. Fishers, scientists, kaitiaki, volunteers and regulators all work hard to keep our fisheries sustainable.”

“While these results are incredibly positive, I believe that our fishery management system can be even better, which is why I have proposed changes to the Fisheries Act. These changes will build on what we are already doing well, and make our fishing industry more efficient and productive, to allow the sector to meet its potential.”

Source: Maritime New Zealand

We know that many Maritime Transport Operator Certificates (MTOC) expire this year and we have worked on our business processes so decision times for MTOC renewals are now much faster.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 24 June 2025
Last updated 24 June 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing a further $150,000 to support implementation of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement—ensuring New Zealand exporters can compete on a level playing field while helping protect global fish stocks.

“This is about backing rules that stop unfair subsidies and make sure all countries are held to the same standards,” Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.

“It’s in New Zealand’s direct interest to see this Agreement fully implemented—especially in the Pacific, where many of our key partners operate and where our seafood exporters are active.”

New Zealand’s total contribution now stands at $310,000.

The 2022 Agreement—ratified by 102 WTO members—will ban subsidies that support illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing of overfished stocks, and unregulated high seas fishing. Just nine more ratifications are needed for it to enter into force.

“Unfair subsidies distort global trade and undercut responsible producers like ours. This Agreement ensures a more level global playing field—while also supporting the sustainability of fish stocks we all rely on,” Mr McClay says.

“New Zealand will continue to push for the Agreement to enter into force and for negotiations on additional rules to conclude quickly.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Space Minister Judith Collins have today announced that in partnership with the US, the Government is investing $5.6 million to support five new joint NZ-NASA research projects in the field of Earth observation.

Researchers from New Zealand and NASA will work in partnership to tackle challenges such as disaster resilience and environmental management over the next three years.

“These projects will combine some of New Zealand’s best research talent with NASA’s world-leading scientific expertise and technology, driving innovation in space science and environmental monitoring,” Dr Reti says.

“Advancing Earth observation science helps us better understand our natural environment and enables us to manage our natural resources more effectively. For example, we can use satellite data and AI algorithms to accurately measure water movements, which helps manage freshwater and mitigate floods.

“These projects will create a more resilient economy and drive productivity in some of our most valuable export industries, such as forestry and agriculture. They will also grow our science and innovation sector by positioning us in global growth markets such as remote sensing,” Dr Reti says.

“The US is an indispensable space cooperation partner for New Zealand and our engagement with NASA is a key part of our bilateral relationship. These projects will further entrench our ongoing and positive relationship with NASA,” Ms Collins says.

“NASA will contribute Earth observation satellite data, access to advanced tools and technology, as well as approximately $1.9 million in direct staff time and expertise.

The projects are the second stage of the NZ–NASA research partnership through the Catalyst Fund, following an earlier round of feasibility studies. The selected projects span a range of high-impact areas:

• Te Mātai Pū o te Kea – High Altitude Coastal Remote Sensing – advances remote-sensing technology using Kea’s Atmos high-altitude uncrewed aircraft.
• Satellite Multi-Scale Hydrologic Framework for Te Hiku ō Te Ika Wairere Ngahere – develops tools to measure terrestrial water flux via satellite data.
• Monitoring Vegetation–Geothermal Interactions from Space and Airborne Platforms – Integrates multiple Earth observation data streams to measure chemical and physical changes via vegetation.
• Near Real-Time Fuel Moisture System for Wildfire and Drought – builds a predictive fire model using remote sensing.
• Integrating Machine Learning and Remote Sensing for Dynamic Forest Mapping – develops predictive forest mapping using satellite imagery.

Further information about the projects can be found on the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/catalyst-strategic-new-zealand-nasa-joint-research-programme-in-earth-observation

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Catch limits and other management changes for nearly 30 fisheries across the country are included in proposals for the next regular fisheries sustainability review, says Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries management Emma Taylor.

The public consultation, which began today, includes proposed changes for 3 blue cod stocks, snapper on the west coast of the South Island, and blue mackerel on the west coast of the North Island.

“The blue cod fish stocks being reviewed are all highly-prized shared fisheries, important to recreational, customary, and commercial fishers alike,” says Emma Taylor. 

“Proposed cuts to commercial catch for 2 blue cod stocks are in response to latest abundance estimates, while the third had a commercial catch limit cut last year. Recreational daily catch limits are proposed to be reduced for all 3 fisheries, in line with the settings in place under the National Blue Cod Strategy.”

Emma Taylor says the latest assessment of blue mackerel on the west coast of the North and South Islands shows that the fish stock is above the target level, so the proposals include an increased catch for the fishery.

“These are just a small portion of the fish stocks included in the proposed changes. I encourage anyone with an interest in our fisheries to read the consultation material and provide feedback.

“The fisheries included in this review represent stocks that are of importance to New Zealand economically, socially, and culturally,” says Emma Taylor.

“We need to ensure that catch limits and other settings for our fisheries strike the right balance between getting value for all New Zealanders while ensuring they remain sustainable for future generations.

“Following consultation, we will prepare advice for Fisheries Minister Shanes Jones to make decisions on any changes, which would come into effect for the fishing year starting 1 October 2025,” says Emma Taylor.

Also included in the proposed changes are deemed value rate changes for 6 fish stocks. The consultation is open now and will run until 23 July 2025.

The full proposals, as well as more information about the consultation and how to make a submission can be found on Fisheries New Zealand’s website.

Proposals for changes to catch limits for orange roughy on the Chatham Rise are also being developed and will be available for consultation in the coming weeks.

Find out more

Review of sustainability measures for fisheries – October 2025 round

Review of sustainability measures for fisheries – October 2024 round

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: New Zealand Government

General practices are set to benefit from the largest funding boost in New Zealand’s history – because frontline care starts with your local GP, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“This Government is focused on real results. When you are able to see your doctor or nurse earlier, you stay healthier and out of hospital. That’s better for patients, better for the system, and exactly what we are here to deliver,” Mr Brown says.

“Too many New Zealanders have struggled to get care because their local GP isn’t taking new patients, or the next available appointment is weeks away. This funding boost is about turning things around. It’s part of our $1.37 billion investment in Health New Zealand through Budget 2025 – backing your local family doctor to see more patients, reduce wait times, and deliver care faster to those who need it most.

“The funding agreement reached with the sector yesterday reflects another significant step forward and will support GPs to continue to improve access to timely, quality healthcare.”

Under the agreement, GPs will receive a 13.89 per cent funding uplift this year. This brings the total Government funding increase for GP clinics this financial year to $175 million – more than double the highest annual increase seen since capitation was first rolled out.

“This reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthen and invest in frontline services to ensure New Zealanders can get access to the timely, quality healthcare they deserve.

“We have already announced major investments to boost the number of doctors and nurses working in primary care. This funding boost will enable GP clinics to recruit and retain the additional workers as they graduate.”

This funding increase provides: 
 

• $59 million capitation increase for the number of patients enrolled with individual general practices
• $60 million for improved patient access to appointments, and to encourage practices to provide more data to enable more performance-based funding
• $30 million performance-based funding for improved immunisation outcomes, specifically ensuring more babies receive their first vaccine doses at the six-week milestone
• $26 million in additional funding to help GPs keep fees capped for community service card holders and those on low incomes and to prevent fee increases for under-14s.

“Supporting GP clinics to deliver minor planned care procedures closer to patients in the community takes pressure directly off our hospitals.

“That’s why a further $5 million to expand access to minor planned care procedures in the community will be made available to the sector once implementation details are worked through. This will reduce wait time for procedures such as minor gynaecological procedures, skin excisions, iron infusions, and oncology infusions.

“Childhood immunisations are a key priority for this Government. We want to see 95 per cent of enrolled children fully immunised and we know GPs play a critical role in achieving that. That’s why this agreement includes performance payments for clinics that lift childhood immunisation rates by up to ten percentage points, or to 95 per cent of their enrolled population, with partial payment for partial achievement. 

“This agreement marks a significant and positive step forward for the primary care system. It responds directly to consistent feedback from the sector over the past year about the need for a more sustainable and responsive funding model.

“I expect this investment to deliver real results – including shorter wait times, easier access to care, and better health outcomes for patients.”

The collection of more primary care data will further support a more effective funding approach and ensure resources are targeted at improving patient outcomes. 

“This is part of the Government’s broader plan to rebuild and strengthen the foundations of our health system, with primary care at the centre, and to focus on performance and delivery.

“This is the largest investment in general practice in decades – but more importantly, it’s tied to better results. Shorter wait times. Higher immunisation rates. More patients getting the care they need in the community. 

“This is how you rebuild a health system – not with slogans, but with funding, focus, and delivery. 

“I would like to thank the primary care sector representatives, including GenPro, GPNZ and Kāhui Tautoko who have worked with Health New Zealand in good faith on this record uplift,” Mr Brown says.