Category: MIL-OSI

Source: PHARMAC

In late September the Government announced changes to the procurement of hospital medical devices in New Zealand to reduce costs, duplication and confusion.

Pharmac and Health NZ will be responsible for procuring devices that are most focused on their capabilities and expertise.

The changes will help industry stakeholders understand which agency to work with on different types of medical devices.

“This decision is about providing clarity for suppliers, reducing duplication, and making the system work better for everyone,” says Pharmac’s Director of Medical Devices, Catherine Epps.

Pharmac and Health NZ worked together to identify which of the 55 categories of medical devices they should each be responsible for. Pharmac will lead procurement for 27 categories, while Health NZ will lead 28.

Pharmac will generally be the lead agency for devices that have a direct therapeutic impact on patients and that need a high level of clinical input. For instance, this includes surgical implants and anaesthetic machines.  

“This change leverages the strength of both agencies,” says Epps. “A clear split of responsibilities will also provide the transparency and certainty that suppliers have been asking for.”

Health NZ will generally be the lead agency for high-volume devices that can be standardised across hospitals. This includes things such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and continence products.

Health NZ will also be responsible for procuring devices that need to be integrated into hospital infrastructure, such as MRIs and CT scanners.

As part of this new arrangement, Pharmac will also deliver high-quality, independent assessments to support access to new and innovative devices.

“We’ve received a clear direction from Ministers in the form of a joint Letter of Expectations for Pharmac and Health New Zealand,” Epps says.

The Government expects Pharmac and Health NZ to work together to develop joint priorities and develop an annual medical device plan, as well as create more opportunities for early engagement with suppliers and clinicians.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with Health NZ on the future of hospital medical device procurement,” Epps says.

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac is focussed on being a more outward-focused and transparent organisation; and one of the ways we are doing that is by improving how we share information.

“We’ve received consistent feedback asking us to improve how we share information about our funding processes,” says Adrienne Martin, Director Pharmaceuticals. “We’ve taken that on board.”

The $604 million budget uplift for the 2024/25 financial year was an early opportunity to improve engagement. It was the largest funding increase in Pharmac’s history.

“It was a significant amount of funding to allocate very quickly, while keeping people informed at each stage of the process,” says Martin. “We introduced new tools which helped us do this better.,

One of these tools was a dedicated funding uplift webpage, so health professionals and the public could see all of the funding proposals and consultations underway in real time – Progress to funding cancer and other medicines(external link).

“We wanted to clearly show what was being consulted on, what feedback was considered, and what medicines had been funded.”

Pharmac is exploring how we continue using this approach following positive feedback.

Pharmac also received feedback by working closely with other organisations, such as Health New Zealand and the Cancer Control Agency.  

“We received substantial feedback on funding proposals from affected people, their families, consumer advocacy groups, and health care professionals. It helped to make sure we were considering the right things and led to a number of changes to our proposals,” says Martin.

Some examples of the changes made to funded medicines included:

• We consulted on funding pembrolizumab(external link) for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. In response to feedback, we funded pembrolizumab as a second-line option as well.
• We consulted on funding cetuximab(external link) with chemotherapy for people with metastatic colorectal cancer. In response to feedback, we updated the criteria so cetuximab can be used on its own, without chemotherapy.
• We consulted on funding osimertinib(external link) for people with a type of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In response to feedback, we updated the eligibility criteria to improve access.
• We consulted on funding treatments for stage III and IV melanoma(external link). In response to feedback about the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in reducing melanoma treatments side effects, access to infliximab and tocilizumab was widened.
• We consulted on funding trastuzumab deruxecan(external link) for people who have metastatic breast cancer. In response to feedback, we changed the access criteria to allow people to change between trastuzumab deruxtecan and trastuzumab emtansine if needed.
• We consulted on funding a budesonide, glycopyrronium, and eformoterol(external link) aerosol inhaler for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In response to feedback, we negotiated an agreement to supply an inhaler that uses an alternative propellant with a significantly lower environmental impact.
• We consulted on funding palivizumab for severe illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)(external link), for infants and young children at very high risk of RSV. In response to feedback, we amended the access criteria to better capture high risk children.

“We know we’re not going to always get our proposals 100% right,” says Martin. “We’re always open to feedback. We can’t fix what we don’t know, so we’re very grateful when new information to consider is raised with us.”

Contact enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz if you have any suggestions for how we can improve the information we share about funding consultations and decisions.

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay joined Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership members to launch a new initiative to bolster supply chain resilience in Singapore today.

“This inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the FIT Partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective commitment to open, fair and rules-based trade, and to growing trade and investment,” Mr McClay says.

“Our Ministerial Declaration on Supply Chain Resilience is a concrete step toward building more secure, diverse and predictable supply chains.

“For New Zealand exporters, it helps contribute to greater certainty and reduced costs. For our economy, it means higher confidence in the face of global disruptions.”

The FIT Partnership was established in September 2025 and is a strategic platform for small and medium-sized economies to work together to shape the future of global trade and investment.

Partners also welcomed new members Malaysia and Paraguay.

“I’m looking forward to further strengthening New Zealand’s trade relationships with these new FIT Partners,” Mr McClay says.

The Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership brings together Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Malaysia and Paraguay.

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services were called to a crash in Glengarry, Invercargill at Yarrow and Isabella Streets, shortly after 8pm tonight.

The crash involved three vehicles – one of them was a van. Multiple people were in the vehicles.

The collision caused blockages on Yarrow and Isabella Streets.

One person suffered serious injuries, one moderate injuries and ten others suffered minor injuries. All were supported by Ambulance services and taken to Southland Hospital.

A scene examination is underway to understand the circumstances of the crash. 

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is taking the next step in strengthening New Zealand’s education system with the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill passing its first reading today.

“We are focused on delivering a high-performing, responsive education system that sets all students up for success. Significant progress has already been made on establishing a knowledge-rich curriculum, lifting attendance, enhancing teacher training, strengthening learning support, and improving school property delivery. This Bill will ensure that system-level settings are aligned to effectively deliver these priorities,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“A key part of this bill will raise the quality of initial teacher education (ITE). For years, principals, teachers, the Education Review Office (ERO), and more recently the TALIS report have raised concerns about the quality and consistency of initial teacher education. This needs to change so our teachers are better equipped in the classroom.”

The function of setting standards for ITE programmes and for teacher registration will move from the Teaching Council to a new standard-setting function within the Ministry of Education.

“We are also placing the teacher registration standards within this Ministry-based function because of their critical role in driving quality in ITE. When registration standards are clear, rigorous, and aligned with what we expect new graduates to do, universities and ITE providers must design their programmes to ensure graduates can meet those expectations. The registration standards are an essential lever for strengthening the quality and consistency of initial teacher education. 

“This will help deliver better outcomes in the classroom for our young people,” Ms Stanford says.

Other proposals in the bill include:

• Establish the New Zealand School Property Agency as a new Crown agent with a primary focus on maintaining and building school property.
• With the introduction of a new age-appropriate, detailed and clear health curriculum (which includes Relationships and Sex Education), replace the requirement for community consultation with a requirement for schools to inform parents about RSE and how it will be taught. Parents will continue to have the right to opt their children out.
• Strengthen school curriculum settings, including requiring regular rolling curriculum reviews.
• Transfer regulatory functions for private schools and school boarding hostels from the Ministry to ERO.
• Strengthen the education system’s response when ERO identifies a school of ‘serious concern.’
• Update school attendance exemption processes to improve clarity and compliance.
• Require schools to participate in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to help inform investment and focus to ensure best possible outcomes for students.
• Allow NZQA to recognise and record micro-credentials, ensuring completeness of students’ Record of Achievement.
• Make improvements to the charter school model to support school choice and innovation. 

“When the Government takes education seriously, so do parents, students, and schools,” Mr Seymour says.    

“School attendance matters for the future of this country, and we are fixing it. The Bill tightens provisions for attendance exemptions for students. Principals will no longer have the power to determine whether absence is justified or unjustified.

“The Secretary of Education will set the standards and rules for principals to apply to absences. The new rules will be set once the Bill passes its third reading. What I can say is that inconvenience will no longer justify absence.  

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. The Bill will allow sponsors to meet student demand and hold a single contract for multiple charter school campuses. Charter schools are changing lives. Geography should not preclude children and families from having more education options. The Bill will also increase the length of charter school contracts to 20 years to provide more certainty.”  

Source: New Zealand Government

The NZ-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (NZ-UAE BIT) has entered into force, providing another framework to promote greater economic cooperation between our two countries, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has announced.

“This Treaty will help promote and facilitate investment, by providing investors in New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates with clear rules,” Mr McClay says.

“Together with the NZ-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which entered into force in August, it will help create the conditions for increasing two-way investment.”

“High-quality foreign investment is a critical source of capital for New Zealand to keep building a competitive and productive economy. This Government is working hard to enable it.”

Mr McClay says the UAE is a significant and increasing source of investment globally, and this high-quality treaty will promote New Zealand to UAE investors.

HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade stated: “The UAE-New Zealand CEPA was a historic milestone in our economic partnership, and a transformative opportunity to enhance private sector engagement. Now with the Bilateral Investment Treaty in force, we will continue driving the momentum forward and deepening our investment ties. Together, these agreements will pave the way for increased cooperation between our business sectors, benefiting both our economies.”

Mr McClay and Minister Al Zeyoudi, meeting in Singapore today, also signed a joint statement welcoming the establishment of the New Zealand – United Arab Emirates Business Council. The Council will further strengthen trade, investment and private sector engagement between the two countries.

The UAE is one of New Zealand’s largest markets in the Middle East, and a gateway into a US$500 billion economy that is growing and diversifying rapidly. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A 19-year-old man has been arrested and remanded in custody on nine separate driving related charges.

The charges come in the wake of two bystanders being injured after a car lost control on State Highway 5, near Maraeroa Road, Mamaku on 11 November.

Reports made to Police at around 10:30pm that evening suggested a group of people were conducting burnouts and skids.

An hour later at 11:30pm a vehicle lost control and hit two bystanders, causing life changing injuries that will require months of recovery.

“We know that people go to these activities with a perception that they are harmless but that is far from reality,” says Rotorua Road Policing Manager, Senior Sergeant John Stapleford.

“You’ve got people throwing vehicles around like they’re toys. These are vehicles that weigh over a tonne, being driven in an out-of-control manner – the potential for harm is huge.

“The charges put forward to the courts show our commitment to meeting serious actions with serious consequences.”

Police continue to investigate the matter and are not ruling out further charges against other people involved.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Legislation that will allow skilled plumbers and drainlayers to sign off on their own work has passed its first reading in Parliament, alongside a second Bill aimed at raising standards and improving accountability for building professionals.

“The Government is cutting red tape in the building consent system to make it easier and more affordable to deliver the new homes and infrastructure we need to raise living standards and grow the economy,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

“The system has long been slow and inefficient, with even straightforward plumbing and drainlaying jobs delayed by lengthy inspection wait times, leading to frustrated tradies and homeowners who end up bearing the cost of lost time.

“The Self Certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers Bill has today cleared its first hurdle in the House, and will speed up straightforward residential plumbing and drainage work by allowing approved plumbers and drainlayers with a proven track record to certify their own work.

“It will also ease pressure on the consent system by allowing Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to focus on processing paperwork and conducting inspections for more complex and higher-risk projects.

“Around 16,000 new standalone houses were consented in 2024, and most of these would likely have included plumbing and drainlaying work eligible for self-certification under the new regime.

“This approach has been long called for by Master Plumbers and aligns plumbers and drainlayers with electricians and gasfitters, who have been able to certify their own work for years.

“The scheme will be voluntary, and only practitioners who meet clear competency and compliance standards will be eligible. It will apply exclusively to straightforward plumbing and drainage work, while BCAs will continue to oversee complex or higher-risk projects to ensure public safety is protected.”

A second Bill has also passed its first reading in Parliament today, aimed at further strengthening accountability and standards across the building sector.

“The Building and Construction Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes Amendment Bill will support self-certification by increasing accountability and ensuring consumers have a clear path forward if building work goes wrong,” Mr Penk says. 

“New Zealand has a skilled building industry, but high-profile cases of poor workmanship can unfairly tarnish the sector’s reputation. It’s important to address this as more responsibility shifts from BCAs to building professionals.

“The Bill strengthens the disciplinary process by giving the Licensed Building Practitioners Registrar, who oversees the registration of LBPs, additional tools, and by publishing details of practitioners who have been suspended.

“Complaints processes for licensed electrical workers, plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers are being improved by allowing Registrars to initiate investigations more easily and by introducing Codes of Ethics to promote high standards of behaviour.”

“With these two Bills, we are backing tradies who take pride in their work, reducing unnecessary delays, easing pressure on the consent system, and giving Kiwis confidence that the people working on their homes are supported by clear checks and balances.”

Notes to editor:

• Self-certification for reputable building companies is in progress, with a Bill scheduled for 2026.
• The Building and Construction (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill will apply to work completed by licensed electrical workers, licensed building practitioners and plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 November 2025

MetService has issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Coromandel in response to two weather systems currently bearing down on New Zealand – one of which will move in over Coromandel and other parts of the North Island tonight.

That weather system, swooping down from the Pacific Ocean from the northeast, is expected to dump up to 180 mm of rain on the peninsula from Tuesday 18 November. The MetService’s rain warning is in place until 3:00 pm on Wednesday 19 November.

DOC Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says it’s prudent to close tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove given the weather system’s expected impact.

“DOC’s priority for this site continues to be the safety of visitors and managing visitor risk. Poor weather, particularly heavy rain, exacerbates the landslide and rockfall risks at Mautohe Cathedral Cove.

“We strongly discourage people from visiting the cove while this weather system moves – the conditions make it unsafe.

“We do not want people getting hurt.”

Nick says the Mautohe Cathedral Cove closure will come into effect from 6pm on Tuesday 18 November and be in place until further notice. Decisions about whether it is safe to reopen tracks to the beach will be made once staff undertake site inspections and weather forecasts are assessed.

Sea swells are expected to increase with the weather system and anyone planning to visit Mautohe Cathedral Cove by boat should check sea conditions first and consider the risks.

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is one of Coromandel and New Zealand’s most picturesque and iconic coastal locations, famous for its rock arch. However, land around the cove is known to be potentially unstable with a noted geological and landslide risk after heavy rain events.

DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove guides decision-making for track closures at the site.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

Contact

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Maritime NZ has conducted 28 proactive inspections across 12 ports to assess health and safety practices in the handling of breakbulk cargo – primarily logs, but also fish and kiwifruit.