Starting 1 February 2026, New Zealanders will have access to 12-month prescriptions for their medications, aiming to provide relief for those undergoing long-term treatments.
“We are focused on reducing costs and making it simpler and more convenient for patients to access the medicines they need,” Health Minister Simeon Brown said.
Patients will keep collecting their repeat prescriptions from the pharmacy as usual but won’t have to visit their doctor for a new script each time.
This change could save patients up to $105 per year in reduced GP fees.
“This common-sense change, announced in Budget 2025, will allow people with long-term, stable conditions to receive prescriptions of up to 12 months from their prescriber. It gives patients greater certainty and frees up GPs’ time by reducing the number of appointments needed to renew routine prescriptions.”
“This will make a real difference for people managing long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure. It will also free up valuable time for GPs, pharmacists, and other health professionals to focus on patients with more complex needs.”
The government is also moving forward with practical reforms to enhance the pharmacy workforce by eliminating ownership restrictions that could prevent pharmacists from becoming prescribers.
Under current legislation, no prescriber may own or have a stake in a pharmacy unless they have an exemption. According to Brown, “This is an unnecessary barrier for pharmacists who want to take on prescribing responsibilities.”
“The Medicines Amendment Bill, which passed today, will remove this restriction so pharmacists can become prescribers while continuing to invest in or own pharmacies. This will support more flexible models of care, encourage innovation, and make better use of skilled professionals.”
Approximately 100 pharmacist prescribers currently operate in GP clinics, hospices, and hospitals, but none work in community pharmacies because of these restrictions.
“Pharmacists are a highly skilled and accessible workforce, and we want to enable them to do more for their communities. Allowing pharmacist prescribers to work in community pharmacies will mean patients have more access to some prescription medicines.”
Associate Health Minister David Seymour said the changes will allow New Zealanders to access the medicines they need more quickly.
“Extending prescription lengths and removing ownership barriers for pharmacists makes life easier for patients. It’s a common-sense approach that makes getting healthcare easier and more affordable,” he said.
“When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer. This means they can live more fulfilling lives. It also reduces pressure on other parts of the health system.”