

Empowering New Zealand Nurses for Excellence in Healthcare
Bicultural Structure
Membership includes belonging to a bicultural organisation focused on professional nursing issues and community health.
Insurance Coverage
Members receive up to $1 million indemnity insurance in New Zealand (not applicable for retired members). (Conditions apply).
Access to Publications
Members have access to the ‘Nursing Praxis in Aotearoa New Zealand’ journal.
Influence and Networking
Members contribute to a significant influencer in health policy decision-making and join a dynamic network of professional nurses committed to high standards of practice.
12 May 2026
Health Minister Simeon Brown - Recognising the extraordinary contribution of nurses
Hon Simeon Brown Minister of Health 12 May 2026 Recognising the extraordinary contribution of nurses International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary role nurses play in caring for New Zealanders at every stage of life, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “Whether supporting patients in emergencies, caring for people in their communities, helping new parents, or delivering specialist treatment, nurses are there during some of the most important moments in...
12 May 2026
New medicine supply notices
Codeine phosphate (Noumed) 30 mg (Pharmacode: 2643219) There is stock available. We have had reports that some pharmacies have experienced restrictions on supply of codeine. The supplier is working with wholesalers to understand why this is happening. While stock may get low, we do not anticipate a complete outage. Colestyramine (Powder) 4 g sachet Supplies of colestyramine powder sachets will be limited (Pharmacode: 2662000). Pharmac is investigating funded alternatives. Rifampicin (Rifadin)...
11 May 2026
Pharmac : Update for Primary Care Prescribers
Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 8 May 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply issue: dexamfetamine 5mg tablets There is a supply issue affecting the Noumed brand of dexamfetamine 5 mg tablets. The supplier has advised that stock will be unavailable from April to June 2026. The Aspen brand of dexamfetamine 5 mg tablets is available. The excipients in the Aspen...
10 May 2026
Flexible NP opportunities across North Island (0.2 – 0.8FTE)
Flexible NP opportunities across North Island (0.2 – 0.8FTE) We’re seeking NPs for contract roles across the North Island to provide weekly rounds to Aged Residential Care (ARC) facilities, delivering high-quality care to older patients with complex needs. We currently have opportunities across Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and Greater Wellington. You will work closely with onsite nurses and care teams to: Provide excellent clinical care to...
10 May 2026
Good fellow Unit - Dermatology Practical Updates 2026
Enhance your Dermatology Expertise: Join Our Online Session this Saturday, 16 May. Join leading New Zealand dermatology specialists in this 4-hour webinar designed to help you navigate complex cases with confidence. All registrants will enjoy continued access to the full video recording, so you won’t miss a moment - even if you can’t attend live on Saturday. Enhance your Dermatology Expertise: Join Our Online Session this Saturday, 16 May.Join leading New Zealand dermatology specialists in...
6 May 2026
Continuing Professional Development
Our latest selection of CPD options for you: High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) WEBINAR 12 May: Rajan Patel discusses the importance of early detection and timely management of high-risk cSCC. Register here Lipids, BP, and the metabolic syndrome puzzle WEBINAR 26 May: Consultant Cardiologist Gerry Wilkins on taming the trio: Lipids, BP, and the Metabolic Syndrome. Register here Management of Diabetes and CHF WEBINAR 2 June: Ryan Paul overviews a practical approach to best...
6 May 2026
Service Clinical Director - Haumaru Ōrite
Haumaru Ōrite, Auckland City Hospital Permanent, full-time role (1.0 FTE, 0.5 FTE leadership role with 0.5 FTE clinical role) We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. About the role This role is an exciting opportunity to work in our specialised Child and Family unit, Haumaru Ōrite. This is a 1.0 FTE role (0.5...
5 May 2026
Proposal to enter into an agreement for a range of medical devices supplied by Smith & Nephew
This link will take you to the proposal to enter into an agreement with Smith & Nephew for medical devices in the following categories: Surgical Implants Medical and Surgical Instruments and Power Tools Smith & Nephew’s range of medical devices are proposed to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule under a Pharmac agreement from 1 July 2026. A list of products included in the proposal is attached. Pharmac welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in...
5 May 2026
Paediatrics: Impetigo, cradle cap, scabies
Accurately diagnosing and treating impetigo and intertrigo in infants is important because their skin barrier is immature, infections spread faster, and complications can escalate before anyone realises what’s happening. In her talk at the Practical Update day, Specialist Dermatologist Lisa Connelly will focus on the diagnosis and management of impetigo and intertrigo (cradle cap) in children while also distinguishing these conditions from atopic eczema. She will also discuss scabies...
5 May 2026
Supply Update
Conflict in the Middle East Suppliers are working closely with Pharmac to reduce any disruption to people in New Zealand. Where issues arise, we will communicate them on our website and through this email. Conflict in the Middle East: Impact on the supply chain New medicine supply notices Hydralazine hydrochloride (20 mg ampoule) there is a supply issue affecting the Apresoline brand (Pharmacode: 274550 and 2446227). We have listed two alternatives - they have important differences from...
5 May 2026
Supply issue: Montelukast tab 5mg (Viatris)
Supply issue: We are writing to inform you of a supply issue: Viatris notified Pharmac that due to delays at the manufacturing facility, Montelukast tab 5mg is in short supply. Key Date: A new brand Montelukast tab 5mg (Relonchem) is available, and has been listed (funded) from 1 May 2026. Key messages: These tablets are for paediatric use, both brands are chewable, cherry flavour. Montelukast tab 5mg (Relonchem) is a pink coloured, circular, tablet. Montelukast tab 5mg (Viatris) is a white...
5 May 2026
Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers | 1 May 2026
Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 1 May 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply issue: Montelukast tab 5mg (Viatris) Viatris notified Pharmac that due to a delay with manufacturing Montelukast tab 5mg is in short supply.A new brand Montelukast tab 5mg (Relonchem) will be listed (funded) and available 1 May 2026 These tablets are for paediatric use, both brands...
5 May 2026
Supply disruption: Olanzapine Orodispersible (Zypine ODT) 10mg and 5mg tablets
There is currently a supply issue affecting olanzapine orodispersible 10 mg and 5 mg tablets (Zypine ODT). This is due to an unexpected issue at the manufacturing site. To ensure people can continue their treatment without interruption, alternative products are being funded from 1 May 2026. All alternative products are not approved by Medsafe and therefore subject to Section 29A of the Medicines Act. Key information: Registered Product 5mg Olanzapine orodispersible 5mg tablets...
29 April 2026
Ministry of Health - Health Improvement & Innovation Digest
Issue 341 - 30 April 2026 Welcome to the fortnightly Health Improvement and Innovation Digest. The Digest has links to key evidence of interest, with access to new content arranged by topic. You can forward this newsletter to others who may be interested in receiving it. They can register and subscribe here. You can also access other recent issues of the digest here. If you have any queries, please email us at library@health.govt.nz. Article Access For articles that aren't open access,...
29 April 2026
Supply Issue – Ramipril (Tryzan) Supply Disruption and Section 29A Alternatives
We are writing to advise you of a supply disruption affecting all strengths of Ramipril (Tryzan) due to an issue at the manufacturing site. Stock of the registered capsules is expected to run out progressively from late April through June, and no resupply of the registered product is expected until mid–late 2026. To maintain continuity of treatment, the supplier has sourced alternatives for all strengths. The alternatives products are tablets rather than capsules, and are not Medsafe...
29 April 2026
Tender results
Please follow this link to our website for the April 2026 Tender Notification. Ngā mihi, Jade Matthews-Wanden | Tender Analyst Te Pātaka Whaioranga | Pharmac | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington | P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz
29 April 2026
Goodfellow Unit
Early identification of AAS in younger Māori This study examined ethnic disparities in acute aortic syndrome (AAS) in Midland region patients1. Researchers conducted a 10-year retrospective review (2010–2020) of 250 consecutive AAS cases, in which Māori made up 23.3% of the population. Outcomes were compared between Māori and non-Māori. Māori patients accounted for 36.8% of cases and had a significantly higher age-standardised incidence of AAS (6.9 vs 2.0 per 100,000 person-years). They...

