

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.
20 April 2026
Pharmac - Consultation on the Exceptional Circumstances Framework
Kia ora koutou Pharmac has now opened public consultation on the review of the Exceptional Circumstances Framework , including the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA). We would appreciate your support in sharing this information with your networks, particularly with anyone who has experience of, or an interest in, the Exceptional Circumstances Framework. We also welcome requests for direct meetings to discuss the review and provide feedback. I have provided some background...
20 April 2026
Supply issue update: sodium cromoglicate (Ralicrom) cap 100 mg
Kia ora We are writing to inform you of a further supply issue with sodium cromoglicate cap 100 mg (Ralicrom) Key messages: Ralicrom capsules have been out of stock since December 2025. During this time, we funded three alternative brands, but all available stock has now been used including the Somex Section 29 brand (Pharmacode: 2719649) Stock of Ralicrom (Pharmacode: 2628295) is expected to arrive during the week ending 24 April 2026. This is the Medsafe approved product. The...
20 April 2026
Cremation Amendment Regulations 2026
Kia ora koutou Thanks for your ongoing engagement on the Ministry’s targeted review of the Cremation Regulations 1973. I am getting in touch to let you know that the Cremation Amendment Regulations 2026 have been finalised and will take effect from 7 May 2026 . You can find information on our website here: https://www.health.govt.nz/news/updated-cremation-rules-to-reduce-delays-for-families https://www.health.govt.nz/regulation-legislation/burial-and-cremation Further guidance on...
20 April 2026
NURSE PRACTITIONER Permanent Position FTE 1.0
Nga mohiohio e pa ana ki enei mahi - About this position Nelson Tasman Hospice is part of the Whakatu and Te Tai o Aorere communities, providing specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting illness and their whānau. Our team plays a vital role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care across our region. We are seeking an experienced Nurse Practitioner to join our interdisciplinary team (IDT) in a permanent, full-time role. This position involves advanced clinical assessment,...
20 April 2026
Palliative Care Registered Nurse Permanent 0.80 FTE
At Nelson Tasman Hospice, we provide compassionate, specialist palliative care that supports patients and their whānau to live every moment with dignity, respect, and comfort. Our work extends beyond clinical excellence—it is grounded in equity, advocacy, and humanity. We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Registered Nurse to join our highly skilled nursing team. This role offers flexibility to work across all Hospice services, including our Inpatient Unit, Community Services,...
20 April 2026
Supply Update - 20 April 2026
Start your week with fresh medicine supply notice news! We’re moving this email to a Monday mailout. You can check all medicine notices at any time on our website 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 Droperidol inj 2.5 mg per ml, 1 ml ampoule ...
20 April 2026
Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers | 17 April 2026
Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 17 April 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply disruption: Isosorbide mononitrate 40mg (Ismo 40 Retard) Due to an increase in demand and shipping delays because of the conflict in the Middle East, stock of Ismo 40 Retard is running low. Resupply of Isosorbide mononitrate 40 mg (Ismo 40 Retard) is expected by the end of April....
20 April 2026
Supply issue: Imiquimod (Padagis) cream 5% sachets
We are writing to inform you of a supply issue: Imiquimod (Padagis) cream 5% sachets. Key messages: The supplier of Imiquimod (Padagis) cream 5% sachets has notified that due to the conflict in the Middle East this product will be in short supply. Pharmac has sourced and listed (funded) Aldara cream 5% sachets as an alternate. The Aldara brand has the same active ingredient. This is not a Medsafe approved product and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with Section 29A of the...
20 April 2026
Supply Issue - Isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo 40 Retard) 40mg
Due to an increase in demand and shipping delays because of the conflict in the Middle East, stock of Ismo 40 Retard is running low. Resupply of Isosorbide mononitrate 40 mg (Ismo 40 Retard) is expected by the end of April; once stock is released it can take a further 1-2 weeks for stock to distribute through the supply chain. If pharmacies are unable to obtain additional stock before then, affected patients may require a new prescription for an alternative treatment. We have clinical...
20 April 2026
Proposal to expand pharmacy services
Pharmac and Health New Zealand are seeking feedback on a proposal to expand pharmacy services. This proposal would allow community pharmacies to provide a wider range of funded clinical services for common conditions that may have otherwise required a GP visit, including: scabies treatment for children/families oral rehydration treatment for children headlice treatment for children/families pain and fever management for children conjunctivitis treatment for children treatment for...
20 April 2026
Goodfellow Unit
Alopecia isn’t just cosmetic - it can be a marker of underlying disease and has meaningful emotional and quality-of-life consequences. In her session at our Dermatology Update on Saturday May 16, Consultant Dermatologist Cristina Mello, offers a practical, pattern-based approach to identifying common alopecia types, recognising red flags, initiating management, and knowing when to refer, with guidance on prognosis and patient counselling. Register now to secure your spot! See the full...
16 April 2026
Ministry of Health Library - Health Improvement & Innovation Digest
Issue 340 - 16 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,...
16 April 2026
Proposal to expand pharmacy services
Pharmac and Health New Zealand are seeking feedback on a proposal to expand pharmacy services. This proposal would allow community pharmacies to provide a wider range of funded clinical services for common conditions that may have otherwise required a GP visit, including: scabies treatment for children/families oral rehydration treatment for children headlice treatment for children/families pain and fever management for children conjunctivitis treatment for children treatment for...
16 April 2026
Brand change: Nitrofurantoin tab 50mg new Clinect brand due to discontinuation of Nifuran
New brand: Nitrofurantoin tab 50mg Clinect brand Discontinuation: Nifuran tab 50mg and 100mg. We are writing to inform you of a brand change due to the discontinuation of Nifuran tab 50mg Key messages: Nifuran 50mg and 100mg tablets have been discontinued and will be delisted (no longer funded) 1 November 2026. The remaining stock of Nifuran 50mg tablets will expire October 2026. Nifuran 100mg tablet stock was depleted early 2025. New brand: Nitrofurantoin tab 50mg Clinect brand will be...
15 April 2026
Update on how Pharmac is working with the recent Section 29 and 29A changes
We are writing to update you on how Pharmac is working with the recent changes to the Medicines Act 1981 that have been made to support the management of medicine supply issues. Key messages: Section 29 permits the sale or supply of an unapproved medicine to a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or pharmacist prescriber for the treatment of a patient under their care. Section 29A permits the sale or supply of an unapproved medicine that is funded by Pharmac as an alternative to an...
14 April 2026
Cancer incidence and mortality not helped with low dose aspirin in older adults
Prior studies have suggested aspirin lowers long-term cancer risk, especially colorectal cancer, but the ASPREE trial (Australia & US-based) in older adults found no reduction in cancer incidence and an unexpected rise in late-stage cancers and cancer mortality 1 . This study examined 10-year outcomes in more than 19,000 adults aged 70 and older from ASPREE and its observational extension. Participants received either low-dose aspirin (100mg) or a placebo. Over a median of 8.6 years,...
14 April 2026
Registered Nurse - Turangi
PIHANGA HEALTH TURANGI We are on the hunt for that special Registered Nurse to join our motivated and supportive team. This is an opportunity to be part of our proactive and innovative rural primary care practice which cares for a wide and diverse patient population. We are a teaching practice that encourages ongoing learning at all levels. We love creative ideas for delivering high quality health care that meet our patient's needs. We are part of a community and work with the community...
14 April 2026
Nurse Practitioner 9-12 month parental leave cover – Taupo
Join Our Team at Pihanga Health - Where Work Meets Lifestyle Looking for a change of pace, a breath of fresh mountain air, and a team that genuinely enjoys working together? We might have just the opportunity for you! Pihanga Health is on the lookout for a Nurse Practitioner to join our friendly and supportive team for a 9-12 month parental leave cover. Location perks? We've got plenty: Nestled at the southern end of Lake Tau po, our practice offers more than just a job-it's a lifestyle....
14 April 2026
Clinical Nurse Team Coach – Mental Health (Nelson)
Team Coach - Respite Mental Health (Registered Nurse) $105,812 + complexity allowance + 5 weeks' AL + 4 paid well-being days HealthNow Payment Card ($250 per year)+ increased KiwiSaver contribution Lead our Nelson-based respite mental health service in a permanent full-time, Monday–Friday leadership role. What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou $105,812 + complexity allowance Increased KiwiSaver contribution 5th week of annual leave (after 12 months) 4 paid wellbeing days each year...

