From February 1, 2026, New Zealanders on stable long-term treatments can get prescriptions for up to 12 months, cutting costs and repeat appointments for Coasties who manage regular medicines.

Patients will still collect repeats at their pharmacy, but they will not need a new script each time.

Ministers say this simple change, confirmed in Budget 2025, could save up to $105 a year and free up GP time for people with more complex needs.

“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 says.

Health New Zealand is working with primary care and community pharmacies to support the rollout.

Conditions named include asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure.

The Government has also passed the Medicines Amendment Bill to remove pharmacy ownership restrictions that blocked pharmacists from becoming prescribers.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the change will enable more flexible models of care and increase access to some prescription medicines.

About 100 pharmacist prescribers currently work in GP clinics, hospices, and hospitals, but none in community pharmacies because of the previous limits.

“Extending prescription lengths and removing ownership barriers for pharmacists makes life easier for patients,” Mr Seymour says.

“When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer.”

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