https://www.health.govt.nz/news News from the NZ Ministry of Health http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification python-feedgen Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:31:03 +0000 /news/pregnancy-warning-labels-to-help-reduce-harm-from-anti-seizure-medicines-during-pregnancy From 1 April eight anti-seizure medicines will be subject to a cautionary advisory label, warning of the risks associated with taking them during pregnancy. /news/pregnancy-warning-labels-to-help-reduce-harm-from-anti-seizure-medicines-during-pregnancy Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:22:36 +0000 /news/the-2023-24-mental-health-and-addiction-services-regulatory-report The Ministry of Health has published the 2023-24 Mental Health and Addiction Services Regulatory Report. /news/the-2023-24-mental-health-and-addiction-services-regulatory-report Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:10:11 +0000 /news/responding-to-the-middle-east-conflict The Ministry of Health is leading the health sector’s response to the Middle East conflict as part of the All‑of‑Government approach. /news/responding-to-the-middle-east-conflict Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:28:11 +0000 /news/high-court-decision-on-lead-maternity-carer-lmc-midwives The Government is appealing a High Court judgment involving the New Zealand College of Midwives. /news/high-court-decision-on-lead-maternity-carer-lmc-midwives Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:18:21 +0000 /news/new-data-on-covid-and-long-covid-rates-in-new-zealand The Ministry of Health has published new data on adult New Zealanders’ self‑reported experiences of COVID‑19 and long COVID, drawn from the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey. /news/new-data-on-covid-and-long-covid-rates-in-new-zealand Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:19:58 +0000 /news/ministry-of-health-welcomes-the-nz-royal-commission-covid-19-lessons-learned-final-report The Ministry of Health welcomes the publication of the NZ Royal Commission COVID-19 Lessons Learned Final Report, and the opportunity to strengthen our preparation for a future pandemic. /news/ministry-of-health-welcomes-the-nz-royal-commission-covid-19-lessons-learned-final-report Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:47:27 +0000 /news/police-and-health-warn-of-dangers-of-nitrous-oxide Police and the Ministry of Health are working together in response to growing concerns about the misuse of nitrous oxide, particularly when it is used by drivers. Nitrous oxide is also known by other names, including nangs, laughing gas, and nos. /news/police-and-health-warn-of-dangers-of-nitrous-oxide Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:50:40 +0000 /news/consultation-on-the-nga-paerewa-health-and-disability-services-standards The Ministry of Health is currently reviewing Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard 2021 and is inviting people and organisations who are affected by the Standard to participate in a short consultation. /news/consultation-on-the-nga-paerewa-health-and-disability-services-standards Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:23:56 +0000 /news/new-appointments-to-the-pacific-expert-advisory-group The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to the Pacific Expert Advisory Group (PEAG), following a nationwide Expressions of Interest process. /news/new-appointments-to-the-pacific-expert-advisory-group Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:59:00 +0000 /news/new-adhd-prescribing-rules-to-improve-access-from-1-february As of 1 February 2026, changes to New Zealand’s prescribing rules for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stimulant medicines have come into effect. /news/new-adhd-prescribing-rules-to-improve-access-from-1-february Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:59:03 +0000 /news/manage-my-health-data-breach-terms-of-reference-published-for-ministry-review The Ministry has published the Terms of Reference for its independent review into the Manage My Health cyber security incident. /news/manage-my-health-data-breach-terms-of-reference-published-for-ministry-review Thu, 22 Jan 2026 01:26:00 +0000 /news/the-ministry-acknowledges-the-death-of-former-director-general The Ministry of Health formally acknowledges the passing of former Director-General of Health, Dame Karen Poutasi. /news/the-ministry-acknowledges-the-death-of-former-director-general Fri, 02 Jan 2026 02:40:14 +0000 /news/statement-on-the-passing-of-dr-jemesa-tudravu-fiji-permanent-secretary-for-health-and-medical It is with sadness that the Ministry of Health acknowledges the recent passing of Fiji Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr Jemesa Tudravu. /news/statement-on-the-passing-of-dr-jemesa-tudravu-fiji-permanent-secretary-for-health-and-medical Mon, 29 Dec 2025 23:52:23 +0000 /news/changes-to-adhd-prescribing-rules-from-1-february-2026 From 1 February 2026, specialist general practitioners and nurse practitioners working within their area of practice will be able to diagnose and prescribe for adults with ADHD. Nurse practitioners in paediatric or mental health services will also be able to do this for children and adolescents. /news/changes-to-adhd-prescribing-rules-from-1-february-2026 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:11:40 +0000 /news/new-zealand-maintains-a-comprehensive-respiratory-surveillance-system The Ministry of Health, in consultation with partners the National Public Health Service and PHF Science, has decided to not renew its contract for FluTracking New Zealand because New Zealand has other surveillance tools for respiratory illnesses that provide similar information. /news/new-zealand-maintains-a-comprehensive-respiratory-surveillance-system Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:49:12 +0000