Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says consultation on the plan outlining the future of pharmacy services in New Zealand gets underway today.
“The role of pharmacists is evolving and we need to ensure that we have a plan in place to respond and harness these changes,” says Dr Coleman.
“Pharmacy has the ability to provide more care to [...]

Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss is welcoming an initiative to provide road safety messages to every visitor from China travelling on a general visitor visa.
“Record numbers of Chinese tourists are travelling to New Zealand — 310,000 last year alone. Many are opting to self-drive and it’s important we help them do so safely,” Mr [...]

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says Customs has destroyed over 2.5 tonnes of abandoned tobacco and collected $1.35 million in additional duty and taxes since the drop in tobacco duty free limits last November.
“People seem to be learning about the change. The amount of tobacco abandoned at airports by those not wanting to pay duty is [...]

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley has introduced a bill extending the Youth Service to 19 year old parents and other 18 and 19 year olds at risk of long term welfare dependence.
Youth Service provides intensive wrap around support for young people, getting them help with paying bills, budgeting and parenting, and supporting them into education.
“The [...]

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce today welcomed the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an all-of-government banking services solution.
“Core banking services for government haven’t been tendered for over 20 years and banking trends and technology have evolved considerably during this time,” Mr Joyce says.
“This RFP, released via GETS today, is an opportunity for [...]