We have published the Research Agenda: Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease setting a clear, coordinated direction for future research in New Zealand. Find out more below (link in comments).

The Ministry of Health is inviting submissions on a proposed list of prescription medicines for designated paramedic prescribers. Submissions close Sunday, 5 July 2026 11:59pm. For more information, see below (link in the comments).

📢 Tighter controls on nitrous oxide are now in force. New rules aim to reduce harm from misuse while supporting legitimate uses. Import approvals will be required. Alcohol Drug Helpline: - 0800 787 797 - Free text 8681 For more information, see below (link in the comments below).

The alcohol levy has been updated for 2026/27 to maintain funding for services that reduce alcohol-related harm across New Zealand. The levy will be set at $17.135 million, a modest increase to maintain its real value and support continuation of existing programmes. News article below.

Today (5 June) is Safe Sleep Day which focuses on raising awareness and ensuring every sleep a baby has is a safe sleep. It is a good reminder to make sure we put our babies to sleep safely.

Our latest Hauora update from the Acting Director‑General of Health is now published on our website. Read the full update below (link in comments). #MinistryofHealth #Moh

The Ministry has received a few questions over the past week about the emerging diphtheria outbreak in Australia. The short answer is a) the risk to New Zealand remains low and b) we are in regular contact with Australian health authorities about the emerging outbreak.

Peptide products are being promoted on social media. They are unapproved medicines and pose serious health risks — with little evidence they work and no guarantee of what's in them. See below for more information (link in the comments below).

📢 Announcement: Faster access to medicines in New Zealand The rules needed to put the Government’s ‘rule of two’ verification pathway into practice, have now been finalised. This will streamline New Zealanders’ access to new medicines. For more information see comments below.

Ministry of Health monitoring Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda: www.health.govt.nz/news/ministr...

On World Family Doctor Day we recognise general practitioners across New Zealand and the high quality healthcare they provide to families and whānau in communities where patients live. GPs are among the first people we see when care is needed, and often those we trust the most.

Last chance to help shape the future of mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa. Consultation on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy closes 5pm 18 May. Don’t miss out - have your say (link in comments).

Ministry of Health - Hantavirus update 14 May www.health.govt.nz/news/hantavi...

If you are unsure if you have received the recommended two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, you can verify your status by calling 0800 282 926. www.healthnz.govt.nz/news-and-upd...

There’s still time to have your say. Consultation closes on 18 May 2026.

Today on International Nurses Day we recognise the vital role nurses play in supporting the health and wellbeing of people and whānau across Aotearoa New Zealand and acknowledge nursing students as an important part of the future workforce. #InternationalNursesDay #Nurses #MinistryofHealth

Ministry of Health - Hantavirus update: www.health.govt.nz/news/hantavi...

The latest edition of Public Health Matters is out now. It highlights some of the important work from across the Public Health Agency, within the Ministry of Health. Read the latest edition and sign up to receive future editions below (links in comments).

There’s still time to share your thoughts 💬 Consultation is open on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Join an online consultation session or make a submission. Closes 18 May 2026. Links in comments below. ↓

On #InternationalDayoftheMidwife we recognise midwifery students across NZ and their role in the future of our maternity system. Through clinical leadership, the Ministry works with schools and sector partners to build insight into workforce sustainability. #MoH #InternationalDayofMidwives

Interested in health leadership opportunities? The Ministry is supporting a virtual information session on the 2027–28 Harkness Fellowship, in partnership with the Commonwealth Fund and Health New Zealand. Applications open 1 June 2026. Register below to learn more (links in the comments below).

There’s still time to share your thoughts 💬 Consultation is open on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Join an online consultation session or make a submission. Closes 18 May 2026. Links in comments below. ↓

How would you organise women’s health information? Take our short, anonymous online activity and help us improve how women’s health topics are grouped on our website. Complete the activity here and let us know 👇🏽 iq9hgdfy.optimalworkshop.com/optimalsort/...

Our Director-General, Chief Clinical Advisor for Rural Health, and Policy Analyst represented the Ministry at the WONCA World Rural Health Conference in Wellington. Rural WONCA is a global forum that brought together 978 health professionals and advocates from around the world. Learn more below.

We have updated New Zealand’s Cremation Regulations 1973 to better reflect modern clinical practice, reduce duplication, and help avoid unnecessary delays for families. These changes come into effect 7 May 2026. More information below (links in comments).

We’ve updated the regional New Zealand Health Survey data and added a new video to help people use it with confidence. The new explainer video covers: - How the regional data is structured. - How to choose the right statistics. - How to interpret the data. Links in the comments below.

8 anti-seizure medicines in NZ now carry a new pregnancy cautionary advisory label — the first pharmacist added pregnancy warning of its kind. The label is designed to highlight the risks of taking certain anti-seizure medicines during pregnancy. Watch our videos on FACS below (links in comments).

Have your say on the future of mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa. Public consultation is now open on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 🗓️ Open 8 April – 18 May 2026 Help spread the word. Find out more (link in comments).

The Ministry of Health recently hosted the first meeting of the refreshed Pacific Expert Advisory Group (PEAG) — a key step in strengthening how Pacific voices, evidence and community insight shape our work. We look forward to working alongside PEAG as they continue this important role.

It's Purple Day (international epilepsy awareness day). Some anti‑seizure medicines used for seizure disorders can carry risks during pregnancy — early conversations with your healthcare provider matter. Watch our videos here: youtu.be/Af89KdMSAFQ youtu.be/ulc3vd4flQ0 youtu.be/jcMXcx7d87o

Happy World Oral Health Day! 🦷 NZ Health Survey 2024/25 highlights: • 76.9% of adults report good–excellent oral health • 91.6% of children rated good–excellent • 2 in 3 brush with fluoride • 43% of adults didn’t visit a dental care worker due to cost More insights in the survey (link in comments)

NZMAT recently delivered training for a new cohort of team members, joined by health professionals, FENZ members, and colleagues from Pacific Island countries. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed and to MFAT for supporting this critical capability. #NZMAT #EMTeams #FEMAT #SEMAT #KukiMAT

Ministry of Health welcomes the NZ Royal Commission COVID19 Lessons Learned Final Report. Read more: www.health.govt.nz/news/ministr...

New Zealand and Singapore have signed a Health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an important step in strengthening the bilateral health relationship between both countries. Huge thanks to the Global Health Team and everyone who contributed to this work — kōkiri ngātahi in action.

Have your say on Ngā Paerewa The Ministry of Health is inviting feedback on the Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard (NZS 8134:2021). 🗓️ Open: 16 Feb 2026 🗓️ Close: 16 Mar 2026, 5pm See below for more information and how to share your feedback (link in comments).

Applications for Survivor Support and Recognition Fund closes Friday 27 February 2026. This contestable fund is for organisations that support survivors of abuse in care and local authorities to care for unmarked graves. Find out more below (link in comments below)

New members appointed 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. See below for more information (link in comments)

The latest edition of Public Health Matters is out now. It highlights some of the important work from across the Public Health Agency, within the Ministry of Health. Read the latest edition and sign up to receive future editions below (links in comments)

Migraine affects many Kiwis, impacting work, family life, and wellbeing. New data shows that 628,000 adults experience migraine symptoms. Learn more: www.health.govt.nz/publications... #NZHealthSurvey #Migraine

How much sleep do you need? Adults: 7–9 hrs Children: Anywhere from 8–17 hrs depending on age #NZHealthSurvey #SleepHealth

Our latest Health Survey shows hazardous drinking among people aged 15+ has decreased from 21.3% in 2019-2020 to 16.6% in 2024-2025. With the holiday period coming, it’s a timely reminder that alcohol use can impact health and wellbeing. Find out more key findings from our Health Survey below.

Today, on World AIDS Day, we mark a major milestone in New Zealand’s HIV response. The first HIV Monitoring Report has been published, tracking progress toward the ambitious goals of the National HIV Action Plan 2023–2030. Read the full report and media release below.

It is World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18 to 24 November 2025). AMR makes infections harder to treat — but you can make a difference! Act now to protect our future. #WAAW2025 #ActNowAMR

The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora has published results from the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey today. See our results from the Health Survey below.

Today we have launched an animation to encourage young people to learn about the medicines they take to stay well and be aware of the potential risks associated with some medicines during pregnancy: www.health.govt.nz/news/ministr...

It's World Diabetes Day! Diabetes affects 320k+ New Zealanders. This is projected to hit 500k by 2043. Understand your risk: www.diabetes.org.nz/know-your-risk Talk to your GP or nurse Support healthy eating and active living in your whānau. #WorldDiabetesDay #DiabetesAwareness #DiabetesLife

Sometimes, side effects happen when we least expect them. If you feel unwell after taking medicine, don’t ignore it. Talk to your healthcare professional and report it to Medsafe. Your report helps make medicines safer for everyone. #MedSafetyWeek2025 #MSW #MedSafe #MinistryofHealthNZ

Not sure of your measles immunity? Try our immunity checker: info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles-immunity#checking-if-you-are-immune-to-measles-12096 That page also has tips to find out your status such as checking My Health Record or asking your doctor.

It’s #MedSafetyWeek (3–9 Nov)! Medicines are helpful in treating illnesses, but can sometimes cause side effects. Use them as directed and report problems to Medsafe. Let’s make medicines safer together. #MedSafetyWeek2025 #MSW #MedSafe #MinistryofHealthNZ

It’s Measles Immunisation Week! 🛡️ 📲 Visit info.health.nz/immunisations/immunisation-clinics for pop up clinics near you where you can get your MMR vaccination. You can also check healthpoint.co.nz. Another option is to book online: info.health.nz/bookavaccine