New Collective Agreement Ratified for Health NZ Pharmacists, Boosting Workforce Stability

“I’m pleased for the approximately 300 pharmacists nationwide who will benefit from this agreement,” Mr Brown said.

 Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for pharmacists employed by Health New Zealand, following a successful vote by members of the Association of Professionals & Executive Employees (APEX).

The agreement will deliver improved pay and conditions for around 300 pharmacists nationwide, strengthening workforce support at a time of growing demand across the health system.

“I’m pleased for the approximately 300 pharmacists nationwide who will benefit from this agreement,” Mr Brown said.

“It recognises the valuable work they do and the high level of skill and care they provide to patients and their families each day.”

Supporting an Essential Health Workforce

Mr Brown emphasised the vital role pharmacists play across hospitals and community health services, ensuring safe access to medicines, supporting clinical teams, and improving patient outcomes.

“Importantly, it also helps provide greater stability for the workforce and supports the essential role pharmacists play in delivering services across our health system,” he said.

Pharmacists are increasingly central to New Zealand’s healthcare delivery, helping manage chronic conditions, reduce pressure on general practice, and ensure medication safety for patients in both acute and long-term care settings.

Key Improvements Included in the Agreement

In addition to broader workforce stability, the new collective agreement includes:

• Uplifts to professional membership contributions

• Other improvements to employment conditions

• Strengthened support for pharmacists working across Health New Zealand services

The agreement reflects ongoing efforts to retain skilled health professionals and ensure the health system remains resilient.

Building Stability and Better Care for Patients

Mr Brown said the ratified agreement represents another step in supporting the pharmacy workforce to continue delivering timely, high-quality care.

“This is another step toward building a more stable and supported pharmacy workforce that can continue delivering timely, quality care for New Zealanders,” he said.

The agreement is expected to contribute to improved staff retention and recruitment, supporting Health New Zealand’s ability to meet future healthcare needs.