Who is your local community pharmacist?
In my electorate, there are many outstanding pharmacists including Vicky Chan at Unichem Pakuranga Pharmacy. Vicky is not only a highly skilled pharmacist but also a real leader in our community and the pharmacy sector. She and her team go above and beyond to support our local community.
Before entering Parliament, I worked at the Bank of New Zealand, and in local government, so I’ve always enjoyed roles that are about serving people and improving communities.
What is your earliest memory of visiting a community pharmacy
My earliest memory is going to the local pharmacy with my parents to pick up my asthma inhalers. I still remember how kind and reassuring the pharmacist was, they took the time to explain things and make sure I understood how to use them properly. It left a lasting impression on me of pharmacists as approachable professionals who genuinely care about the wellbeing of their communities.
Across New Zealand, more than 1,000 community pharmacies deliver important services to their patients every day.
What feedback do you regularly hear from or about community pharmacists?
I regularly hear just how valued pharmacists are in their communities. People appreciate that they can walk in, speak to someone they trust, and get clear, practical advice about their health. Pharmacists are often described to me as the ‘front door’ of the health system, professionals who listen and provide reassurance to our community.
How important do you think community pharmacy is in the wider health system?
Community pharmacy is essential. Pharmacists are trusted health professionals who play a hands-on role in supporting patients every day, whether that’s providing advice, dispensing medicines safely, or helping people better understand and manage their health. They build lasting relationships with their patients and are often the most accessible point of care in a community. In doing so, they not only improve individual health outcomes but also help the wider system run more smoothly.
What keeps me awake is knowing there are still patients waiting too long for the care they need.
How do you plan to enable community pharmacies to do more to support the health and wellbeing of their communities?
Across New Zealand, more than 1,000 community pharmacies deliver important services to their patients every day. As Minister, I want to make sure they have the support and flexibility to keep doing that well. We’re funding the growth of roles such as Pharmacy Accuracy Checking Technicians (PACTs) and supporting more pharmacists to gain prescribing qualifications. Health New Zealand continues to work closely with the sector through the annual price-uplift process to help expand the clinical services pharmacies can provide within their communities.
In relation to your portfolio, what keeps you awake at night?
What keeps me awake is knowing there are still patients waiting too long for the care they need. Someone who just wants to get back to work, back to their family, and back to living their life. My focus is on making sure those patients are seen, diagnosed, and treated as quickly as possible. Through initiatives like our elective surgery boost and improved diagnostics, we’re already seeing waitlists come down and more New Zealanders getting the care they need sooner. Delivering timely, quality healthcare for patients is what drives me every day.
As Health Minister, it’s important you model good health and wellbeing. Do you have a daily routine to stay in tip-top condition physically and mentally?
For me, wellbeing is about balance, both for myself and my family. No matter how busy things get, I try to make time to get regular exercise and eat a balanced diet — which can be a bit more challenging when travelling. Spending time with my family is also a priority with four young children including our newborn son Peter who arrived in August. Our children bring a lot of busy joy into our life, keep us grounded, and also remind me of the reason behind the work we’re doing to improve healthcare matters, because it’s ultimately about helping families across New Zealand live healthier, happier lives.
The work of improving our health system doesn’t stop just because Parliament isn’t sitting, so there’s plenty to do over the summer months.
How do you plan to recharge your batteries over the holiday break for another parliamentary year?
The work of improving our health system doesn’t stop just because Parliament isn’t sitting, so there’s plenty to do over the summer months. That said, I’m looking forward to spending some time with my family, especially with our new baby boy, and recharging before another busy year.
If you weren’t an MP and Health Minister, what would you be doing?
Before entering Parliament, I worked at the Bank of New Zealand, and in local government, so I’ve always enjoyed roles that are about serving people and improving communities. If I weren’t an MP, I’d still want to be doing something that makes a difference, probably in a public or community-focused role where I could help deliver better outcomes for others.
What’s the last television series or movie you watched? Do you like medical dramas?
I’m not the biggest fan of medical dramas, although it’s great to have long-running New Zealand shows like Shortland Street. When I do get the chance to watch something, it’s usually with the kids, so shows like Bluey, Paw Patrol, or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse are often on at our place.
What keeps me awake is knowing there are still patients waiting too long for the care they need.
How do you want history to judge your time as Health Minister?
I’d like to be judged on the results I help deliver. Through changes such as the elective boost and diagnostics investment boost programme, we’re reducing waitlists and making sure patients get the timely, quality healthcare they need. Ultimately, it’s about improving outcomes for New Zealanders and building a health system that works better for everyone.
