Membership remains the foundation of everything we do. Retaining our current members and welcoming new ones will continue to be a key focus in 2026. Your trust enables us to advocate effectively, defend the sector, and shape a strong future for community pharmacy in New Zealand.
Our priorities for 2026
Looking ahead, and guided by our purpose, PGNZ’s key work priorities for 2026 are:
- Ensuring the impacts of 12-month prescribing are fully and successfully mitigated
- Developing and implementing a sustainable funding model with improved cost-pressure recognition
- Retaining majority pharmacist ownership and effective control of pharmacies as the Medical Products Bill progresses
- Developing a comprehensive community pharmacy workforce plan
- Designing an impactful general election campaign to ensure pharmacy issues are front and centre
- Advancing scope of practice expansion for community pharmacists and pharmacy teams.
The workforce and extended scope work is led by the Community Pharmacy Leaders Forum (CPLF), which PGNZ chairs on behalf of the sector. We will continue to seek alignment and unity, because when we work together, we move further, faster.
This prioritisation was confirmed during the October 2025 Guild Board strategy day, with further details to be refined in upcoming meetings.
Our advocacy approach
The Guild Board has reaffirmed our advocacy approach, which has long underpinned our success. We take a relationship-based approach with Ministers, senior officials, and government decision‑makers, supported by sound analysis and expert advice.
Our strategy is measured and deliberate: we work inside the system, with those directly responsible for decisions remaining relentlessly reasonable and constructive. This approach has positioned PGNZ as a trusted and respected voice — clear, solutions-focused, and outcome-driven.
It is not always loud, but it is effective. The recent full mitigation of the financial impacts of 12‑month prescribing is a strong example of what can be achieved through calm, consistent, and strategic advocacy.
We will continue communicating openly with members, sharing what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how progress is tracking.
Constitution changes
Following legislation changes and PGNZ’s re-registration as an Incorporated Society in September, our new Constitution requires the transition to a fully appointed Board structure by the 2027 AGM. This allows two appointment cycles to support a smooth shift from the current model.
An Appointments Panel will be established in February 2026 to select and interview applicants and prepare recommendations for member voting at the AGM. Decisions are also needed around staggering term lengths and determining how many positions will be included in each cycle. Members will be kept updated as these decisions are made.
Business as usual
While 2026 brings significant work and constitutional changes, PGNZ’s day-to-day support for members remains unwavering.
PGNZ’s HQ team will continue providing expert advice, practice guidance, compliance support, business tools, and money‑saving benefits. We will keep you informed through publications, updates, and practical resources tailored to running a modern community pharmacy.
We will also continue representing members in ICPSA and other funding, contract, and service development discussions to secure better pricing, terms, and conditions. Advocating with ministers, officials, and decision-makers is part of our daily rhythm.
Looking ahead
This year will be an important one. It will demand focus, unity, and continued strong advocacy, but it will also bring opportunities to shape a more sustainable, future-proofed sector.
We look forward to sharing our progress and achievements with you as the year unfolds.
Your trust enables us to advocate effectively, defend the sector, and shape a strong future for community pharmacy in New Zealand.
