PHARMACY SECTOR LEADERS COME TOGETHER FOR FORUM
NZHPA is part of the Pharmacy Sectors Leaders Forum (PSLF) who gathered on 3 November 2025 for a pharmacy strategy workshop. It was a productive and forward-looking day, bringing together leaders committed to advancing the profession. The forum took the next step beyond PSLF’s Common Purpose Statement released earlier this year (see below).
Minister of Health Simeon Brown spoke to PSLF in August; acknowledging the vital work the pharmacy sector does every day to support the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders, and recognised that pharmacy is essential to achieving a more responsive, efficient, and patient-focused health system.
"The Minister is interested to hear what we think can be done to better utilise the pharmacy sector, and together, we can build a more accessible, and sustainable health system for all New Zealanders. We are all aware of the current pressures on pharmacy in New Zealand. That’s why it's important that PSLF, comprising clinical leaders representing the wider pharmacy sector, came together to start to design a shared vision of what pharmacy could look like in the future in New Zealand, putting patients at the centre of everything we do." said Michael Hammond from PSNZ.
PSLF members are:
Clinical Advisory Pharmacists Association (CAPA), Independent Community Pharmacy Group (ICPG), Independent Pharmacists Association (IPANZ), Māori Pharmacists Association (MPA), NZ Hospital Pharmacy Association (NZHPA), Pharmacy Council of NZ (PCNZ), Pharmacy Defence Association (PDA), Pharmacy Guild of NZ (PGNZ), Pacific Pharmacists Association (PPA), Pharmaceutical Society of NZ (PSNZ), University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Waikato.
Celebrating Pharmacy Technician Day – Launch of the Australasian Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacy Technicians
This World Pharmacy Technician Day, Tuesday 21st October, the NZHPA in collaboration with AdPha are proud to announce the official launch of the Australasian Competency Standards Framework Standards for Pharmacy Technicians.
This Framework marks a significant milestone for the Pharmacy Technician profession in Aotearoa New Zealand, providing a clear framework that outlines and encourages the skills, knowledge, and professionalism technicians bring to pharmacy practice. They support consistency, growth, and excellence across all areas of the workforce — from community to hospital settings — and help ensure the best support for our Technicians which in turn will provide best outcomes for patients.
In February 2024 The NZHPA published a Position statement in support of Pharmacy Technicians working in extended roles. The NZHPA recognises many technicians are working outside of the traditional technician counting and pouring roles in areas such as PACT, leadership and management, specialist clinical roles, IT management and procurement roles.
See below for the Competency standards and our position statement.
The NZHPA recognises the skills and potential that Pharmacy Technicians have and encourage the use of the new competency framework to support the Pharmacy Technician workforce reach the top of their scope of practice
We celebrate all pharmacy technicians today for their dedication, expertise, and contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Happy Pharmacy Technician Day!
Pharmacy Sector Leaders Forum (PSLF) - Common Purpose Statement
NZHPA is proud to be part of the newly formed New Zealand Pharmacy Sector Leaders Forum (PSLF), this group has recently released a common purpose statement.
We need to join together as a sector to tackle the challenges and identify solutions for pharmacy both now and in the future, says PSLF.
“Our common purpose statement sets out a unified future for pharmacy which will enable excellent patient care.
“By working collaboratively, we will represent the pharmacy sector to drive positive change across sustainability, help deliver a well-resourced and supported workforce where equity is fundamental.
“We are also committed to enabling the pharmacy workforce to deliver better patient outcomes by working at the top of scope in all settings, incorporating innovation and new developments in medicine.
“Together we stand stronger, and we are in a better position to realise positive change and ensure that patients remain at the centre of everything we do.”
The PSLF met for the second time in February 2025 and will meet again soon.
Members of PSLF who are signatories to the common purpose statement are: the Clinical Advisory Pharmacists Association (CAPA), the Independent Community Pharmacy Group (ICPG), the Independent Pharmacists Association (IPANZ), the Māori Pharmacists Association (MPA), the New Zealand Hospital Pharmacy Association (NZHPA), the Pharmacy Council (PCNZ), the Pharmacy Defence Association (PDA), the Pacific Pharmacists Association (PPA), the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ), the University of Auckland School of Pharmacy, the University of Otago School of Pharmacy, and the University of Waikato School of Pharmacy.
NZHPA 2024 Conference Awards
conf awards
First Trans-Tasman hospital pharmacy partnership between NZHPA and SHPA
Professional collaboration and the advancement of practice in Australian and New Zealand pharmacy is a step closer today after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) and the New Zealand Hospital Pharmacy Association (NZHPA).
Pictured: SHPA President Tom Simpson with NZHPA President Sian Dawson at signing of MoU in Auckland
Mr Simpson says the agreement signals a new era of closer cooperation between the two esteemed organisations.
‘Over a combined 150-year history, SHPA and NZHPA have passionately advocated for and supported pharmacists and technicians providing care for Australians and New Zealanders, forging a myriad of informal connections in the process.
‘As part of our Transformation 2024 agenda, we’re proud to put pen to paper today and take the partnership to the next level, which will include access to our upcoming professional recognition program and broader access to existing and new membership benefits for practitioners on both sides of the Tasman.’
Ms Dawson says the MoU will benefit NZHPA members in many ways.
‘We’re thrilled to forge closer ties with our Australian counterparts.
‘This is much more than a gesture of cooperation. This MoU will facilitate direct collaboration, networking and information-sharing between Australian and New Zealand pharmacists and technicians through expanded SHPA membership options next year.
‘A broader “knowledge pool” spanning our two countries has been sought for a long time and we look forward to working together to make it happen, supporting our practitioners and advancing patient care in both countries.’