Māori and Pacific, children under the age of 14 and their whānau, and Community Service Card (CSC) holders will be able to get free consultation and receive funded treatment for certain minor ailments this winter.

The minor ailments initiative is part of the Minister of Health’s 2023 Winter Plan and looks to increase access to pharmacist consultations, reduce pressure on primary and hospital services in areas recognised as consistently and persistently experiencing system pressure.

Between 12 June and end of September 2023, participating pharmacies in selected approved areas will be able to opt-in to deliver the minor ailments service, through their district Pharmacy Portfolio Managers

Description of Approved Area Representative geographical area
Northland As described in Schedule 1 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 (relating to the former relevant DHB)
Waitematā
Auckland
Counties Manukau
Bay of Plenty
MidCentral
Capital & Coast / Hutt Valley
Canterbury
Invercargill The territorial local authorities of Invercargill, Southland, Gore

Approved areas were selected based on hospital emergency department capacity and pressure. The minor ailments services are limited to the geographical and patient flow catchment for the priority hospitals.