Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health
In August 2026 new regulations (Medicines (Designated Prescriber—Paramedics) Regulations 2026) enable paramedics who have completed appropriate training to be granted prescribing authority by Te Kaunihera Manapou – Paramedic Council of New Zealand (Te Kaunihera).
The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry), on behalf of the Director‑General of Health, working with the Te Kaunihera, is responsible for establishing a list of specified prescription medicines that designated paramedic prescribers can prescribe from.
In developing the list of specified prescription medicines, the Director-General must consult with those organisations or bodies that appear to the Director-General to be representative of persons likely to be substantially affected by the publication of the list of specified prescription medicines.
The Ministry undertook a consultation on Te Kaunihera proposed specified prescription medicines list from 6 June to 5 July 2026. This publication provides the analysis of submissions on the proposed list of specified prescription medicines considered appropriate for designated paramedic prescribers.