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For many people, managing regular prescriptions is part of everyday life and for those on long-term medications, it can mean repeat appointments, ongoing admin, and frequent trips to renew scripts.
From 1 February 2026, some New Zealanders with stable, long-term conditions may be able to receive prescriptions lasting up to 12 months. The change is designed to reduce the need for repeat GP appointments simply to renew established medication.
For many people, that’s a welcome shift.
But while prescription timeframes are changing, the day-to-day reality of managing regular medicines remains largely the same.
To better understand what this means in practice, particularly for people managing multiple regular medicines. We reached out to Zoom Pharmacy, a HealthCarePlus benefit partner, for their perspective on the changes and how they may affect patients.
What’s changing
Under the new rules, New Zealanders with stable, long-term conditions may be able to receive prescriptions lasting up to 12 months, rather than needing to renew them every three or six months.
In practical terms, this means:
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Patients must have a stable, long-term condition for at least six months
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Many regular medications are included, such as blood pressure medication and oral contraceptives
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Pharmacies will continue to dispense a maximum of three months’ supply at a time Patients may only need to pay the prescription co-payment once, rather than every three months
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Some medicines, such as controlled drugs or those needing frequent monitoring, are excluded
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Regular reviews with a doctor are still required to ensure treatment remains appropriate
Early estimates suggest only a proportion of patients may initially receive 12-month prescriptions, and clinical judgement will continue to guide prescribing decisions. So, it’s best to discuss this with your doctor to see if you are eligible.
What isn’t changing
Even with a 12-month prescription:
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Medicines still need to be dispensed multiple times per year
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Some medicines are dispensed monthly due to PHARMAC rules
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Patients still need to collect medication or arrange delivery
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Ongoing pharmacist support and advice remain important
As Zoom Pharmacy notes, the frequency with which patients engage with their pharmacy may not change significantly, particularly for people managing multiple medications.
The evolving pharmacy experience
Another factor shaping this conversation is how pharmacy services are changing more broadly.
Some patients report a more retail-focused experience in traditional pharmacy settings, with less access to private, personalised pharmacist conversations.
For people managing long-term conditions, that personal support can be just as important as the prescription itself.
Where Zoom Pharmacy fits in
Zoom Pharmacy was created with one core purpose: to make managing regular medicines simpler, more convenient, and more personal.
As Paul Taylor from Zoom Pharmacy explains:
“The value of Zoom Pharmacy and our Monthly Medicines Service remains significant. We offer a personal, hassle-free service that delivers to your Member's door, saving time and money, while also giving your Members access to a pharmacist when they need one.”
While GP visits for repeat scripts may reduce under the new rules, pharmacy interactions do not disappear. For many patients, medicines still need to be dispensed monthly or quarterly.
Zoom’s service focuses on:
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Direct home delivery
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Personal pharmacist support
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Reducing time spent travelling and waiting
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Supporting medicine adherence
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Simplifying ongoing management of multiple prescriptions
Zoom pack your medicines in a way that suits you. Based on your needs, their pharmacy team may recommend sachet packing to help simplify complex medicine routines too.
Din Redzepagic from Zoom Pharmacy adds:
“While patients may only need to visit their GP once a year, they still need to visit the pharmacy at least four times annually and often more. Direct delivery makes this much easier. Patients can simply get on with their lives while their medicines arrive seamlessly.”
For members, this can mean fewer interruptions, less stress, and one less thing to manage in busy lives.
An update to Zoom’s Monthly Medicines Service
Zoom has recently updated its eligibility criteria for its Monthly Medicines Service.
Now our members taking three or more regular medicines, who receive monthly deliveries may now be eligible for:
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Free prescriptions
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Free Packing
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Free delivery
(Terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria apply.)
For members managing multiple medicines, this may help reduce both the financial and time costs associated with ongoing treatment.
If you want to know more about our Zoom Pharmacy partnership and take advantage of their Monthly Medicines Service, you can find out more here
Final thought from us
Longer prescription timeframes are a practical step toward reducing unnecessary costs for patients and paperwork for health professionals. But managing long-term health is about more than how often a script is written.
Convenience, access to pharmacist support, and staying consistent with treatment all play an important role in proactive health.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, services that make everyday medicine management simpler can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
That's why we partnered with Zoom Pharmacy because we saw an innovative kiwi owned business who share our values. Their expertise, patient-centred approach and focus on improving access to medicines aligns closely with our mission to support members’ health and wellbeing.
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