New Zealand ⁢Lags Behind Australia in Access to Modern ⁤Medicines, Report⁣ Finds

A new report reveals a meaningful disparity in​ access ​to modern medicines between ⁣New Zealand adn Australia. “access to Medicines,” released by Medicines New Zealand, tracked drug funding ​in both countries between January 2011 and June 2025, finding Australia funds more medicines, and does so⁤ at a faster rate, than New Zealand.

During the tracked period, australia publicly funded 215 modern medicines, ⁤compared to ⁢86 in New Zealand. The average time to funding after a medicine’s registration⁤ was‌ 18 months in⁢ Australia, while New ⁢Zealanders waited nearly three years.

The report analyzed 142 medicines funded in australia but not New Zealand, discovering that 80 percent (115 drugs) are considered standard of care internationally.⁣ Oncology drugs comprised⁢ the⁤ largest category of unfunded medicines, representing 38 percent of the 142.

Despite a recent ⁢$604 million funding increase over four years and a commitment to fund⁤ 13 new cancer​ drugs following the 2023 election, the⁣ report highlights a widening gap. While New Zealand funded nine medicines in the first six months of 2025, compared to Australia’s eleven, Australia still funded medicines ‍faster 70 percent of‍ the ⁤time.

A key difference identified in the report is the presence of a time-bound decision window for funding new medicines in Australia, a process currently lacking in New Zealand.

Pharmac, ​new Zealand’s pharmaceutical management agency, ⁤acknowledged⁣ the⁣ desire for⁢ greater access to modern⁤ medicines and the difficult choices faced by families ⁣needing unfunded treatments. ‍ Caroline de​ Luca,acting director of ⁤pharmaceuticals,noted that applications for funding hadn’t been​ received for roughly half ⁢of the medicines⁢ identified in ‍the report,and encouraged submissions from pharmaceutical suppliers,health professionals,or individuals. Pharmac‍ stated the recent funding increase allowed ⁤them to fund 66 medicines, benefiting 250,000 New Zealanders in the first year.

Associate Health Minister David ⁤Seymour’s ‌office indicated he ‌would address the report’s findings on Friday.

Black Power Member’s Murder Charge‍ Dropped in Former gang Leader’s Death

Wellington, New Zealand – ⁤A‌ man accused of murdering a former⁢ gang‌ president in Lower Hutt has had the charge against him withdrawn, police ​confirmed Monday. Wipuhara Kapene,a member of the Black Power gang,was arrested in December⁣ following the‍ shooting death​ of Albert‍ Enoka.

Kapene appeared in⁢ the High Court at Wellington where the murder charge was dropped due to insufficient ​evidence. Enoka, 54, was shot and ⁢killed at a property on seddon Street in Naenae on December 10th, 2023.Kapene was taken into custody on December⁢ 24th.

Detective inspector ⁢Haley Ryan acknowledged⁢ the challenges of the investigation​ in a statement to ⁣RNZ. “We ⁤accept that there is currently insufficient evidence to proceed with the charge, but will‍ continue to work ⁤towards finding a resolution for Albert and his ⁢whānau,” she said.

Ryan appealed to ‍individuals within the gang network who may possess crucial data. “there are people ⁤within the gang scene that hold vital information who have either refused to speak with us or have not been truthful.As ⁣loyalties change, it ⁣may be that ‍these⁢ people will tell us what they know. We‍ want ⁢to hear from ⁤them and we encourage them to come forward.”

Police stated⁤ they ‌will maintain a strong focus⁢ on gang⁣ activity and utilize recently ​enacted legislation to address any resulting ‍unlawful ​behavior. “Recent‌ legislative changes ‌have given us more powers‍ to deal with ⁢gang-related offending, and⁢ we⁢ will use all the‍ tools ⁢available to keep the community safe,” Ryan added.

Enoka had a history within the gang ⁢landscape, previously being a member of the Tribesmen gang ⁢and serving as president of the Rebels Motorcycle Club’s Christchurch chapter.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Māori Martial Art Offers Healing, Empowerment to Students in Hawke’s Bay

Karamū High School, Hastings – A growing number of students,⁣ especially women, are turning to mau rākau, a conventional Māori martial art, for physical fitness, cultural connection, and mental wellbeing. The classes, centered around⁣ the taiaha – a long, carved wooden staff – are gaining popularity as a pathway to healing from trauma and reclaiming cultural identity, with instructors reporting the practice has even helped ⁢avert suicide and steer individuals‌ away from crime.

The increase⁣ in participation, especially among wahine (women), reflects a desire for ​inclusivity in⁢ a practice historically ​dominated by men. “When I heard that they invited wahine I got so excited,​ I was like yess! That we feel included in ​something⁢ we actually⁣ want to do,” said student king. Classmate⁤ kara ​Huata, who began the course six years ago, added, “it’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. it’s really cool to see more wahine here and getting involved… it inspires me.”

Mau rākau progresses through eight stages, incorporating 15 strikes and 15 blocks, emphasizing constant movement and energy flow. However, the benefits extend far beyond physical exercise. Instructor Nepe Apatu, also a ⁤suicide awareness coordinator, highlights the art’s therapeutic potential. “A lot of it is based around trauma, trauma they’ve grown up with and trauma they can’t ‍release,” he explained, noting the practice provides focus, sharpness, and a⁣ sense of self-improvement. ‌

Apatu has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of mau rākau, ⁤recalling ‌his own experiences growing up⁢ in the 1950s and ⁤60s when he was punished for speaking te reo⁤ Māori. ⁤”And I don’t mean just strapped, you’re getting bloody ‌wallopped – they did everything possible to shut you up,” he said. ​He ⁣began learning ⁣ mau⁢ rākau 43 years ago and te reo in 1975, ​finding deep satisfaction in passing on the tradition. “it gives me​ great satisfaction..‌ it’s something that I ‍embellish, and I can instil that in others.”