12 November 2025
Consumer Healthcare Products New Zealand (CHPNZ), the peak industry body for over-the counter medicines, has welcomed the passing into law of the Medicines Amendment Bill meaning quicker access for kiwis to innovative and safe prescription medicines.
However, says CHPNZ, the same consideration now needs to be given to low-risk, over-the-counter medicines, currently unavailable to New Zealanders.
CHPNZ Chief Executive Scott Milne said that in many cases it was “frankly bizarre” that you could buy a highly effective and safe over-the-counter preparation in Sydney pharmacies for example, but not in Auckland stores.
“We’ve been concerned from some time that medicines regulator Medsafe hasn’t been granted the right legislative settings or procedural power to approve the best and safest low-risk medicines to New Zealanders, despite their availability elsewhere.
For prescription-only medicine, today’s amended legislation introduces the ‘Rule of Two’ provision meaning medicines already approved by the regulator of two other recognised countries, can be approved for use in New Zealand within 30 days of Medsafe receiving the application. These countries include Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore and Switzerland.
“CHPNZ members were delighted to be able to assist in implementing a 2024 legislative amendment to bring back the pharmacy-availability of pseudoephedrine to help relieve many of the minor symptoms of colds and ‘flu in time for the winter season,” said Scott.
“Through returning highly effective pseudoephedrine to New Zealand pharmacy shelves, we know, procedurally, it can be done for a number of other low-risk, pharmacy-only medicines.
“CHPNZ has commissioned independent research that shows access to over-the-counter alternatives has the potential to relieve effects that could normally lead to a costly doctor visit or a long hospital wait – areas under increasing pressure within New Zealand’s healthcare system.
“Encouraged by this new legislation for prescription medicines, CHPNZ will continue to work with Medsafe to help clear the way for a similar, simpler pathway to allow New Zealanders access to the same safe and innovative over-the-counter products available in Australia and elsewhere.
“New Zealanders shouldn’t be denied the same ease of access to effective relief, innovative modern formulations and better health outcomes,” Scott Milne said.
Contact: Scott Milne +64 21 876 326
