01/02/2026
12 Month Prescriptions 💊
While this is positive news for eligible patients, please review the guidelines below.
From 1 February 2026, some people with stable, long-term conditions may be able to receive a 12-month prescription.
• Not everyone will be eligible. Your prescriber will decide what is safe and appropriate, this will require a consultation to discuss.
• Medicines will still be supplied in up to three months at a time (or six months for oral contraceptives).
• You will still pay one prescription co-payment per item when you collect your first supply.
• Repeats must be collected from the same pharmacy and cannot be transferred.
• There is no change for controlled medicines, including morphine, ADHD stimulant medicines (such as methylphenidate), benzodiazepines (such as temazepam), and zopiclone.
The poster below from The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) has a more detailed description. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 07 24 24 510.