New Prescription Rules. What You Need to Know

We want to share an important update about prescription rules that will affect people across New Zealand.

From 1 February 2026, the maximum length for most prescriptions will change. Under the new rules, prescribers will be able to issue prescriptions for up to 12 months at a time for people with stable, long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure or similar ongoing needs. Currently most prescriptions are limited to a maximum of three months. This change aims to make it more convenient for patients to access their regular medicines and reduce the need for frequent visits just to renew a prescription.

How this works in practice

Your clinician will always assess what prescription length is safe and appropriate for your situation. If you are on long-term regular medicine and your health is stable, you may be offered a prescription that covers up to 12 months. Even with a 12-month prescription, pharmacies will still only dispense up to three months of medicine at a time, and you will collect your repeats as usual.

Controlled drugs and some other medicines will not be affected by this change and will continue under the existing rules.

What this means for you

This update could save you time and reduce the number of appointments needed just to renew routine prescriptions. You will continue to pay the usual prescription charge when you collect each supply from the pharmacy. Prescribers will always use their clinical judgment to decide what prescription length is appropriate for your health needs.

If you have questions about how this may affect your medicines or how to plan your repeat prescriptions, please speak with your clinician or contact our reception team. We are here to support you through the transition.