Commerce Commission application from NZ Gynaecology Association

The Commerce Commission has received an application from New Zealand Gynaecology Association Inc (NZGA) seeking authorisation to collectively bargain, on behalf of its members, with health insurance funder Southern Cross Health Insurance (SCHI) and/or hospitals for the provision of private gynaecology services for a period of up to 10 years. The NZGA is also seeking interim authorisation to encourage SCHI to engage in discussions with NZGA about proposed changes to contractual arrangements pending final authorisation.

The Commission has published its statement of preliminary issues (available here) and a public version of the authorisation application (available here). The Commission encourages anyone who has information they believe might be relevant to their assessment to provide a written submission on or before Tuesday 9 June 2026.

NZPSHA Submission to Commerce Commission

NZPSHA has made a submission to the Commission on this issue.

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Anaesthetic Technicians - Accreditation standards

The Medical Sciences Council is reviewing the accreditation standards for programmes of education that lead to registration as an anaesthetic technician. These standards were last updated in June 2020.

The Council has drafted updated standards that set out what is expected of programmes of education leading to registration as an anaesthetic technician and invited feedback via an online survey here.

The consultation closed on 20 April 2026.

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Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standards consultation

Ngā Paerewa Health and disability services standard 2021 came into effect in February 2022. Under the requirements of the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 (the Act), a regular review is required.

The Ministry of Health is inviting organisations and individuals to give their feedback on the Standard and participate in a short consultation. The purpose of this consultation is to determine whether Ngā Paerewa should remain in force, be amended or be replaced with other standard(s). 

The consultation can be accessed via the Ministry's consultation hub: Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard consultation 2026. The consultation closed on 16 March 2026.

Following review and analysis of submissions, a recommendation will be made to the Minister of Health on whether Ngā Paerewa should remain in force, be amended, or be replaced.

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A draft paper from the Medical Council on using Artificial Intelligence in patient care.

AI in patient care »

Feedback can be submitted using this online form.

Submissions closed on 29 October 2025.

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The Medical Council is consulting on strengthening the accreditation framework for prevocational medical training. Currently, the Council’s prevocational medical training accreditation framework allocates responsibility to individual districts. This is not appropriate for the new Health NZ structure. The consultation proposes a new model with responsibilities at district, regional and national levels.

Online Survey form »

Feedback can also be emailed to education@mcnz.org.nz.

Submissions closed on 22nd September 2025.

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The Medical Council is consulting on updating the way it regulates doctors performing cosmetic procedures.  

Consultation - regulating doctors performing cosmetic procedures »

Feedback can be emailed to policy@mcnz.org.nz.

Submissions closed on September 2025.