Health, science and regional growth led New Zealand's five releases on 2 October. Ministers announced more funded medicines through pharmacies, plan changes for New Plymouth and next steps for a Nelson Tasman weather radar, while MBIE set out science investment plans and Stats NZ reported on the changing climate.
Friday 2 October 2026 (Pacific/Auckland source-local date) · 5 releases · MediaRelease.co editorial digest
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown say Pharmac and Health New Zealand are expanding the funded medicines community pharmacies can supply without a prescription. New items include treatments for children’s dermatitis, skin infections and oral thrush, vaginal thrush treatments, and selected oral contraceptives under the Extended Pharmacy Services Programme.
MBIE has released Pillar Investment Plans guiding science investment from 2026 to 2031, translating the Government’s Science Investment Plan into outcomes for the economy, public-good research and society. Research Funding New Zealand developed the plans, which the Science, Innovation and Technology Minister has agreed; the Transition Research Fund opens shortly.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop will progress targeted amendments to New Plymouth’s District Plan after a section 360I investigation requested by the city’s mayor. Changes cover building coverage, outdoor living and outlook space, driveway widths, earthworks limits, and related rules, aiming to cut unnecessary consenting costs while keeping environmental safeguards.
Stats NZ says New Zealand’s average annual temperature rose 1.36°C over the 117 years to 2025, with 2022 the warmest year on record in the series. Updated atmosphere and climate indicators also show shifting rainfall patterns across 30 long-term monitoring sites, published with partner agency MCERT.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say a site has been selected for Nelson Tasman’s new weather radar near Drumduan’s Horoirangi Peak, about 15 km northeast of Nelson. The Government committed up to $5 million after the July 2025 weather events. MetService says the Doppler dual-polarisation radar is on track to be operational by mid-2027.
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