The measles chapter of Te Whatu Ora's Communicable Disease Control Manual was updated and endorsed on 11 September 2025. Te reo Māori measles alert social media resources, and information sheets reflecting te ao Māori perspectives, are also available.

An updated information sheet is available outlining the 2025/26 primary care immunisation performance measures, designed to support achievement of the national immunisation target. The resource helps practices understand the performance framework, expectations and claiming process.

Applications are now open for the new refugee health scholarship programme, supporting former refugees to pursue health careers and strengthen community representation. The scholarship offers up to $25,000 in support and prioritises those in nursing, primary care, and community-facing roles. Applications close 15 December 2025.

The Braemar Charitable Trust helps patients access free private surgical procedures when care isn’t available through the public system and private options aren’t affordable. Their most recent event in September 2025 supported 32 patients with procedures including dental, general surgery, gynaecology, colonoscopy, and children’s ENT operations. Clinicians can apply on behalf of eligible patients.

Pathlab has introduced a mandatory tick box on all lab forms to indicate test funding eligibility. While this aims to reduce billing errors, it adds extra steps for practices. Pinnacle is in discussion with Pathlab to request a return to the previous “eligible by default” setting.

The Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) for Symptomatic pathway is active in Waikato and will be introduced in other districts over the coming months. The pathway helps prioritise patients for colonoscopy and supports earlier detection of bowel cancer. Waikato practices are reminded to advise patients about the FIT process and follow up if symptoms persist after a negative result.

National standards for radiology access came into effect on 1 September. Community HealthPathways has created a summary page to help navigate the new criteria and is working with local teams to support implementation.

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners funds activities that benefit general practice, rural general practice and rural hospital medicine. Applicants don’t need to be doctors or College members to apply. Grants are generally awarded to individuals, though organisations may also be considered. Up to 15 applications are reviewed each round, with others carried forward. The current funding round closes 1 October 2025. 

Te Whatu Ora has confirmed that authorised vaccinators require either a prescription or a Standing Order to administer adrenaline for post-vaccination anaphylaxis. This is a clarification of the Medicines Regulations 1984 (44A), which do not cover adrenaline. A Standing Order template and FAQs are available on the Te Whatu Ora Prevention–Immunisation Dropbox, along with additional guidance and resources.

The Waikato Medical Research Foundation exists to support and encourage research within the Waikato region and to assist in the publication of the results of this research. The Foundation awards grants that contribute to the overall costs of the research project but do not fund overheads nor profit. Grant applications of up to $50,000 are welcomed.