The measles chapter of the Communicable Disease Control Manual has been updated, including clarifications to testing guidance, case definitions, and new advice on immunity for people born or living overseas before 1969. A summary of key changes and the updated chapter are available on our website.

LearningWorks is offering three NZQA-recognised leadership and training programmes at zero fees from February 2026. These flexible programmes are designed to fit around work commitments and deliver practical, on-the-job benefits. Spaces are limited due to funding eligibility.

Te Whatu Ora is seeking an experienced general practitioner to join the National Blood Management Group, the advisory body overseeing policy, governance, and best practice for blood components and blood products across the health system.

NZePS is updating how prescriptions are managed to support the Government’s upcoming 12-month prescription changes from 1 February 2026. A planned NZePS system update will take place on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.

We’ve been advised by Te Whatu Ora that members of the NZNO and PSA unions are planning industrial action between 17 November and 7 December, including a planned four-hour strike involving PSA nurses, allied health and PAKS staff on Friday 28 November, 1–5pm.

Pathlab is changing its coeliac disease testing algorithm and will no longer perform upfront total IgA testing on all coeliac requests. From 11 November 2025, total IgA will only be added when results suggest possible IgA deficiency, with anti-DGP IgG continuing to be added automatically when IgA is <0.05 g/L. This updated approach aligns with published evidence and current practice at Canterbury Health Laboratories.

An updated guide on MMR vaccine eligibility for primary and community care providers is now available on the Te Whatu Ora website. The update covers funded access for people not eligible for publicly funded healthcare (including Registered Seasonal Employees), use of private-market MMR vaccine, prioritisation guidance, and adult catch-up recommendations. 

To ensure GPs have timely access to accurate clinical advice, Te Whatu Ora's obstetrics and gynaecology service now has a consultant taking calls from general practice.

The Mason Durie Pae Ora Scholarship supports Māori students pursuing study in mental health, addiction, and allied health. This scholarship, valued at up to $20,000, is open to tauira Māori who are current or aspiring leaders committed to advancing hauora Māori and strengthening the wellbeing of hapori Māori. Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 30 November.

The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM) at the University of Waikato is inviting clinicians to apply for a range of new leadership roles. Positions can be undertaken face-to-face, online, or in a hybrid format, offering flexibility alongside clinical practice. NZGSM is especially keen to build a leadership team that reflects the diverse clinical expertise found across the motu.