The latest updates from RDNZ and the rare disorder community. 

Sep 28, 2022, 1:43 PM
Pharmac’s Spinraza announcement welcome but long overdue

While Rare Disorders NZ will be celebrating this news with the SMA community, frustration remains that it has taken so long to approve this life-changing medicine, having long called for a separate assessment pathway for medicines for rare disorders. 

Aug 16, 2022, 12:46 PM
Pharmac supports Trikafta being funded for eligible patients 6 years and older

Rare Disorders NZ is pleased to learn that Pharmac’s Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) has recommended the life-saving drug Trikafta be funded for eligible people for the age groups 6 years and older and 12 years and older.

Jul 16, 2022, 4:27 PM
RDNZ new partner charity of One Percent Collective

Rare Disorders NZ is delighted to be one of the newest partner charities of One Percent Collective.

Jun 2, 2022, 9:14 AM
After years of tireless advocacy, Rare Disorders NZ overjoyed Minister instructs development of Rare Disorder Strategy

Rare Disorders NZ applauds the Government for accepting the Pharmac Review Panel’s recommendation to ‘develop a strategy that will lead to better, more timely services and more equitable support and outcomes for people and whānau with rare disorders’.

May 29, 2022, 10:29 AM
Pharmac funding allocation falls far short of what is needed for rare disorders

Rare Disorders NZ is incredibly disappointed about the inadequate funding allocated to Pharmac in this year’s Budget announcement, as it means life-saving medicines that many in the rare disorder community are desperately awaiting access to will not be funded for another year, and lives will be lost as a result.

May 17, 2022, 11:18 PM
Governor-General becomes patron of Rare Disorders NZ

We are honoured to have received confirmation that Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand, has accepted our invitation to become patron of Rare Disorders NZ.

Mar 31, 2022, 2:35 PM
RDNZ's statement on Minister Little's comments about Pharmac funding

Rare Disorders NZ is extremely frustrated to hear the Minister of Health this week dismiss the call to increase funding for Pharmac to fund the medicines on its Options for Investment list due to budget constraints.

Mar 31, 2022, 2:16 PM
RDNZ makes submission to Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Rare Disorders NZ has made a submission to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission on the He Ara Āwhina (Pathways to Support) framework, which describes what an ideal mental health and addiction system looks like.

Mar 2, 2022, 10:42 PM
RDNZ makes submission to Highest Needs Review

Rare Disorders NZ has made a submission to the Ministry of Education’s Highest Needs Review and is encouraging anyone with an interest in this area to also make a submission by 31st March 2022.

Feb 28, 2022, 12:30 AM
Largest-ever survey on New Zealanders living with rare disorders confirms huge health inequities for this population group

A new survey on the impact of living with, or caring for, people with a rare disorder in New Zealand finds alarming failings in the health system, particularly when it comes to timely diagnosis, treatment access and coordinated care for people living with a rare disorder.