David Seymour says drug-purchasing agency Pharmac must be on its game, with a $604 million funding boost over four years.

The Government has announced it'll fund up to 26 cancer medications and 28 other treatments, as a pre-commitment against Budget 2025.

The Associate Health Minister says there's very few things he's in favour of spending more money on - but medicine is one of them.

"If you look at the amount of Government spending that goes on medicine - New Zealand is not just a bit below average, we're way behind the pack."

LISTEN ABOVE

David Seymour says drug-purchasing agency Pharmac must be on its game, with a $604 million funding boost over four years.
The Government has announced it'll fund up to 26 cancer medications and 28 other treatments, as a pre-commitment against Budget 2025.
The Associate Health Minister says there's very few things he's in favour of spending more money on - but medicine is one of them.
"If you look at the amount of Government spending that goes on medicine - New Zealand is not just a bit below average, we're way behind the pack."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

David Seymour: Associate Health Minister on the Government putting $604 million into Pharmac

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c5085e3b-15df-4b68-aabc-b1990068f625/transcript

The Warriors are prepared to let Luke Metcalf negotiate with other clubs.

A club statement says they will allow last year's first choice halfback to look for a new home, after falling down the pecking order following injuries over the last 12 months.

It comes with Tanah Boyd poised to re-sign until 2029.

Former Kiwis player Richie Barnett says it's a stunning turn of events.

"Obviously, we've seen through the year that he doesn't like playing six and Tanah Boyd's playing so well, Chanel's playing so well at six - Tanah Boyd's just amazing at seven, so it's incredible how the tide has turned."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Warriors are prepared to let Luke Metcalf negotiate with other clubs.
A club statement says they will allow last year's first choice halfback to look for a new home, after falling down the pecking order following injuries over the last 12 months.
It comes with Tanah Boyd poised to re-sign until 2029.
Former Kiwis player Richie Barnett says it's a stunning turn of events.
"Obviously, we've seen through the year that he doesn't like playing six and Tanah Boyd's playing so well, Chanel's playing so well at six - Tanah Boyd's just amazing at seven, so it's incredible how the tide has turned."
LISTEN ABOVE

Richie Barnett: former Kiwis player on Luke Metcalf negotiating with other clubs

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/dd9300fa-345e-4dc5-9a75-b4480068f41a/transcript

There's assurance scoping work on a second Auckland Harbour crossing is still under way, with plans expected mid-year.

Two Transport Agency reports have detailed defects in the 67 year-old bridge, and warn it's at risk of failure.

It says without long-term strengthening work, month-long lane closures, truck limits, and more wind-related restrictions are on the cards.

Chris Bishop says he won't be the Transport Minister who produces a pie-in-the sky idea that turns to custard.

He says they're taking an evidence led approach, engaging with the market, doing geotechnical assessments and extensive studies.

LISTEN ABOVE

There's assurance scoping work on a second Auckland Harbour crossing is still under way, with plans expected mid-year.
Two Transport Agency reports have detailed defects in the 67 year-old bridge, and warn it's at risk of failure.
It says without long-term strengthening work, month-long lane closures, truck limits, and more wind-related restrictions are on the cards.
Chris Bishop says he won't be the Transport Minister who produces a pie-in-the sky idea that turns to custard.
He says they're taking an evidence led approach, engaging with the market, doing geotechnical assessments and extensive studies.
LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Bishop: Transport Minister on the progress being made on a second Auckland Harbour crossing

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/938dd9cc-e742-4772-a348-b44800643c55/transcript

A new poll has the coalition returning to power - despite a drop in support for the minor Government parties. 

The latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll has National up slightly to 30 percent and Labour down to 31.9 percent.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the minor parties have taken a hit, with ACT and NZ First looking less solid than they did in earlier polls. 

LISTEN ABOVE

A new poll has the coalition returning to power - despite a drop in support for the minor Government parties.&nbsp;
The latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll has National up slightly to 30 percent and Labour down to 31.9 percent.
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the minor parties have taken a hit, with ACT and NZ First looking less solid than they did in earlier polls.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the coalition looking likely to lead according to new poll

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/157af232-21a5-4b1a-b77a-b4480061d9f0/transcript

David Seymour: Associate Health Minister on the Government putting $604 million into Pharmac

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