Job Description

The Pharmacy Council (the Council) is a responsible authority under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the HPCA Act). The purpose of the Council is to protect the health and safety of members of the public by ensuring that pharmacists are fit and competent to practice.

The functions of responsible authorities are set out under section 118 of the HPCA Act, and more information about the Council is available on the Pharmacy Council's website. A copy of the Council's Terms of Reference is attached.

The Associate Minister of Health (Pharmac) makes appointments to the Council for terms of up to three years. Members can be reappointed for up to nine consecutive years.

About you

For all applicants, governance and/or regulatory experience is a plus but not a requirement. It is beneficial if you have the ability to lead strategically, and to balance competing significant strategic demands. In this instance, we are particularly looking to receive applications from candidates that are able to offer a wider policy perspective to issues.

Preferred skills and attributes for health practitioner and laypeople positions include legal, financial, and/or governance experience in the health sector.

Health practitioner applicants must be a registered pharmacist and have a good understanding of the scope of practice, competencies and code of ethics or conduct. Further preferred skills and attributes include:

• extensive pharmacy experience (in the likes of hospital, prescribing or other specialties)
• pharmacy academic or similar educational expertise.

As per section 86(3) of the HPCA Act, members of a Responsible Authority cannot simultaneously be a member of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) given the disciplinary function of the Tribunal over health practitioners.

How to apply

Applications must be made using the Ministry of Health online Career Centre by close of business 23/03/2025 and include: 

• a completed declaration form (attached), and
• a covering letter, and
• a current CV.

Due diligence checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. The Ministry may also request that the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service conduct national security screening of you as part of the appointment process.

The appointment process can be lengthy. Your patience and professionalism as we work through the next steps is appreciated. The outcome of the recruitment process for the Council will be confirmed after it has been considered by the Cabinet Appointments and Honours Committee.

If you would like to obtain further information or clarification, or if your circumstances change or should you wish to withdraw your application, please contact the Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services team by emailing: appointments@health.govt.nz.