Pharmac recruits for new Community and Patient Advisory Committee

Pharmac has opened recruitment for its new Community and Patient Advisory Committee (CPAC). The committee is designed to provide independent consumer and patient perspectives directly to the Pharmac Board.

According to Dr Nicola Ngawati, Director of Equity and Engagement at Pharmac, the establishment of CPAC responds to feedback from patient and consumer groups seeking clearer expectations and more visible pathways for lived experience to influence decision-making. The committee aims to ensure that patient, whānau, and community voices are embedded earlier in the organization’s processes to improve equity in access to medicines.

Pharmac is seeking up to ten members with diverse lived experiences and strong community connections. The new committee is scheduled to begin meeting in February 2027, and applications are open until 7 October 2026.