Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as a member and the chair of the Pharmac board, in an announcement made by Associate Health Minister David Seymour on Sunday morning.

"Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Seymour.

“As Chair, Paula will lead the Pharmac board in their role of managing the pharmaceutical schedule and driving greater efficiencies and access to medicine for New Zealanders. 

“Globally, changes in medicine are making them more useful and presenting new opportunities for our health, while at the same time presenting new challenges that need to be navigated."

Seymour says he is confident that Paula has the leadership qualities that will make her the best person to make the decisions needed to ensure that Pharmac is world-leading. 

“Paula brings a wealth of experience to this role, with extensive experience in governance and organisational change," says Seymour.

"Her political career spans 15 years, during which she served as Deputy Prime Minister and as a Cabinet Minister, with portfolios including Social Development, Associate Finance, State Services, Social Housing, Police, Local Government, and Tourism. 

“As the Minister for Social Development, she led significant reforms to the national welfare system.

"In her current role, she leads engagement with select corporate, government, large developers, and private stakeholders as the National Director of Customer Engagement and Advisory at Bayleys Realty Group."

Seymour thanked Dr Peter Bramley, who has been serving as the acting chair of Pharmac.

"[I] am pleased that he will continue serving on the board,” says Seymour.

Paula Bennett will take up the role from May 13.