Aotearoa New Zealand Launches Rare Disorders Strategy Implementation Plan 2026/27
The Ministry of Health has released the Rare Disorders Strategy Implementation Plan 2026/27, outlining practical actions by health agencies to support individuals and whānau living with rare disorders.
The plan operationalizes the Aotearoa New Zealand Rare Disorders Strategy 2024-2034, with actions commencing on 24 July 2026 and continuing over the following 12 months.
Coordinating National Effort
It coordinates work across the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand, Pharmac, the Health Quality & Safety Commission, and Rare Disorders New Zealand, focusing on coordination, diagnosis, information, data, and system planning.
Key Actions Include:
- Establishing a clinical expert group within Health New Zealand
- Continuing a genome sequencing pilot for some people with rare disorders
- Improving health data
- Strengthening public and clinical information
- Progressing Pharmac's review of medicines considered in exceptional circumstances
- Holding regular interagency meetings to track progress and agree on future priorities
Transparency and Accountability
Progress against the plan will be tracked by the involved agencies and reported annually by the Ministry of Health.
Access the Documents
The Rare Disorders Strategy Implementation Plan 2026/27 and the Aotearoa New Zealand Rare Disorders Strategy 2024-2034 are available on the Ministry of Health website.