The Ministry of Social Development has announced nurse practitioners will be able to complete medical assessments for patients applying for Work and Income benefits.
From tomorrow, people on the Disability Allowance, Child Disability Allowance or the Supported Living Payment will be able to have assessments completed by nurses. The change is part of the new Social Security Act 2018.
"The new legislation allows nurse practitioners to conduct medical assessments and complete medical certificates for all MSD benefit and assistance related assessments," Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni said. “This is about making services easier to access, particularly for disabled people or those with health conditions.” Nurse Practitioners are authorised to practise at an advanced level, prescribe medicines and manage common and complex health conditions. “MSD clients that already use a nurse practitioner for their primary healthcare, will be able to see the same nurse when applying for, or renewing, their benefit assistance for their medical conditions, instead of having to see a doctor. “The changes are especially helpful for those living in small towns or rural communities where the closest doctor may be miles away. It will cut out extra travel costs and doctor fees and time spent waiting for a doctor’s appointment. It also makes better use of our health workforce," Ms Sepuloni said.
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Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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