Earlier this month, the College deepened its engagement with paramedicine stakeholders across Aotearoa New Zealand during a multi-day visit that included participation in the Aotearoa New Zealand Student Paramedics Association (ANZSPA) Simulation Challenge, strategic meetings with service and education leaders, and active involvement in Te Kaunihera Manapou’s Interdisciplinary Prescribing Authority Rōpū.
The ANZSPA Simulation Challenge, hosted at Whitireia, showcased the talent and professionalism of student paramedics from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Whitireia and WelTec. The College was proud to support the event and attend in person, recognising the importance of simulation-based learning in preparing the next generation of paramedics.
College CEO John Bruning also met with executive leaders from Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance to discuss shared priorities, including workforce development, education pathways, and the evolving scope of paramedic practice. Productive conversations with AUT and Whitireia and WelTec program leads further reinforced the College’s commitment to supporting educators and students across the motu.
A key highlight of the visit was participation in the Prescribing Authority Interdisciplinary Rōpū, convened by Te Kaunihera Manapou. The hui brought together leaders from across the health sector to explore the regulatory, educational and operational frameworks required to enable paramedic prescribing. Discussions centred on the need for robust safeguards, including audit mechanisms, clinical decision support tools, and ongoing CPD in pharmacology.
The College contributed to conversations around scope of practice, training pathways, and the importance of equity in access to medicines — particularly for Māori, Pacific, rural and underserved communities. With over 88% of surveyed paramedics supporting the exploration of prescribing authority, the hui marked a significant step forward in shaping the future of paramedic practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Collaboration and partnership are essential to achieving our collective goals. The College is committed to working alongside our Aotearoa colleagues to advance paramedicine and improve health outcomes for all communities,” said John Bruning.
The College thanks all those who contributed to the visit and looks forward to continuing this important mahi in support of paramedics across Aotearoa New Zealand.
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The College is the peak professional body representing and supporting paramedics and student paramedics across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand since 1973.
The College acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land and sea in which we live and work, we recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and culture and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
We recognise the unique role of Māori as Tangata Whenua and embrace Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognising Māori as tino rangatiratanga of Aotearoa New Zealand while supporting the guiding principles of Te Tiriti – Tino rangatiratanga, Equality, Active protection, Options, and Partnership.