MMP referendum and expanded powers for pharmacists w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 10th August, 2026

Towards the end of last week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon committed to a referendum on MMP if elected into government after this year’s election. The announcement was met with some confusion, as it appears he did not inform ACT, NZ First, or even many of his own National caucus members beforehand. It would also follow the last MMP referendum in 2011, where 58% of the public voted in favour of retaining the system. Also on post election promises, the ACT Party wants to expand powers for pharmacists to reduce workload for GPs and emergency services. ACT has noted that pharmacists in many cases are adequately trained to provide multiple new services. Concerns have been expressed, however, over the current state of our pharmacist workforce - understaffed - and how that could be impacted by a higher workload. To discuss each of these issues News Director Castor spoke with the ACT Party’s Simon Court.