Tips for working with Pharmac: Guidance for consumer and patient representatives

People and communication

Tell us how you’d like to connect, email, online meeting, phone, in person (or a combination of these), and what times suit you.

We’ll connect you with the right people at Pharmac for your area of interest or concern.

Accessibility

Please tell us early about any accessibility needs so we can plan ahead to best support you.

We’ll do our best to provide options that work for you—recognising different formats, cultural needs, disability support, and timing.

Sharing lived experience

We value hearing about people’s lived experience. It’s really helpful for us if you are able share what you’re hearing from the people you represent (for example stories, needs, or barriers). A short summary is enough; data is helpful but not required.

We’ll listen carefully and respectfully to you with clear questions and productive discussion to make it easy for you to share. We can also look after note-taking and follow-up.  

Diverse voices

We also like to hear from others with different voices. You can recommend other people or groups we should hear from.

If you suggest others we should hear from, we can make contact and organise that. You can choose if you would like to join that conversation with us.

Follow up and next steps

You can confirm next steps with us and choose how to stay connected.

We’ll get back to you with a "what we heard" summary and agree how we’ll share updates.

Progress and staying informed

You can choose to join forums, consultations, or request updates. 

We’ll show you where to subscribe for updates and email alerts on topics your group cares about.