Getting GLP-1 Medications in New Zealand: Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy (2026)
Pharmac funding, private prescription costs, Medsafe approval, and the practical steps for accessing GLP-1 medications in New Zealand.
Pharmac funds Ozempic for type 2 diabetes: NZ$5 per prescription with a Community Services Card, or around NZ$30-40 without one. For weight management without a T2DM diagnosis, there is no Pharmac funding. Private prescriptions for Mounjaro or Wegovy run NZ$350-550/month depending on dose and pharmacy.
That gap between the funded and private pathways is significant. Here is the full picture for 2026.
GLP-1 Coverage in New Zealand at a Glance
| Medication | Active ingredient | Pharmac-funded | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes (funded) | Private script available |
| Victoza | Liraglutide | Type 2 diabetes (funded) | Available |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Not yet Pharmac-funded (as of 2026) | Private script ~NZ$350-550/month |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide 2.4mg | Not funded | Private script ~NZ$300-450/month |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide 3mg | Not funded | Available |
Pharmac funding decisions are made on a rolling basis. Verify with your GP or pharmacist for current status.
How Pharmac Funding Works
Pharmac subsidises medicines on behalf of the New Zealand government. When a medicine is Pharmac-funded, you pay the standard prescription charge. Without a Community Services Card, that is around NZ$30-40 per item. With a Community Services Card, it is NZ$5 per item, or free for eligible patients and children.
For GLP-1 medications funded for type 2 diabetes, the process works the same as other subsidised medicines:
- Your GP or specialist diagnoses type 2 diabetes and determines a GLP-1 is appropriate
- The medication is prescribed on a Pharmac-funded Special Authority where required
- You collect it from any pharmacy and pay the standard charge
For conditions not covered by Pharmac funding, including weight management without type 2 diabetes, you pay the full private cost.
Pro Tip: The Special Authority pathway for Pharmac-funded Ozempic requires your prescriber to submit an application confirming your T2DM diagnosis, that existing therapy has been inadequate, and that your HbA1c is above target. It is a straightforward process for GPs who manage diabetes regularly. If you have a T2DM diagnosis and have not discussed Ozempic yet, ask your GP specifically whether a Special Authority application is appropriate for your situation. It is not automatically offered at every review.
Ozempic in New Zealand
Ozempic (semaglutide) is Pharmac-funded in New Zealand for type 2 diabetes management, subject to Special Authority criteria.
For T2DM with Special Authority (Community Services Card): NZ$5 prescription charge
For T2DM with Special Authority (no Community Services Card): ~NZ$30-40 per prescription
Ready to track your protocol?
- Smart reminders so you never miss a dose
- Progress tracking with photos and weight
- Medication level curves for every compound
For weight management only: Private script at approximately NZ$200-350/month depending on dose
New Zealand has experienced intermittent supply constraints for Ozempic. As of 2026, supply has largely stabilised, though specific dose strengths may still have occasional availability delays.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) in New Zealand
Not funded by Pharmac as of 2026. Mounjaro has received Medsafe approval in New Zealand for both type 2 diabetes and obesity management, but Pharmac funding has not yet been confirmed. This means Mounjaro is available via private prescription only.
Private monthly cost: NZ$350-550 depending on dose and pharmacy
Who can prescribe: Any registered GP or specialist
Pharmac has an application and review process for new medicines. Given Mounjaro's dual approval and clinical data, a funding application for the diabetes indication is likely to be assessed in 2026-2027. Check the Pharmac website for updates as decisions are announced.
Community Insight: The price gap between Pharmac-funded T2DM scripts and private weight management scripts is dramatic. Someone with a T2DM diagnosis paying NZ$5 per month for Ozempic is on the same molecule as someone without that diagnosis paying NZ$350-550/month for Mounjaro. Same category of drug, same weekly injection, completely different cost. The diagnosis is the dividing line.
Wegovy for Weight Management in New Zealand
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) is Medsafe-approved in New Zealand for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related condition. It is not Pharmac-funded.
Private monthly cost: NZ$300-450/month
Eligibility: BMI 30+, or 27+ with qualifying comorbidity
Prescribers: GPs and specialists; some telehealth platforms operating in NZ
How to Get a GLP-1 Prescription in New Zealand
For type 2 diabetes (Pharmac-funded Ozempic):
- See your GP with a confirmed T2DM diagnosis and recent HbA1c
- Your GP completes a Special Authority application if required
- Ozempic is dispensed at the subsidised rate from any NZ pharmacy
For weight management (private prescription):
- Book with your GP or a weight management specialist
- Discuss your BMI, weight history, and related conditions
- If clinically appropriate, a private prescription is issued
- Dispensed at full cost from any NZ pharmacy
Several telehealth platforms operating in New Zealand offer GLP-1 prescriptions for weight management. In-person options include private clinics in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch with obesity medicine specialists.
Tracking Your Pharmac-Funded GLP-1 Protocol
Pharmac-funded scripts in NZ often come on 12-week renewal cycles through your GP. Tracking your titration schedule and weight trend in Regimen helps you arrive at those reviews with actual data instead of guessing. A logged weight curve, side effect history, and titration timeline gives your GP a clear picture of how the protocol is going. Regimen supports Ozempic and Mounjaro tracking with injection reminders, titration calendars, weight logging, and Apple Health / Google Health Connect integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Track your Ozempic or Mounjaro dose, weight, and side effects with Regimen. Free for one compound.
Regimen is a tracking tool, not a medical service. We do not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication protocol.