Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/34235-the-total-legal-costs-incurred-by-pharmac-in-relation-to-proceedings-civ-2024-404-845-whittome-v-director-general-of-health-common-bundle on May 28, 2026 07:58

The total legal costs incurred by Pharmac in relation to proceedings: CIV-2024-404-845 – Whittome v Director-General of Health: common bundle

John Armstrong made this Official Information request to Pharmaceutical Management Agency

The request was successful.

From: John Armstrong

Dear Pharmaceutical Management Agency,

I request the following information under the Official Information Act 1982:

1. Total Legal Costs to Date
The total legal costs incurred by Pharmac in relation to proceedings:
CIV-2024-404-845 – Whittome v Director-General of Health: common bundle
This should include, but not be limited to:
- External counsel fees and details of legal agency/agencies used.
- Internal Pharmac time/costings
- Disbursements (including expert reports, court filing fees, document management, and preparation of the common bundle)

2. Breakdown of Costs
A breakdown of the above costs, to the extent held, including:
- Costs attributable to preparation of the common bundle
- Pharmac vs solicitor time
- Any third-party/vendor costs

3. Budgeting / Estimates
Any internal budgets, estimates, or cost projections prepared for this proceeding.

4. Funding Source
Confirmation of the appropriation or funding source used to meet these legal costs.

5. Ongoing / Forecast Costs
Any current estimates of anticipated future legal costs for this proceeding.

Public Interest
There is a strong public interest in transparency regarding the use of public funds in litigation involving significant public health decisions and associated legal challenges such as this particular case.

Format & Timing
I request that the information be provided in electronic format.

Yours faithfully,

John Armstrong

Link to this

From: Web Enquiry
Pharmaceutical Management Agency

Thank you for contacting Pharmac. We have received your enquiry and will
respond as soon as possible.

Pharmac cannot provide medical advice. If you have questions about your
health or are experiencing side effects from medicines, please call:

·        Your usual healthcare provider.

·         Healthline on 0800 611 116.

·         111 for medical emergencies.  This e-mail message and any
accompanying attachments may contain confidential information. If you are
not the intended recipient, please do not read, use, disseminate,
distribute or copy this message or attachments. If you have received this
message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this
message.

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From: Web Enquiry
Pharmaceutical Management Agency

Attachment image001.jpg
22K Download

Kia ora John

 

Thank you for your request for official information, which Pharmac
received on 24 March 2026. The reference number for your request is:
2025-26-190

 

You should receive a response from us on or before 24 April 2026. This is
within the 20 working day limit set out in the Official Information Act.

 

The response date shown takes into account:

 1. Good Friday (3 April 2026)
 2. Easter Monday (6 April 2026)

 

Please contact us if you have any questions.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Government Services | Pharmac

___________________________________________________________________
Pharmac - Te Pātaka Whaioranga | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington 
[1]www.pharmac.govt.nz

________________

[2]undefined

 

 

show quoted sections

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From: Web Enquiry
Pharmaceutical Management Agency

Attachment image001.jpg
22K Download

Attachment image002.png
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Attachment OIA response letter 2025 26 190.pdf
196K Download View as HTML

Kia ora John

 

Please find attached a response to your request for official information.

 

Ngâ mihi,

 

Government Services | Pharmac

___________________________________________________________________
Pharmac - Te Pâtaka Whaioranga | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington
[1]www.pharmac.govt.nz

________________

 

From: Web Enquiry <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 27 March 2026 8:57 am
To: [FOI #34235 email]
Subject: Acknowledgment of your request for official information -
2025-26-190 - John Armstrong - The total legal costs incurred by Pharmac
in relation to proceedings: CIV-2024-404-845 – Whittome v Director-General
of Health: common bundle

 

Kia ora John

 

Thank you for your request for official information, which Pharmac
received on 24 March 2026. The reference number for your request is:
2025-26-190

 

You should receive a response from us on or before 24 April 2026. This is
within the 20 working day limit set out in the Official Information Act.

 

The response date shown takes into account:

 1. Good Friday (3 April 2026)
 2. Easter Monday (6 April 2026)

 

Please contact us if you have any questions.

 

Ngâ mihi,

 

Government Services | Pharmac

___________________________________________________________________
Pharmac - Te Pâtaka Whaioranga | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington 
[2]www.pharmac.govt.nz

________________

[3]undefined

 

 

show quoted sections

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