The total legal costs incurred by Pharmac in relation to proceedings: CIV-2024-404-845 – Whittome v Director-General of Health
John Armstrong made this Official Information request to Pharmaceutical Management Agency
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From: John Armstrong
Dear Pharmaceutical Management Agency,
I request the following information under the Official Information Act 1982:
1. Total Legal Costs as of 13 July 2026
The total legal costs incurred by Pharmac in relation to proceedings:
CIV-2024-404-845 – Whittome v Director-General of Health, incl High Court hearing held on the 15th June 2026.
This should include, but not be limited to:
- External counsel fees (if applicable)
- 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
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
From: Web Enquiry
Pharmaceutical Management Agency
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From: Ministerial
Pharmaceutical Management Agency
Tçnâ koe John Armstrong
This email acknowledges receipt of your Official Information Act (1982)
(OIA)request of 13 July 2026 to Pharmac for the following information;
1. Total Legal Costs as of 13 July 2026
The total legal costs incurred by Pharmac in relation to proceedings:
CIV-2024-404-845 – Whittome v Director-General of Health, incl High Court
hearing held on the 15th June 2026.
This should include, but not be limited to:
- External counsel fees (if applicable)
- 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
The reference number for your request is: POIA 2627-0011.
You will receive a response from us on or before 10 August 2026, which 20
working days from receipt of your request as set out in the OIA.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding your
request.
Ngâ mihi
Government Services | Pharmac
___________________________________________________________________
Pharmac - Te Pâtaka Whaioranga | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington
[1]www.pharmac.govt.nz
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