MEDIA RELEASE
9 March 2012
Pharmacy Guilds sign memorandum of understanding
The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGoA) have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU), further strengthening the well-established relationship between the organisations.
The Guilds are the national pharmacy organisations representing community pharmacy owners in New Zealand and Australia.
The MOU renews calls to work more closely together while pursuing common interests for community pharmacists. For
example, developments in Australia around e-health initiatives may influence pharmacy in New Zealand.
“We are pleased to be solidifying our relationship with PGoA,” says Karen Crisp, the Guild’s President. “Relationship
building is an important aspect of the work we do and I look forward to working together with PGoA on areas of common
interest.”
PGoA National President Kos Sclavos says the goals of the organisations couldn’t be more aligned. ”It makes perfect
sense for us to work closely together to better serve the members of both organisations. There is a great deal that we
can learn from each other and assist each other with. Having a strong community pharmacy network in both countries is in
the best interests of all pharmacists and I look forward to working closely with my New Zealand counterparts.”
To commemorate the signing of the MOU, the Guild presented its Australian counterpart with a glass statue carved by
renowned New Zealand carver, Michael Matchitt, who is a teacher of traditional Māori carving. Ms Crisp said that one of
the reasons they chose the art work was because of its pale yellow colour which is reminiscent of the blue and yellow
colours representing both organisations.
Reciprocating the gesture, PGoA has gifted its Trans-Tasman ally a piece of original – and appropriately themed –
Australian Aboriginal artwork entitled “Medicine Dreaming”, painted by Northern Territory artist, Jedda Purvis
Kngwarreye.
The Guilds are voluntary membership organisations committed to ensuring their members realise their professional and
financial potential.
ENDS