Ministers defend $357,000 exit payment to former Pharmac chief executive

Monday 1 December 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Mon 1 Dec 2025, 3:47pm

In this story David Seymour, Pharmac, Ayesha Verrall, Paula Bennett, Sarah Fitt

Pharmac Minister David Seymour and board chairwoman Paula Bennett have defended a $357,058 payout made to former chief executive Sarah Fitt following her resignation. While Labour described the payment as well beyond the public sector norm, Seymour stated the departure was well managed and essential for the agency.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZMon 1 Dec 2025, 3:08pm

   David Seymour, Paula Bennett defend $357k exit payment to former Pharmac head (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldMon 1 Dec 2025, 3:16pm

   Pharmac defends near-$350,000 exit payment to one employee in same year CEO resigned (opens in new tab)

3. The Press via The PostMon 1 Dec 2025, 3:47pm

   Pharmac makes secret $357k payout following exit of Sarah Fitt (opens in new tab)