Applications open: Primary and Community Health Workforce Development Fund

On behalf of Hauraki PHO, National Hauora Coalition and Pinnacle, we are seeking kaimahi working in primary and community care who are interested in further education, skills development or study support.

If you work in Waikato, Taranaki, Tūwharetoa or Tairāwhiti, please check the status of the fund for your region below. Please discuss with your employer before applying here.

• Waikato: Open – Round 1 will close 15 September 2025. Round 2 will close 1 November 2025. (Please note Waikato applications received after 1 November will not be considered.)
• Tairāwhiti: Fund paused.
• Taranaki: Fund open.
• Lakes/Tūwharetoa: Fund open.

Lakes/Tūwharetoa: To strengthen your application for this region we strongly suggest referring to He Ara Whakapikiora (PDF) which outlines the six priority areas and their pae tata goals and objectives. It is important to show how the outcome of the requested training/education aligns with these priorities. Please follow this link to use in conjunction with the application form.

Funds are limited and distributed by a contestable process, prioritised to align with building primary and community workforce capability and local workforce priorities. Decisions around allocation of funding will be made by the district-specific governance groups.

This funding is part of Te Whatu Ora workforce development for primary and community care. Apply here.

Eligibility

• Be employed within the primary or community health sector.
• Have a current practising certificate (if required).
• Be an NZ citizen or NZ permanent resident.
• Meet entry criteria required by the education/training provider.

How the fund can help kaimahi

• Post graduate study: Primary and community care related post-graduate training.
• Additional training: Primary and community care related vocational training or professional development courses.
• Awhi and support: Funding for course related expenses, such as travel and accommodation.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from all kaimahi working in primary and community healthcare roles, including those employed by PHOs, GP practices, Hauora Māori and Pasifika community providers, and other community providers, including aged care.

Funding will be released in rounds. You will be updated regularly on the progress of your application.

We're here to help!

If you would like support to apply or to kōrero about this opportunity, please apply here or email: regionalwfdapplications@pinnacle.health.nz.

More information

This funding is part of Te Whatu Ora workforce development for primary and community care.

• Taranaki: Pinnacle MHN is the fundholding PHO and is supporting the application process for this rohe.
• Waikato: Hauraki PHO, National Hauora Coalition and Pinnacle MHN have worked in partnership to make this fund available to Waikato-based primary and community kaimahi, regardless of any PHO affiliation. Pinnacle MHN is supporting the application process for this rohe, in close cooperation with Hauraki PHO and National Hauora Coalition.
  
• Tūwharetoa: Pinnacle MHN is the fundholding PHO and is supporting the application process for this rohe.
  
• Tairāwhiti: Pinnacle MHN is the fundholding PHO and is supporting the application process for this rohe.