Pinnacle welcomes major primary care investment announced at GP25

Pinnacle welcomes today’s announcement from the Minister of Health at GP25 as a strong sign that primary care – the cornerstone of a robust health system – is finally receiving the focus it has long deserved.

Chief Executive Justin Butcher says Hon Simeon Brown’s announced package of changes, from workforce investment to funding reform, marks a significant shift in direction.

“This is the kind of action general practice has been waiting for,” Justin said. “Fully funding GP training through the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) removes one of the biggest barriers for doctors entering general practice. That’s good for GPs and their communities. When you combine that with the new Waikato medical school focused on rural and primary care, we can see the beginnings of a long-term workforce strategy.” 

The Minister also announced:

• reweighting the capitation formula from 1 July 2026 to include morbidity, rurality and deprivation, with regular reviews to ensure it remains fit for purpose
• developing a new access target, with a goal of 80 per cent of people being seen within a week, to be developed in partnership with the primary care sector, ensuring it is ambitious and achievable
• establishing a Primary Care Advisory Group to ensure general practice has a formal voice in national decision-making
• issuing a letter of expectation to PHOs and practices with a strong focus on immunisation and practice cost transparency.

In his GP25 remarks, the Minister acknowledged the current model is outdated: “It’s been 20 years since a considered look at primary and community health care has been undertaken … and we need to ensure further investment is informed by strategy and planning.”

Justin said these changes reflect serious commitment to supporting general practice, and the health system overall. “Primary care is the cornerstone of our health system. When it’s strong, people stay well and pressure on hospitals is reduced. These announcements, especially the investment in GPEP, show a real commitment to strengthening that foundation. 

"There’s still detail to work through, but it’s encouraging to see action matching the rhetoric. That’s good news for patients, whānau and communities across Aotearoa.”