Enhancing GP Funding and Access for Kiwis: Government's New Health Initiatives

The Government, led by Health Minister Simeon Brown, is enhancing access to healthcare for New Zealanders by focusing on improved funding for rural practices, faster GP access, and bolstering the GP workforce through training and retention initiatives. Changes to GP funding will better reflect patient needs by updating the capitation model to include factors like multimorbidity and socioeconomic deprivation, effective from July 1, 2026. A new national health target aims to ensure over 80% of people can see a primary care provider within one week, aligning with efforts to improve access to mental health services, while targeted investments in GP training seek to attract and retain more doctors, especially in rural and high-needs areas.