In his latest blog post, Dr Jo Scott-Jones reflects on his experiences travelling between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki during a recent land slip, sharing the lessons it offered about preparedness, connection, and how unexpected disruption can sharpen our learning.
Read morePinnacle has noted the approval of a new primary health organisation, thePHO, and says practices should have genuine choice about who represents them. At the same time, Pinnacle believes this decision raises concerns about the timing and wider impact on population health.
Read moreA new programme launched at Huntly College last week is intended to give rangatahi more time, space and support to find their strengths in their own communities, especially when the usual classroom model is not working for them.
Read moreLike many rural areas, Ōtorohanga faces GP shortages and growing demand for care. Rather than accept the status quo, the practice took a “grow your own” approach, creating a pipeline for nurses that runs from student placements to prescribing roles.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora has initiated a national incident response following severe adverse events linked to faulty Freestyle Libre 3 Plus sensors. Read more about this and how to support affected patients.
Read morePathlab is receiving a significant number of LBC samples with either labelling issues or the samples collection devices being incorrectly placed in the wrong well. They ask practices please ensure accurate and consistent sample collection using the following processes.
Read moreTechnology for all people living with type 1 (T1) diabetes has been fully funded since October 2024, with 66 per cent of people with T1 in Waikato now using Automated Insulin Delivery (AID). If you have patients with T1 not using an insulin pump, please discuss the benefits of AID and refer them to the Regional Diabetes Service via BPAC for assessment and support.
Read moreOn 4 December 2025, the director general of health published a new Gazette notice listing the prescription medicines registered nurses prescribing in primary health and specialty teams (registered nurse prescribers) are permitted to prescribe (the medicine list). Overall, the new medicines list extends the availability of medicines that nurses are able to prescribe. The list has been extended by an additional 202 medicines.
Read moreAn amendment to the Medicines Regulations 1984 (Regulation 44A) to enable authorised vaccinators to administer vaccines and medicines for the purposes of an approved immunisation programme came into force on Friday 19 December 2025. This means that authorised vaccinators no longer require a prescription.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora has confirmed that the reporting start date for the new National Primary Care Data Set and the data-sharing requirements linked to contingent capitation, has been extended to 31 March 2026. We’ll provide a clear summary of what this means for Pinnacle practices, including options and next steps, once the final Data Access and Use Agreement and framework are released in early 2026.
Read moreThe New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine is seeking GPs to contribute to Year 1 curriculum development. Opportunities are available across nine block courses, with less than 10 hours’ commitment, remote participation and remuneration provided. Register your interest.
Read moreAotearoa New Zealand is transitioning from Comirnaty JN.1 to Comirnaty LP.8.1 vaccine. Providers can now order Comirnaty 10mcg LP.8.1 for use from 1 January 2026; there is no change to vial presentation or pack size.
Please continue using existing 10mcg JN.1 stock through December and dispose of remaining vials at year end. Transitions for 3mcg (ages 6 months–4 years) and 30mcg (ages 12+) vaccines are planned for February-March 2026. Please ensure the correct vaccine is recorded in AIR during the transition.
The National Public Health Service has developed the Guidelines for Immunisation Management in Primary Care as part of the Declined Immunisation Action Plan. The guidelines standardise follow-up for declined, delayed, and missed immunisations and strengthen culturally safe engagement with whānau.
Read moreJoin this Te Whatu Ora webinar to learn about the introduction of the National Primary Care Dataset and how it will support improved understanding of access to GP services. The session will also include an update on the rollout of the Shared Digital Health Record.
View eventPinnacle, in partnership with the Heart Foundation NZ, is bringing a practical workshop to Lakes in February. Join nurse lead Leonie Cowie and the Heart Foundation team to explore the latest guidance on CVD risk assessment, management, and prevention.
View eventThese workshops, Asthma Education CARE and COPD course, run by the Asthma Foundation, provide practical knowledge and tools to support health professionals in understanding and managing asthma care, with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
View eventLegislation is currently being amended to allow prescribers to in certain circumstances prescribe 12-months of medication.
Since 2008, the Pinnacle New Graduate Nurse Programme has helped practices support new graduate nurses with funding, workshops, and peer support. In 2025, a key change was introduced with the launch of a new national funding stream from Te Whatu Ora, aimed at supporting up to 400 graduate registered nurses across primary care, community, and rural health settings.
Tui Ora’s outreach immunisation service (OIS) supports 29 general practices across Taranaki by reaching out to whānau and tamariki who face barriers to accessing scheduled immunisations. Pinnacle is supporting the programme for around two years to help lift childhood immunisation rates.