An ongoing diphtheria outbreak across several Australian states has prompted an advisory for New Zealand clinicians. The current risk of introduction to New Zealand is low, however the risk of an outbreak increases in areas with lower vaccination coverage if diphtheria is introduced, particularly in high-density settings. Read about what to watch for and how to support patients to stay protected.

Te Whatu Ora has published the Q2 2025/26 primary care indicators (October–December 2025), showing incremental gains in general practice enrolment access and childhood immunisation at 24 months, alongside a slight dip in smoking cessation support. Practices are encouraged to use the data to inform planning and quality improvement.

Te Whatu Ora has released Tane's Story, the second in its childhood immunisation storytelling series. Using lived experience to connect with parents and caregivers, the series continues a kaupapa that has already sparked wide discussion across the sector. Resources and a campaign guide are available to help you share it with your networks.

Join our psychiatrist-led GP supervision group, offering confidential supervision of difficult cases. The group is suited to GPs who are managing high volumes of mental health presentations and have become the go-to mental health doctor at their practice, whether by design or by default, or are looking to strengthen their mental health literacy. Tuesdays at 4.30pm, every four weeks for one year, starting 2 June.

General practices are invited to take part in the National Bowel Screening Programme (NBSP) May primary care promotion to increase bowel screening participation among under-screened groups and improve patient outcomes. The May campaigns in 2023, 2024 and 2025 were highly successful, increasing kit requests among under-screened groups. This year’s promotion aims to build on that success and drive even greater participation. Register now to access free resources and participate in the campaign.

The Diabetes National Clinical Network has issued updated HbA1c diagnostic thresholds to align New Zealand reporting with global standards and to support improved patient outcomes. The following changes were implemented by Pathlab on Wednesday 22 April, ahead of the Ministry of Health deadline of 1 July 2026.

Pathlab is now able to offer FIB-4 Index as a requestable test. The FIB-4 Index is used to assess the risk of liver fibrosis in patients with Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (but is not appropriate for other causes of liver disease). If using Pathlab Éclair orders, please go to the additional tab and search “FIB-4.”

In consultation with endocrinologists and paediatricians, Pathlab has recently updated reference intervals for FT3. This aligns Pathlab with Waikato Hospital Laboratory and LabPlus and includes more appropriate intervals for young paediatric patients.

Health Accelerator has partnered with PenTest NZ to offer general practices a 25 per cent discount on an independent cyber security assessment — around $1,000 off for most practices. With increased scrutiny following recent primary care cyber incidents, this is a practical way to identify risks and demonstrate responsible cyber risk management. The discount is available until 31 July 2026.