In this week's blog post, Justin Butcher writes about what it actually takes to make progress in rural primary care, and why relationships are at the centre of it.
Read moreSmall, practical system changes can make a meaningful difference in asthma care. Over the past two years, Pinnacle has shifted from pay-for-performance to a quality improvement programme (QIP), with a strong early focus and uptake on respiratory health – particularly asthma – in Taranaki.
Read moreKahira Davis and Taryn Gillespie have been named Pinnacle’s Kia Puāwai education fund recipients, recognising two wāhine who are committed to their communities and are ready to take the next step in their own growth.
Read moreJustin Butcher discusses that fresh thinking has a place in primary care. New ideas matter. Challenge can be healthy. But primary care is too important to be reduced to branding, slogans, or simplistic claims about what should replace what.
Read moreThe Ministry of Health's latest update confirms New Zealand remains in Phase 1 of the Government's Fuel Response Plan with no fuel restrictions in place, though providers are reporting rising costs and more missed appointments. General practices are encouraged to promote digital appointment options to patients and revisit their Business Continuity Plans now.
Read moreTemporary workforce constraints are affecting Te Whatu Ora Taranaki gastroenterology services, with reduced outpatient capacity and possible delays to assessment and treatment. Referrals should continue as usual and will be clinically triaged in line with prioritisation criteria, within capacity constraints.
Read moreAs part of Pinnacle's commitment to supporting education opportunities for practice managers, we have some funding available to support a limited number of practice managers to attend the annual PMAANZ conference.
Read moreAfter several months of work, our new combined website will go live on Friday 22 May, initially at pinnacle.co.nz. This is an important first step toward Pinnacle’s new integrated digital experience.
Read moreWith the volume of changes and update communications being released by Valentia, the indici team at Pinnacle has compiled a summary of the top six recent releases, improvements, and new functions to provide a quick and practical way for general practice teams to stay informed, without needing to review each individual update in full.
Read moreHealth New Zealand has shared slides and a recording from the Urgent and After Hours Health Care Framework webinar held on Tuesday 5 May. This resource is designed to keep primary care partners informed on the background of the programme, recent community feedback, and the upcoming implementation phases.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has issued a public health advisory regarding an ongoing global hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. As of 13 May 2026, the risk to New Zealand remains low, with no known exposed individuals currently in New Zealand or travelling here. Clinicians should be aware of hantavirus symptoms in patients with relevant travel history and contact their local Medical Officer of Health urgently if a case is suspected.
Read moreFrom Term 3 2026, the School-Based Immunisation Programme (SBIP) will focus on delivering HPV dose 1 in schools, and HPV dose 2 will no longer be offered through schools. Whānau wishing to complete the two-dose course can access HPV dose 2 free of charge through general practice, pharmacies, and other community providers from August 2026. General practices are also encouraged to offer catch-up HPV vaccination to all young people aged 14 to 26 who have not yet received any doses.
Read moreVersion 2 of the Immunisation Handbook 2026 is now available on the Health New Zealand website (currently as PDF only, with a web version expected by end of May). Key changes include a standardised 15-minute post-vaccination observation period for all vaccines, updated influenza vaccine information for the 2026 season, and revised guidance for children aged under 4 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time. Vaccinators are encouraged to use the most current version.
Read moreThe RNZCGP Waikato Bay of Plenty faculty and Te Whatu Ora GP liaison quiz night is back for its third year. Join primary and secondary colleagues for an evening of fun, prizes, and a few tricky questions. Spaces are limited, so RSVP early.
View eventTe Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Health are hosting a webinar to share progress and next steps in the development of the new primary care health target, announced by the Minister of Health last year.
View eventPlease join us (in-person or virtually) for presentations and kōrero, hosted by Dr Gina Kaye, Taranaki GP lead, and focussed on Healthcare NZ supports, Waimanako Taranaki Retreat, and concussion rehabilitation.
View eventThis month Dr Jo Scott-Jones and Dr Dave Maplesden discuss diabetes, whole body scanning, sepsis, and more.
Since November 2021 people have been able to request an assessment and if eligible receive an assisted death. Every practice needs to be prepared for this conversation.
Midland Community Pharmacy Group (MidCPG) is based in Hamilton and delivers publicly funded community pharmacy services across the Te Manawa Taki region.