Exciting news for primary care — NZGSM clinical placement regions announced

We're pleased to share some significant news for primary care in our regions. On Thursday 11 June, Ministers Simeon Brown and Matt Doocey confirmed the clinical placement regions for the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM), a significant milestone for primary care and the rural health workforce across Aotearoa. 

As Minister Brown noted: "We know that where doctors train often influences where they practise. By embedding students in regional and rural communities, we're creating a pathway for more doctors to stay and work in the areas that need them most." 

About the programme

The NZGSM will welcome its first cohort of 120 graduate-entry students in 2028, with hospital-based clinical placements commencing in 2029 and general practice and primary care placements from 2030. Students will complete one year on-campus at the University of Waikato before undertaking three years of clinical training across five regions. A year-long general practice placement sits at the heart of the programme – a strong endorsement of primary care as the foundation of a sustainable health system. 

Community Clinical Learning Centres (CCLCs) will be established in each region to anchor students in their communities and provide interprofessional learning opportunities. Exact CCLC locations within each area are still to be confirmed over the coming months. 

Confirmed regions

We're pleased that three of the five confirmed regions are home to Pinnacle network practices:

• Waikato — North Waikato, Hauraki/Thames-Coromandel, South Waikato, Waipā/King Country
• Bay of Plenty — Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua
• Taranaki/Whanganui — New Plymouth, Whanganui
• Hawke's Bay — Hastings, Wairoa
• Nelson/Marlborough — Richmond, Blenheim

We know this announcement will be disappointing for some communities, however the University has noted that areas such as Tairāwhiti and Taupō/Turangi will be able to host elective and selective placements for year four students.

Our commitment

Pinnacle has been part of conversations and CCLC proposal development with the University of Waikato, our PHO partners and community providers as this programme has developed, and we remain committed to working collaboratively across the sector as planning progresses. We'll keep you updated as more detail becomes available. 

There is significant work ahead to ensure practices are equipped with the infrastructure, funding and the clinical supervision skills to support students. Both Pinnacle and the University are keen to progress these discussions in light of today’s announcement and this important milestone. 

If you have questions in the meantime, please contact Katie Latimer, deputy chief executive, Pinnacle. 

Ngā manaakitanga,
Justin Butcher — Chief Executive, Pinnacle