It was October 1984 when Judy Cowie first started work at Fairfield Medical Centre in Hamilton. She and then fiancé Grant Cowie were not long back in in the country after three years’ living and working in Australia and the United Kingdom.

It has been a tough year for health, and primary care in particular, but we are pleased to have identified opportunities to improve the way we fund our practices.

Pinnacle development managers have created a toolkit to provide essential tools and resources to support practice managers, business managers, and other staff involved in the management of general practice. It aims to streamline administrative tasks, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the quality of care and services delivered at practice level.

When Rongomaiwahine Iwi Trust and Pinnacle signed a formal agreement in February to promote the iwi’s hauora ora aspirations in the community it felt historic.

The success of a marae-based health clinic at Mangatoatoa Pā, just inside the King Country boundary near the banks of the Pūniu River, shows the power of collaboration.

Taupō Medical Centre’s Jean Chegwidden followed the leader when she decided to become a nurse.

Mention the word retirement to Sally Davies and she quickly responds by saying she is still working a day a week but come December that will be it.

A new Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) initiative has been launched in Northern Coromandel in response to community-identified health needs developed through locality planning and partnerships.

This week we are announcing a strategic partnership between Pinnacle Incorporated and K'aute Pasifika, forming a new venture named Fatu Lalaga. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to provide excellent and equitable healthcare for Pacific, Māori, and priority populations.

World Family Doctor Day, on Sunday 19 May, is an occasion to highlight the intrinsic connection between the health of our planet and the wellbeing of our patients, emphasising the critical role primary healthcare can play in promoting sustainable health practices. We hope you enjoy this quick video message from our clinical director, Dr Jo Scott-Jones.