The measles chapter of the Communicable Disease Control Manual has been updated, including clarifications to testing guidance, case definitions, and new advice on immunity for people born or living overseas before 1969. A summary of key changes and the updated chapter are available on our website.

LearningWorks is offering three NZQA-recognised leadership and training programmes at zero fees from February 2026. These flexible programmes are designed to fit around work commitments and deliver practical, on-the-job benefits. Spaces are limited due to funding eligibility.

Pathlab is changing its coeliac disease testing algorithm and will no longer perform upfront total IgA testing on all coeliac requests. From 11 November 2025, total IgA will only be added when results suggest possible IgA deficiency, with anti-DGP IgG continuing to be added automatically when IgA is <0.05 g/L. This updated approach aligns with published evidence and current practice at Canterbury Health Laboratories.

An updated guide on MMR vaccine eligibility for primary and community care providers is now available on the Te Whatu Ora website. The update covers funded access for people not eligible for publicly funded healthcare (including Registered Seasonal Employees), use of private-market MMR vaccine, prioritisation guidance, and adult catch-up recommendations. 

To ensure GPs have timely access to accurate clinical advice, Te Whatu Ora's obstetrics and gynaecology service now has a consultant taking calls from general practice.

The recent Te Whatu Ora webinar on capitation reweighting outlined progress toward an updated capitation formula that better reflects the real needs of communities. The webinar recording, slides and Q&A summary are now available.

A reminder practices should not send patients with suspected measles to community collection labs for testing. If a patient with possible measles presents to your practice, please complete the testing on-site in accordance with current guidelines, and notify the Ministry of Health of any suspected cases.

Bay of Plenty/Waikato Faculty of RNZCGP invites all GPs (including non-faculty members) and GP registrars in the GPEP programme (years 1-3) to register for collegial support service – Ka Hono.

Ngā Manukura is a clinical leadership programme for Māori nurses and midwives. To date, thirty-six cohorts are either in progress or have completed the programme. Enrolments are open for 2026 cohorts, with 25 places available in each, for those who meet the criteria.