The Government has pledged extra funding for GP clinics that immunise more children, screen more women, and support more smokers to quit the habit.
A total of $67.3 million is available this year for quality improvement and performance, including $40 million tied to performance.
GP clinics and Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) will be funded when they meet targets or make progress towards them.
The funding is part of the 2026/27 general practice package, which 86% of GP clinics voted to accept in June.
“GPs do vital work keeping New Zealanders well, and this funding recognises the clinics getting results for their patients,” said Health Minister, Simeon Brown.
“Our Government has invested more than $296 million in general practice over the past two years. This builds on that, backing clinics to deliver easier access to care, more preventive care, and better results for patients.
“Rewarding progress as well as results means every clinic can benefit, wherever it is starting from.”
GP clinics are working towards the following targets by 30 June 2027:
- 90 per cent of enrolled children fully immunised at eight months and at 24 months;
- 80 per cent of enrolled women up to date with cervical screening;
- 25 per cent of current smokers offered support to quit;
- an approved patient portal in every clinic, so patients can book appointments and get information online.
Health New Zealand will also track whether people can enrol with a local clinic, workforce capacity, continuity of care, and patients’ experience of care, though these measures won’t be linked to funding this year. Emergency department presentations, avoidable hospital admissions, and flu and COVID-19 vaccination rates for people aged 65 and over will also be monitored.
“Results will be reported by rurality, ethnicity, district, and deprivation, so we can see where general practice is working well and focus support on the communities that need it most.”
“We want to give GPs and PHOs clear information to help them improve, without adding to their workload, and give New Zealanders confidence in the system.
“I want to thank the GPs, nurses, and sector representatives who helped shape this approach. Working alongside them, we’ll keep improving access to care right across the country,” said Minister Brown.
