NZ Unveils Major Reforms to Boost GP Access, Rural Healthcare and Medical Training

The New Zealand Government is moving decisively to improve access to general practitioners (GPs) across the country, with a particular emphasis on underserved rural communities. Health Minister Simeon Brown announced a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at modernising GP funding, accelerating access to primary healthcare, and expanding the local pipeline of trained GPs to address critical workforce shortages.

Overhauling Outdated GP Funding to Reflect Community Needs

At the heart of the Government’s plan is a long-overdue update to the capitation funding model for GP clinics. The current model, unchanged for over 20 years, allocates funding based mainly on a patient’s age and sex. From 1 July 2026, the revised model will incorporate more nuanced factors including multimorbidity, rurality, and socioeconomic deprivation.

“This reform will ensure that GP practices serving high-needs populations—especially in rural or lower-income areas—receive a more equitable share of public funding,” said Minister Brown. “We’re taking real action to make sure clinics with more complex and disadvantaged patients can deliver the care their communities deserve.”

New National Health Target for Faster Access

To ensure timely access to care, the Government is introducing a new national health target: from 1 July 2026, over 80% of people should be able to see a primary care provider within one week. This mirrors an existing goal for mental health and addiction services.

Minister Brown stressed the urgency behind this move: “Waiting weeks to see a doctor not only worsens patient outcomes but also drives avoidable hospital admissions. This target will help reduce delays and ensure that patients get the right care, at the right time, in the right setting.”

Expanding and Supporting the GP Workforce

In addition to funding changes and access targets, the Government is significantly increasing investment in general practice training. The aim is to bolster GP numbers by making training more accessible and attractive—particularly for those considering careers in rural or high-needs areas.

The centrepiece of this effort is increased support for the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP), the sole accredited vocational pathway for doctors training to become GPs in New Zealand. While GPEP training takes at least three years to complete, only the first year has been fully funded in the past.

Key elements of the new investment include:

• Covering training fees for doctors in their second, third, and post-third years of GPEP beginning in 2025.

• Paying for exam and preparation costs for approximately 200 GPEP trainees nearing completion.

• Providing full annual funding for education and training for about 400 GPEP Year 2 and 3 trainees each year.

“This investment will enable hundreds of trainee doctors to complete their specialist GP qualifications without the burden of unaffordable costs,” said Minister Brown. “It’s about building a sustainable workforce that is trained here, understands our communities, and is equipped to mentor the next generation of GPs.”

Addressing Rural Health Inequities Head-On

The package also recognises the unique challenges of rural healthcare delivery, where single-doctor clinics and closed patient books are common. By targeting funding and workforce initiatives toward rural areas, the reforms aim to level the playing field.

“Too often, rural New Zealanders face longer waits or have to travel significant distances just to access primary care,” said Brown. “We’re committed to changing that reality by improving support for rural practices and making rural general practice a more viable and rewarding career path.”

A Vision for a More Responsive Health System

Minister Brown concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening primary care as the foundation of New Zealand’s healthcare system. By updating funding models, introducing performance targets, and expanding the GP pipeline, the Government aims to create a more responsive, equitable system that delivers quality care to all New Zealanders—regardless of their postcode.

“These reforms are not just about short-term fixes—they’re about laying the groundwork for a stronger, fairer healthcare system that can meet the evolving needs of our people,” he said.