General Practice New Zealand to become Primary Care New Zealand

At its Annual General Meeting on 1 December General Practice New Zealand confirmed that it intends to change its name to Primary Care New Zealand in 2024.

The name change follows discussions with the organisation’s membership throughout 2023 that will see changes to the GPNZ Constitution to reflect both the changing health system and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

CEO Maura Thompson said that the name change is the next logical step in the organisation’s development.

“We are a national membership organisation providing leadership, support and advocacy for primary care. Our new name aligns us with that purpose and was agreed through extensive discussion with members. Primary Care New Zealand better reflects what we and our members are about.”

GPNZ’s 24 member PHOs are responsible for an enrolled population of more than 4.4 million people, including more than 80 per cent of the enrolled Māori population. Its vision is to help create a health and care system that supports all people to live well in their communities, delivers best possible care where and when people need it, and will be there for future generations.

“General practice is a cornerstone of primary care and we’ll continue to be a proud and high profile advocate for modern, whānau-centred general practice. But we’re excited to make this change, signalling a strong commitment to the entire primary care sector and the goals set out by the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act.”

GPNZ has a history evolving alongside health system reform. GPNZ was established in 2010 to represent the voice of PHOs. As independent practitioner associations (IPAs) ceased to exist, many of the functions of the IPA umbrella body, the IPA Council, transitioned into GPNZ.

“We remain firmly connected to our history, while embracing a broader platform to promote ideas and support initiatives that advance effective primary care and improved population outcomes.” says GPNZ chair Dr Bryan Betty. “But structures and relationships are changing and it’s timely for us to consider the wider purpose and functions of our organisation and to confirm our contribution to the health system.”

“Our members will continue to benefit from our leadership, advocacy and support and we’ll continue to be a solutions-focussed trusted adviser to the health system. We’re taking control of our destiny and it’s an exciting time to be part of the organisation.”

GPNZ will manage a careful transition process over the coming months to ensure we do not disrupt our momentum or our brand recognition as we adopt our new identity.