Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) joins general practice New Zealand (GPNZ) in raising concern about the lack of real investment in primary care in Budget 2025. Despite ongoing calls from the sector, there is no meaningful uplift to address historic underfunding or support long-term sustainability. While the announcement stated a 7.4 per cent increase in health funding overall, the per capita rise of 6.2 per cent barely meets the current cost pressure on general practice, estimated at 6.4 per cent. Without additional support, there’s a risk costs will again fall to patients.

There is also no new funding for the Comprehensive Primary and Community Care Teams (CPCT). Investment in more General Practitioners and Nurse Practitioners training places is welcome, but the lack of support for other key roles like pharmacists, physios and paramedics will limit how well general practice can respond to community needs. The recent end of the primary care nursing pay equity claim has also added to growing disappointment across the sector.

“While any support for primary care is welcome, this budget falls short of what’s needed to strengthen the frontline of our health system. The funding announced today does little to address the growing pressures facing general practice and community providers. WBOP PHO has confirmation of another year of CPCT funding, but it’s disappointing to see no long-term commitment to an initiative that’s already making a real difference for patients. Our focus remains on working with our network and partners to ensure communities continue to have access to timely, equitable care, but this will be increasingly challenging without sustainable investment,” says Lindsey Webber, WBOP PHO CEO.

For more on what this means for general practice across Aotearoa, read GPNZ’s full response here.