
21 October 2026
The future of PHOs: why getting it right matters for general practice
In his latest blog, Justin Butcher makes the case for retaining and strengthening PHOs to better support general practice and patient care.
Read more4 October 2023

On Sunday, 1 October 2023, Pinnacle officially gifted Ōwhata Medical Centre to Ngāti Pikiao.
As reported by The New Zealand Herald, this "extraordinary gifting" of Ōwhata Medical Centre by mainstream not-for-profit primary health organisation, Pinnacle, to Rotorua iwi Ngāti Pikiao "has broken new ground in Aotearoa."
Read the media coverage here.
Rotorua: Ōwhata Medical Centre gifted to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao Trust. Rotorua Daily Post, 4 October.
Historic gifting of Rotorua Medical Centre to iwi ‘uncharted waters but the right thing to do.’ New Zealand Herald, 3 October 2023.
‘Marvellous generosity’: Ngāti Pikiao proud new owners of Ōwhata Medical Centre. Te Ao Māori News, 2 October.
Pinnacle hands Pikiao health practice. Waatea News, 2 October.
Pinnacle PHO left buzzing after giving away a practice. NZ Doctor (paywall), 2 October.
Image: Sarah Sparks, Sparks Consulting Limited.

21 October 2026
In his latest blog, Justin Butcher makes the case for retaining and strengthening PHOs to better support general practice and patient care.
Read more
3 September 2026
This blog by Dr Jo Scott-Jones looks at new guidance on cognitive assessment as part of older people’s driver licence medical examinations, including when testing may be appropriate and what practices should consider when reviewing their current processes.
Read more20 August 2026
Network4 has released its 2026 Election Manifesto, calling on all political parties to support five priorities for a stronger, more sustainable primary care system.
Read more