Pinnacle Health

24/04/2026

What does it really mean to champion meaningful reforms in primary health rather than just doing things for the optics?

"If we are serious about improving access and sustainability, we need to stay focused on what actually helps general practice and the wider system work better. That includes the current advice to the health minister on the future of PHOs, the discussion about national targets, and the wider question of what kind of primary care system Aotearoa New Zealand needs next. Anyone can promise a better model, but the real test is whether they understand the pressures, the relationships, and the day-to-day realities well enough to make it work."

In his latest blog, Pinnacle CEO Justin Butcher discusses that fresh thinking has a place in primary care. New ideas matter. Challenge can be healthy. But primary care is too important to be reduced to branding, slogans, or simplistic claims about what should replace what.

Read his blog here: https://www.pinnaclepractices.co.nz/news/primary-care-needs-more-than-a-new-story/

21/04/2026

At Pinnacle, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of how we operate, both as an organisation and as individuals. Our sustainability committee has been formed to guide our efforts, identify opportunities to reduce our environmental impact, and help create a more sustainable workplace for everyone.

Our efforts will be guided by a three-year roadmap. This begins with building strong foundations, such as establishing governance and understanding our carbon footprint, before moving into staff engagement, operational changes, and longer-term impact. Over time, this will evolve into embedding sustainability into how we work every day.

This Earth Day, we recommit ourselves to this long journey ahead. As a primary health organisation, we believe that sustainability is closely linked to health and wellbeing and aligns with our commitment to supporting better outcomes for our communities and the environment.

Kia hauora te katoa, kia puāwai te katoa (Everyone healthy, everyone thriving).

21/04/2026

How does the Pinnacle board remain clinically led and equity focused?

"It's really important for me to advocate for Māori and Pacific communities just because of who I am. I am of Samoan heritage. I was raised by a solo mother in South Auckland, and access to a doctor, especially for the chronic conditions I had was quite hard. There were many barriers. So I think being present in the board table with who I am and my heritage—it just highlights to others from my community that it is possible to be in leadership roles and that our voice is important."

Vui Dr Tamatoa Blaiklock, a general practice member of the Pinnacle board, shares his motivation for stepping into governance, why it matters to represent Māori and Pasifika communities in the boardroom, how Pinnacle remains equity focused, and how the board remains clinically led.

Listen in parts on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3CGGmoFiu0E?si=w4biI5Z2t3nKUGPf

00:00 Intro
00:12 What motivated you to join the Pinnacle board as a GP?
00:47 Why is it important for you to advocate for Māori and Pasifika communities?
02:12 What's the importance of stepping into governance as a GP?
02:38 What does GP voice look like at the board table?
03:15 How is Pinnacle clinically led in board decisions?
03:53 How do GPs influence outcomes rather than just being consulted?
04:21 How does the board keep equity front and centre?
04:58 Final thoughts

Hamilton East Medical Centre

14/04/2026

From serving as a GP in the humble town of Ōpōtiki to being a recipient of this year's John McLeod Oration—the highest international honours in rural health—Pinnacle's clinical director Dr Jo Scott-Jones keeps reaping the rewards for his decades of contribution to rural health.

“I definitely still see being a doctor as a vocation, it’s not just a job.”

Dr Jo has always been passionate in serving high-needs communities, and his extensive experience as a GP gives him unique voice in various leadership and advocacy roles including co-leading the rural health national clinical network, a member of the Minister of Health’s primary care advisory group, and board member of the New Zealand Physician Associate Society.

Pinnacle Health is grateful to have Dr Jo sitting in our leadership team and serving as an exemplar to general practitioners.

Rotorua Daily Post wrote about his story here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/opotiki-gp-dr-jo-scottjones-honoured-with-john-mcleod-oration/5YC5VBBKNJHTNO57UEC7X7CGE4/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=rdp_fb&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaARKjU1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEef8F7YGpUoNZQVBlUmT-tX5Z84VmSoLJMPgvL8un6UFXLF9z_ugXMaUp3_8k_aem_M9V45CE4sE6-_l8NIQWdcw =1776126054

A thoughtful and courageous oration from Dr Jo Scott Jones ended the third day of the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference. He was the chosen speaker for the prestigious John McLeod oration, a tradition honouring one of the founding members of Rural WONCA.

Dr Scott Jones spoke honestly about his journey as a young GP coming from Liverpool in England to Ōpōtiki, a rural town in Aotearoa, on taking time to understand the people he serves, including the indigenous Te Whakatōhea community.

His wisdom and humility was on full show as he spoke about the the 'vomit' principle in advocacy (sharing a good idea over and over until you are sick of hearing yourself talk 🤮) and the very real link between spirituality and the body for the people he serves (and for all of us). He also shared one of his lowest moments working as a GP after the death of a young patient, in a moment

He ended by offering sound advice for younger GPs; make connections with the people around you, follows your passions and seek joy in your practice. Thank you Jo for your leadership, co-chairing the scientific committee of this fantastic meeting, for your persistence in advancing global rural health, and for your dedication to your community. 💜

13/04/2026

Back in March, Taranaki’s immunisation team worked alongside the extended care team, health improvement practitioners (HIPs), and Diabetes NZ at the Taranaki Tradies Tools Down afternoon - an event focused on making healthcare easier to access for tāne.

More than 700 people attended, with Paddy Gower as the guest speaker. Our team provided MMR and HPV immunisations, glucose and HbA1c finger‑prick testing, blood pressure checks, and one‑on‑one conversations about results, wellbeing, and next steps where needed.

We also invited participants to complete a short survey about their health and their understanding of the information shared. This helped guide practical, straightforward kōrero and identify opportunities for early intervention.

Thirty‑six people completed the survey and spent time engaging with the team. The response reinforced the value of meeting people where they are and offering care that is clear, respectful, and easy to take up.

Thank you to everyone involved for the planning, collaboration, and commitment that made this outreach possible.


Photo 1: Some of Pinnacle’s Taranaki team involved in the event, from left: Awhina Mattock (Immunisation & Enrolment Lead), Jessica Knight (Nurse Lead), Maryanne Tawhera (Diabetes NZ/Pinnacle Midlands), Angela Dellow (Immunisation Support/Kaiāwhina), Chantel Punter (Immunisations Nurse), and Emma Parker‑Eves (Programmes Support – HIPs).

Photo 2: Angela Dellow and Chantel Punter

09/04/2026

"From where I sit, primary care does not need more assertion. It needs sound funding settings, sensible accountability, and decisions that reflect how general practice actually works. That is why work such as PSAAP, contingent capitation and data sharing matters so much. These issues may not grab headlines in the same way other topics do, but they go straight to the conditions general practice is working under every day." – Justin Butcher, Pinnacle CEO

In this latest blogpost by Justin, he explores how primary care is not improved by slogans, but by careful decisions, mature leadership, and a clear understanding of what helps practices do their job well.

Read the full article here: https://www.pinnaclepractices.co.nz/news/getting-the-settings-right-for-general-practice/

31/03/2026

Pinnacle Health were once again participants in the waka ama corporate races for three years running. This year's regatta was held last Saturday, 21 March, at Tūrangawaewae coinciding with the Tūrangawaewae Royal Regatta's 130 years. 🚣‍♀️

The famous regatta consisted of waka ama corporate racing on the Waikato Awa which has always been the highlight. There were also kapa haka performances and the Waka Tauā being the main attractions of the day.

We would like to acknowledge the awesome mahi the whānau from Tūrangawaewae do each year to gather people together and run an exceptional day.

We'll see you again next year!

17/03/2026

Meet Amit Prasad, independent chair of the Pinnacle board and the Trust board. Get an insider look through his point of view and learn why it’s vital to have both general practice board members and independent directors in this governing unit in the primary health sector.

In this snippet, he first explains how independent directors are appointed and vetted by our GP board members.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BA6NUiBHXNU

10/03/2026

Following the International Women's Day celebration last 8 March, Pinnacle showed solidarity by wearing purple and celebrating the women in our workplace. We recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across our organisation and communities.

It is also an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as an organisation toward gender equity and the work still ahead to ensure everyone has equal opportunity to grow, lead, and succeed.

Ngā mihi nui to the women at Pinnacle for the positive impact you make every day! 💜

In photos: Kaimahi from Pinnacle Midlands Health Network and Primary Health Care Ltd

09/03/2026

Today (Monday 9 March) we’re pleased to welcome two Oceania Healthcare sites into the Pinnacle network, with St John’s Wood and Wharerangi Village now connected into our wider network of primary care services.

These two sites are no strangers to Taupō - they’ve been supporting older people in the community for some time, and together care for around 140 residents.

Both facilities reflect a model of care we’re seeing more of across Aotearoa New Zealand - nurse practitioner-led services working alongside wider clinical teams to support residents and whānau with timely, coordinated care.

There’s a digital step forward here too. This welcome aligns with Oceania Healthcare’s move to the indici platform across its sites up and down the motu, supporting consistent clinical processes and enabling secure, appropriate sharing across services.

Welcome to Jenny Burges (GM Primary Care Services for Oceania Health), Kulwant Kaur (nurse practitioner) and the teams at St John’s Wood and Wharerangi Village. We’re looking forward to working alongside you in Taupō.

03/03/2026

As the world celebrates Lantern Festival today to conclude the 15-day Chinese New Year festivities, we'd love to share some final thoughts and wishes from our Pinnacle whānau: Caely Vink (Programme coordinator in primary mental health - Waikato) and Dr Betty Zhang from Hillcrest Medical Centre). 🏮🧧

Arohanui to all celebrating this season!

02/03/2026

Pinnacle is honoured to have hosted Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua, a rōpū of respected rangatira (leaders) in Māori health, for a two-day wānanga.

As an advisory subgroup to General Practice New Zealand (GPNZ), the rōpū plays a pivotal role in shaping Māori health and equity within the primary health sector.

The two-day wānanga began with a mihi whakatau at Pinnacle's Kirikiriroa office on 26 February, where kaimahi (staff) welcomed rōpū members from Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation, Collaborative Aotearoa, Bays Primary Health, Mahitahi Hauora, Pegasus Health, HealthPoint, Health Hawke's Bay and WellSouth Primary Health Network. Rōpū members Tu Ora and Hato Hone were not able to join us this time.

Our chief executive Justin Butcher said in his whaikōrero, “The value in working together as PHOs and as Māori leaders helps to ensure that collectively we continue to focus on equity, regardless of the political environment, because we believe it’s the right thing to do. As PHO leaders in the primary health care sector in this time of some uncertainty, we have an opportunity to remind our networks the value and support we provide them with."

Pinnacle is grateful to have received a taonga named after the rōpū Māori itself, Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua. This taonga is passed from one host to the next, carrying the mauri of Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua. In doing so, it reflects the collective work, purpose, and leadership of the group.