How is he addressing access to primary care given the an estimated 36 percent of general practices with closed enrolments?

Answer

I am advised that the proportion of general practices with closed books has decreased from 29.4% in March 2025 to 25.4% in February 2026. This reflects the Government’s record investment to expand primary care capacity and help practices stay open to new patients. In 2025/26 this Government provided general practice with an additional $175 million to build a primary care system and we are also growing the workforce through initiatives such as a new 24/7 digital urgent care service, new entry pathways for NZ trained and overseas trained doctors, additional medical training places, investment in graduate nurse recruitment, and expanded nurse practitioner and advanced nursing training.