ACT Promises NZ$400 Million to Retain GPs and Expand Appointments

New Zealand’s ACT Party has proposed an additional NZ$400 million over four years for general practice to retain doctors and expand patient appointments. James Christmas, the party’s Tāmaki candidate, said the ongoing NZ$100 million annual boost would come on top of normal capitation increases. ACT says the extra practice funding would support competitive pay, retain experienced staff and enable additional hours and appointments, while acknowledging that not every GP can or wants to work longer. The party also proposes building on fast-track registration pathways and streamlining medical regulators to attract safe, competent overseas-trained doctors.