Pinnacle Health

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.

25/02/2026

We are so glad to formally welcome to the Pinnacle kaimahi Pauline Elisara, Jaime Sunnex, Shontelle Samuel, Claire Kiely, Toni Muller, and Hannah Blundell .

As an organisation, we have the cultural imperative to make all our employees feel welcome. For new hires, we organise a mihi manaaki to provide a safe space for introductions and whakawhanaungatanga, capped with a sharing of kai.

Welcome to the Pinnacle whānau, Pauline, Jaime, Shontelle, Claire, and Hannah. We're excited for the meaningful mahi that you'll bring in to help our communities.
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In first photo from left to right (new hires and their team leads): Sarita MacDonald (Clinical Nurse Educator), Pauline Elisara (School Nurse - Thames High, Coromandel and Whangamata Area schools), Hannah Blundell Programme Coordinator - Smoking Cessation) Selena Batt (Regional Support Manager - Screening Services), Kris Holmes (Clinical Nurse Educator), Shontelle Samuel (School Nurse - Mangatokukutuku College), Karla Tipping (SBHS Nurse Manager), Jaime Sunnex (School Nurse - Otorohanga and Te Kuiti high) and Claire Kiely (School Nurse - Fairfield College)

23/02/2026

As we continue to usher in the Chinese New Year, some memebers of our Pinnacle whānau want to extend their warm greetings, wishes, and share a few things about how they celebrate this season. 🧧

Hear from Dr Olive Ngan (Tākuta / Doctor, School-based health services) and Janice Kong RN (Practice nurse, Rototuna Familty Health Centre).

How do you celebrate the Chinese New Year?

17/02/2026

Gong Xi Fa Cai! 🧧 Our Pinnacle whānau welcomes the year of the fire horse with much vitality and hope for a great year ahead both for our kaimahi and our communities. We extend our warm greetings especially to all our staff and members of the Pinnacle practice network who traditionally celebrate this season.

As part of our diversity and inclusivity drive in the workplace, we joined the Chinese New Year festivity through a shared lunch, trivia, lucky draw, and sharing of well wishes. Hamilton-based artist Jing Liu did traditional Chinese calligraphy to share blessings and prosperity wishes to Pinnacle kaimahi.

In her opening message, Tammy Hebditch, general manager for people and planet, emphasised the importance of making each person in Pinnacle feel that they belong and that we have a safe and inclusive space to share traditions from different cultural backgrounds.

Ka rawe tō mahi to the people behind organising this including Rawiri Blundell, Aldrin Arguelles, Caely Vink, Samrithy Yean, Rebecca Osten, and Jadie Bailey. ✨