Four of New Zealand’s largest primary health organisations are calling for a nationally aligned digital health strategy, greater investment in AI and interoperability standards and the rollout of a single secure health record.
The proposals form part of an election manifesto released by Network4, the alliance of Pegasus Health, Pinnacle Group, ProCare and Tū Ora Compass Health, which represents more than 350 practices and 1.8 million enrolled New Zealanders.
Network4 has made “technology in service of people” one of five priorities it wants political parties to support ahead of the 2026 election, arguing New Zealand’s digital health landscape remains fragmented and duplicated.
The alliance said clinicians were spending too much time on administration and navigating disconnected systems, while digital tools and platforms developed in New Zealand could be scaled more effectively.
Among its proposed actions is the development of a nationally aligned digital health strategy with primary care at its centre, alongside national interoperability standards across health systems.
Network4 is also calling for greater investment in AI and other digital tools that reduce administrative burden, better use and scaling of proven New Zealand-built platforms, and technology investment focused on patient and clinician outcomes.
The manifesto also calls for support for the rollout of “a single and secure health record that follows people wherever they access care in New Zealand.”
“Technology should support better care, reduce burden, and free clinicians to spend more time with patients,” the manifesto said.
Digital investment 10-year plan
The technology proposals sit alongside Network4’s wider call for political parties to back a bipartisan 10-year strategy for primary care.
Network4 chair Barry Bragg said repeated changes in health policy made it difficult for primary care organisations to make long-term investments.
“General practice is the front door to our health system. It keeps people well, manages long-term conditions and helps keep people out of hospital,” Mr Bragg said.
“But long-term investment becomes difficult when priorities continue to change. We believe New Zealand needs a shared commitment to the future of primary care that extends beyond election cycles.”
Network4 wants the proposed 10-year strategy to include sustained investment in digital infrastructure and innovation, alongside workforce development.
Its manifesto also identifies better information sharing as part of its push to move more care into community settings.
It calls for better shared-care planning and information flow between primary, community and hospital care, as well as reduced administrative burden at the primary-secondary interface and improved communication between providers and patients.
Network4 said the manifesto highlighted opportunities to improve integration between primary, community and hospital services and make better use of digital technology already developed in New Zealand.
Shared data & infrastructure
Network4 said its four PHOs are already working together on shared data, digital infrastructure and investment.
The alliance said secure data sharing could provide better insights and support more coordinated care, while collaboration between its members allowed new solutions to be tested and scaled.
Network4’s other election priorities cover sustainable funding, the primary care workforce and delivering more healthcare closer to home.
Mr Bragg said the proposals were intended to give the sector greater certainty to invest in its future.
“Our message is the same to every party contesting the election. Primary care needs a clear long-term direction, sustainable funding and the confidence to invest in the future.”
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