Chief Executive Officer Jeremy van de Klundert says the sponsorship reflects Medtech’s ongoing commitment to supporting primary care and celebrating the people driving meaningful change across the sector.
“By sponsoring the GP of the Year Award, we directly recognise GPs who continue to care for their communities while finding new ways to innovate and deliver excellent care, despite the pressures they face,” says Jeremy.
“At Medtech, our role is to help practices work smarter and stay resilient as expectations and demands continue to change. Technology is transforming healthcare, and we are committed to ensuring primary care remains at the forefront of that transformation.”
The award category strongly resonates with Medtech because it reflects the leadership, adaptability and commitment required to run a modern general practice.
“GPs are continually being asked to do more with less, while still delivering care that leaves patients feeling supported and heard,” Jeremy says. “Well-supported practices need three key elements: the human side of healthcare, a sustainable funding model and the power of technology. When GPs are well supported, everyone benefits.”
Medtech hopes the sponsorship will help shine a light on the incredible work happening across primary care and encourage practitioners to continue pushing boundaries in how care is delivered.
“The work GPs do is essential, yet often underacknowledged. By celebrating excellence, we can reinforce the value of primary care and the importance of investing in its future. Most importantly, we hope entrants feel seen, supported and recognised for the impact they make every day.”
Jeremy says one of the most inspiring aspects of working alongside the sector is witnessing the resilience and innovation demonstrated by practices and care teams across the country.
“Experiencing first-hand the professionalism and care delivered to people in need — and watching teams find smarter ways to manage workload and improve patient access — reinforces my belief that primary care is both resilient and innovative. These experiences highlight what is possible when leadership, purpose and the right tools come together.”
When asked to describe the sector in three words, Jeremy’s answer was simple: “Dedicated, selfless, expert.”
And if primary care had an anthem?
“Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles.”
The 2026 GP of the Year Award recognises an exceptional GP who has made an outstanding contribution to their practice, patients and wider community through leadership, innovation and a commitment to achieving equitable health outcomes.
Medtech is especially excited to see the next generation of inspiring entrants following the success of last year’s winner, Glenn Doherty from Tongan Health Society Inc, who was recognised at the 2025 New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards for his outstanding contribution to primary care.
Entries for the 2026 New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora are now open, with submissions closing on 24 April 2026 at 11:59PM.
Primary care in Aotearoa continues to achieve incredible outcomes in challenging times, and the awards are an opportunity to celebrate the positive impact healthcare professionals and their teams are making for communities throughout New Zealand.