New Zealand’s Health Minister, Hon Simeon Brown, visited several healthcare facilities in Tauranga on Thursday, marking his first engagement in the region since taking on the health portfolio.

Brown said the focus must remain on patient-centred care, stating, "It’s all about the patient."

During his visit to The Doctors Welcome Bay, Tara Road Medical Centre, and Tauranga Accident and HealthCare, he highlighted the importance of ensuring timely and quality healthcare access for all New Zealanders.

The Minister met with Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) representatives, including CEO Lindsey Webber and Co-Chairs Dr Daniel McIntosh and Graeme Elvin.

His agenda also included stops at Tauranga Hospital and Grace Hospital, where he engaged with healthcare professionals to better understand their concerns.

At the general practices, Brown said he valued the opportunity to hear directly from frontline staff. Discussions covered key issues such as workforce shortages, patient accessibility, and after-hours care. Practice staff appreciated the chance to share their experiences, while Brown said he was keen to collaborate and find solutions to improve primary care.

Webber said the visit demonstrated the Minister’s willingness to engage with local healthcare providers.

"We highlighted the strength of our close-knit relationships with general practices and iwi partners, which position us well to contribute to solutions for some of the current challenges," Webber said.

"We felt heard, and we are grateful to the practices for stepping in on short notice to represent our primary care community."

Tauranga Accident and HealthCare raised concerns about increasing patient complexity and difficulties in accessing general practice, making after-hours care a growing pressure point.

Webber said, "The Minister’s visit gave us a chance to shine a light on what’s happening locally."

Brown also acknowledged the complexity of the healthcare system and said streamlining processes was a priority.

"Bureaucracy has made the system overly complicated. We need practical solutions to improve efficiency," he said.

WBOP PHO Co-Chair Dr Daniel McIntosh reinforced the importance of continuity of care.

"Continuity of care at the general practice level leads to better outcomes and higher life expectancy for patients," McIntosh said.

Co-Chair Graeme Elvin highlighted WBOP PHO’s partnership with iwi to improve healthcare access.

"This partnership plays a vital role in ensuring our communities have greater access to care," Elvin said. He also stressed the need for equity in addressing healthcare disparities.

The WBOP PHO remains hopeful that Brown’s visit will translate into meaningful actions that strengthen primary care and ensure the long-term sustainability of healthcare in the region.