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Universities – As AI races ahead, can the law keep up? UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

How can existing and emerging legal frameworks govern artificial intelligence without stifling innovation?

This question will be top of mind at a conference on AI regulation, governance, and public procurement at the University of Auckland this April.

The inaugural Law, Technology and Government Conference will see international legal scholars, judges, and practitioners descend on the Business School to dissect where we’re at when it comes to the governance and regulation of artificial intelligence. (ref. https://www.alter.auckland.ac.nz/inaugural-conference-2026/#1 )

Hosted by the Centre for Advancing Law and Technology Responsibly (ALTeR), the event comes at a time when governments around the world are moving quickly to adopt AI, while the legal and governance frameworks needed to guide its use lag.

Conference organisers Professor Alexandra Andhov and Associate Professor Marta Andhov, directors of ALTeR, say the legal profession can’t afford to treat AI governance as someone else’s problem.

“The frameworks we build, or fail to build, in the next few years will determine whether AI becomes a tool for justice or a gap in it,” says Alexandra Andhov.

As part of the conference, she will give her inaugural lecture, examining the growing power of major technology companies and the challenges they pose for regulators.

“I’m interested in what happens when ‘too big to fail’ meets ‘too powerful to regulate’?” she says.
The conference is hosting legal tech providers who will demonstrate their latest AI-enhanced tools and take part in a discussion about issues they rarely touch on, including security vulnerabilities, reliability concerns, and privacy implications.

Scholars from across the Asia-Pacific region will examine whether established legal principles, from equity and tort to internet law, can effectively govern emerging technologies, or whether new regulatory approaches are needed.

Ken Singer, director of the UC Berkeley Centre for Entrepreneurship, will share insights from Silicon Valley before joining Aotearoa’s innovation and legal leaders in a session on how the law can support innovation.

Alongside local entrepreneurs and investors, Singer will also examine how legal infrastructure can be a competitive advantage rather than a barrier, and how New Zealand can create frameworks that enable rather than hinder technological advancement.

There will be a keynote on law, technology and government by Professor Chris Marsden (Monash), who has been supporting drafting regulations and policies in the UK, EU and Australia.

A fireside conversation between Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Stephen Rainbow and entrepreneur Bowen Pan, who led the team that built Facebook Marketplace, will examine the tension between government caution and the pace of technological change.

Meanwhile, a panel co-organised with Netsafe will explore Aotearoa’s recent developments in online safety policy and practice, with a particular focus on protecting everyone, especially the most vulnerable, in an AI-amplified digital environment.

Another panel discussion will showcase AI-enhanced art while confronting its impact on artists, artistic expression, and the question of how we preserve humanity in increasingly AI-driven creative futures.

“Governments are racing to purchase AI systems, often without the frameworks to buy them responsibly or properly regulate them,” says Marta Andhov.

“This conference is designed to generate ideas that support smart innovation, procurement and regulation.”

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Storm News – Northland weather update 01 0830hrs 26 March

Source: Northland Regional Council

Advisory issued on behalf of Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
UPDATE 01; MARCH WEATHER EVENT
Hi all,
Just a quick update you on the weather situation as of 0830hrs today (Thursday 26 March).
We’ve seen consistent rain overnight, including some heavy falls across much of the region.
The heaviest rainfall so far has been along the East Coast around Kaeo and the Bay of Islands, and there is more to come today.
The Red and Orange Heavy Rain Warnings, as well as the Strong Wind Warning issued by MetService New Zealand, remain in place until the early hours of tomorrow morning.
These warnings will be reviewed later this morning, but the key period of concern is still today through to Friday morning.
The rainfall forecast is still likely to bring: dangerous river conditions, flooding, slips and landslides, Hazardous driving conditions, and road closures in some areas
This remains an evolving situation, so please continue to keep up to date with the latest information from MetService and your local and regional councils.
Overnight rainfall stats (4:00pm 25 March – 6:30am 26 March)
The highest rainfall totals have been recorded on the East Coast:
– Touwai at Weta: 152 mm
– Kerikeri at BOI Golf Club: 121 mm
– Waitangi at Wairoa Road: 100 mm
Many rivers in the Far North are running at high levels, with some still rising. (High tide on the east coast is early this afternoon.)
If you’re travelling through Kaeo or Waimate North this morning, please take extra care. The Kaeo River has reached a level where flooding on SH10 is possible.
NZTA’s page for the official status before heading out: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway…/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi – Northland
There are already a number of State Highway closures and there are likely to be more, as well as local road closures. Crews will work to clear these as quickly as possible, but please allow for delays.
If you come across any local roading issues or storm related damage on public property, please report it through to your local council:
There are a number of isolated power outages around the region. Northpowerand Top Energy NZ crews will be out today working to resolve these issues as soon as they can, but this may take some time.
Check the latest outages here:
Northland Civil Defence works across the councils to provide local welfare support. If centres or marae are open to provide support, they will be published on the district council websites.
If you need welfare support, please ring your local district council.
Whangarei District Council | Phone: 0800 932 463 | Website: www.wdc.govt.nz
Far North District Council | Phone: 0800 920 029 | Website: www.fndc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Website: www.kaipara.govt.nz
Finally, some key reminders for today:
  • Do not enter floodwaters: it only takes a small amount of moving water to knock you off your feet or sweep a vehicle away.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel over this period. Conditions may deteriorate quickly, and roads may close with little warning.
  • Be prepared to self evacuate if you see rising water, feel unsafe, or notice conditions worsening.
  • Be aware of landslide risks, and keep well away from areas that have recently been affected by slips or landslides. If you notice cracks in the ground, tilting trees or power poles, unusual noises, or rapid changes in stream levels, leave immediately.
  • If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111
Civil Defence will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates here as more information becomes available.
If you can, stay home today, and if you are travelling, please drive to the conditions.
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Awards – Entries now open for the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards

Source: EMA

Entries are now open for the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards 2026, encouraging local exporters to showcase their achievements on the world stage and be recognised among the region’s best.
The prestigious awards gala will be held on 7 August at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui, celebrating the exceptional achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses exporting goods and services to global markets.
The event, organised by the EMA and ExportNZ, in partnership with NZTE, is proudly supported by principal sponsor ASB, as well as Air NZ Cargo, Port of Tauranga, Zespri, Page Macrae and Sharp Tudhope.
Warwick Downing, Chair of the ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee, says the event is a platform to recognise outstanding businesses, and a prime opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing.
“These awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world,” says Downing.
“Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward.”
Greg Jarvis, Founder/Director of Bluelab and an awards judge, says the awards underscore the importance of recognising success in the region.
“The Bay of Plenty has a rich history of innovative and forward-thinking exporters who have built a reputation for excellence on the global stage,” says Jarvis.
“These awards are a chance to celebrate that success while also fostering a culture of learning, community and connection across the BOP export sector.”
Mike Atkins, Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank, says “We are delighted to once again partner with the ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards in 2026, building on the strong success of last year’s event. ASB is proud to support and celebrate the exporters who are driving growth, innovation, and international success for the region.
“At ASB we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital and debt capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, food and fibre.”
From its world-renowned kiwifruit and avocados to high-quality timber and dairy products, the Bay of Plenty showcases a diverse range of goods that reach international markets.
The awards are organised by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ. According to EMA Head of Membership & Export Simon Devoy, the awards highlight the dedication and skill of the people who drive this success.
“ExportNZ is proud to recognise the Bay of Plenty’s role in bolstering New Zealand’s export sector,” he says.
“The theme of the awards gala on 7 August at Mercury Baypark Stadium Lounge is ‘On the World Stage’. It promises to be a night of celebration and fun.”
The awards feature five categories, including the coveted Exporter of the Year, and are judged by a panel of experienced export specialists from ExportNZ, NZTE and ASB.
The award categories are:
  • Air NZ Cargo Best Emerging Business: Celebrating early-stage export success.
  • Port of Tauranga Excellence in  Innovation: Acknowledging businesses that have successfully commercialised innovation internationally.
  • Zespri Unsung Export Hero – Outstanding  Individual Contribution: Honouring an individual who has made a significant material contribution to export growth, often behind the scenes.
  • Page Macrae Services to Export: Recognising the significant and sustained contribution of an individual or organisation to exporting success.
  • Sharp Tudhope Exporter of the Year: Recognising established businesses with a strong track record in export markets.
Key dates for the 2026 awards:
  • March 26 – Launch & entries open; tickets go on sale
  • June 8 – Entries close
  • July 10 – Finalists announced
  • August 7 – Awards gala
Businesses looking to enter the awards or purchase tickets can visit www.bopexportawards.co.nz
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Environment – EPA approves new herbicide to control weeds in fodder beet

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved Trifix Herbicide to control broadleaved weeds in beet crops used for livestock feed.
FMC New Zealand Limited applied to import or manufacture Trifix Herbicide, a water dispersible granule containing the active ingredient triflusulfuron methyl at 500 g/kg, a chemical new to Aotearoa New Zealand.
FMC New Zealand Limited said Trifix Herbicide will provide better weed control of velvetleaf, resulting in increased animal feed per hectare and improved quality. Trifix will produce economic and operational benefits for New Zealand’s primary sector.
Hazardous Substances Applications Manager Dr Lauren Fleury says this decision gives farmers another tool to control broadleaved weeds.
“It was made following a thorough assessment and consultation process so people could have their say and provide information for the EPA to consider.
“For chemicals that have never been used in New Zealand, we undertake a rigorous assessment. This includes analysis of risks and benefits, including a substance’s specific effects on human health and the New Zealand environment. This ensures we continue to protect New Zealanders and our unique environment.” 
Risks to human health and the environment can be managed with the controls the EPA has put in place.
Trifix Herbicide can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, using ground-based application methods, and users need to comply with specific controls.
Triflusulfuron methyl is approved for use in Canada and the United States.
As an agricultural compound, Trifix Herbicide must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries before it can be used in New Zealand.
Dr Fleury says, “The EPA is committed to increasing the number of new and novel hazardous substances available, particularly for agriculture and horticulture.
“We understand the importance of these types of new substances and that their availability is highly desirable. We continue to work hard to provide timely access to new products.”
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Economy – 1970s-style stagflation could hit global economy: deVere CEO

Source: deVere Group

March 25 2026 – Households, businesses and investors should prepare for 1970's-style global stagflation, warns the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organisations.

Nigel Green of deVere Group is speaking out after private sector output in the euro zone sank to a 10-month low in March, amid mounting evidence of the impact the Iran conflict is having on the global economy.

He says: “The figures show the severe impact the Iran war is already having on the euro zone economy.

“But, like in the 1970s, stagflation could become a widespread global phenomenon characterised by high inflation, low growth, and high unemployment, heavily driven by oil price shocks.

“Back then it hit most developed economies, including the US, Canada, Western Europe, and Japan, largely ending the post-war economic expansion, and it looks like a spectre that may be looming once again.”

Recent flash PMI data underscores the shift. Euro zone business activity has slowed sharply, with the headline index hovering just above the contraction threshold at 50.5, down from 51.9 the previous month.

Cost pressures are accelerating at the fastest pace in more than three years as energy prices surge and supply chains tighten.

“Oil and gas prices are feeding directly into production costs, transport, and ultimately consumer prices. At the same time, demand is weakening.

“This combination is toxic. Growth is fading just as inflation is being reignited. Central banks have very limited room to respond effectively,” explains the deVere CEO.

Energy markets have tightened rapidly since the escalation of tensions involving Iran, with crude prices pushing higher and shipping disruptions adding further strain.

“Europe and Asia remain particularly exposed due to its reliance on imported energy, leaving businesses vulnerable to sustained price volatility.”

He continues: “Investors need to recognise that traditional assumptions are breaking down. Bonds may not offer the same protection if inflation remains elevated. Equities face margin pressure as input costs rise and consumers pull back.

“Cash loses value in real terms in an inflationary environment. Standing still is not a strategy.”

The European Central Bank has already signalled weaker growth expectations for 2026, projecting sub-1% expansion, while inflation forecasts risk drifting higher if energy prices remain elevated.

Surveys indicate declining business confidence and softer hiring intentions, reinforcing concerns that the slowdown is gaining traction.

“Preparation is essential. Portfolios must be structured for resilience, not optimism. Investors should be increasing exposure to assets that historically perform in inflationary periods, including commodities, energy producers, and selective real assets.

“In terms of equities, the focus must shift to sectors with pricing power and strong balance sheets. Companies able to pass on higher costs without destroying demand will outperform.”

Currency markets are also likely to reflect the divergence in economic performance and policy responses.

Risk-sensitive currencies could come under pressure, while volatility across foreign exchange markets is expected to increase.

Nigel Green comments: “Diversification across currencies, geographies, asset classes and sectors becomes more important in this environment. Overconcentration in any single one increases vulnerability.”

Geopolitical risk now sits at the centre of the economic outlook. Prolonged conflict in the Middle East would sustain pressure on energy markets, while any escalation could trigger further supply disruptions.

Duration matters. A short-lived shock is manageable. A prolonged period of elevated energy prices changes the entire economic trajectory.

Policy makers are already facing difficult trade-offs. Raising rates to control inflation risks deepening the slowdown. Cutting rates to support growth risks fuelling further inflation. “Clearly, neither path is straightforward,” notes the CEO.

Nigel Green concludes: “Complacency is the biggest risk. Stagflation is not a theoretical scenario; the early signals are already visible in the data.

“Investors who act decisively, diversify intelligently, and prioritise real returns over nominal gains will be best positioned to protect and grow wealth in the period ahead.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

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Rotten to the core – ‘ocean exploitation bill’ must be rejected, says Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace says the coalition government’s removal of one item in NZ First’s ‘ocean exploitation bill’ is not enough to satisfy public outcry, with the organisation calling for the bill to be rejected in its entirety.
On Wednesday PM Christopher Luxon announced that after listening to concerns about the Fisheries Amendment Bill, sections that scrapped minimum fish size requirements for commercial operators will be removed. Greenpeace says no one is fooled by this small concession.
Oceans lead Ellie Hooper says: “All the Prime Minister and coalition partners have done is remove one aspect of this bonfire of a bill. But the scales have fallen from everyone’s eyes on this.
“The bill, even with the size requirements removed, remains a hand out to the commercial fishing industry, who Jones advocates for. It incentivises the worst types of fishing – unselective bottom trawling – the impacts of which are being felt increasingly by all. “It’s clear the ocean is depleted and it’s harder to go out and catch a fish. We’ve got crashed populations, and ocean habitats are struggling. Incentivising trawling, which destroys the ocean and takes too many fish out of the sea, is not going to fly with the New Zealand public.”The bill contains proposals to limit public consultation on fisheries decisions and blocks public access to the footage from cameras on boats. Anyone who shares or publishes this footage could face a fine of up to $50,000.Hooper points out that without public access to cameras on boats footage, mistrust in the commercial fishing industry will only continue to grow. “New Zealanders have a right to know how the fishing industry is impacting ocean health. What should be abundantly clear to the Prime Minister and all the politicians in an election year is that the public cares deeply about what happens out at sea. And there are more of them in the voting population than commercial fishing bosses.
“A transparent industry that boasts their world-leading fisheries management, wouldn’t need these cover ups,” says Hooper. “It just looks like they’re trying to hide the plain facts of their activities, from hauling up coral to killing fur seals and dolphins as bycatch.”
In a statement on social media today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wrote he wanted to ensure “our kids and grandkids have abundant fisheries for the decades to come”.
“If the Prime Minister stands by this statement, then the amendment bill has got to go.” says Hooper. “Not to select committee, not for tiny tweaks – but be voted down by politicians with a backbone who want to actually represent the vast numbers of New Zealanders opposing it.
“The coalition government may have collective amnesia on this bill but the ocean community doesn’t. The amendments have been, and continue to be rejected – that includes proposals to lock up cameras on boats, incentivise trawling, and erode the public’s right to have a say. The fish bone they’ve thrown us is nowhere near enough.”
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Investments – Upcoming Minimum Wage and KiwiSaver Changes – Effective 1 April 2026

Source: Peninsula New Zealand

Auckland, 25 March 2026: New minimum wage rates and KiwiSaver contribution changes will take effect across New Zealand from 1 April 2026, impacting employers, employees, and payroll processes nationwide.

Minimum Wage Increases

From 1 April, the Government has confirmed the following rates:

Adult Minimum Wage: $23.95 per hour
Starting‑Out Wage: $19.16 per hour
Training Wage: $19.16 per hour

These apply to all employees aged 16+, including part‑time, casual, fixed‑term, and remote workers. Minimum wage rules also extend to workers' earning commissions or piece rates.

Training wage eligibility: Employees aged 20+ completing 60 credits annually toward an approved industry qualification.
Starting‑out eligibility: Workers aged 16 – 19 who meet criteria such as being new to employment or undertaking relevant training.

KiwiSaver Changes

Also from 1 April:

Default contribution rate increases from 3% to 3.5% (first stage of a phased rise to 4% in 2028).
Employees may opt down to 3%, but contributions reset to the default after 12 months.
16‑ and 17‑year‑olds who opt for KiwiSaver will now receive compulsory employer contributions.

Ashlea Maley, Associate Director – Operations, Peninsula New Zealand, said: “The current economic climate is placing significant pressure on small businesses, with many facing rising payroll obligations at a time when operating conditions are already tough. We’re seeing a noticeable increase in employers seeking guidance, as the cost of getting things wrong – particularly around unfair dismissal and wage compliance – continues to rise.

“As wage theft has become a criminal offence, unintentional underpayments have much more dire consequences for small businesses now. We urge business owners to take this opportunity and review their internal systems and processes. With new regulations coming into effect, employers need to act cautiously, stay informed, and make sure every part of their operation is compliant.”

What Employers Need to Do

Employers are encouraged to:

  • Update payroll systems for new wage and KiwiSaver settings
  • Review employment agreements
  • Communicate changes to staff, particularly young workers and trainees
  • Ensure minimum wage increases are applied from the first full pay period after 1 April.

Non‑compliance may lead to arrears, penalties, or disputes.

Ashlea added that the pressure is intensifying as the end of the financial year approaches: “This EOFY period is proving to be one of the toughest we’ve seen in recent years. Businesses are making hard calls – letting staff go, restructuring, or in some cases closing their doors altogether. We’re supporting a growing number of employers navigating redundancies brought on by uncertainty and escalating costs.

“The message to business owners is clear: in this climate, compliance isn’t optional. It’s essential to protect your people, your operations, and the long‑term viability of your business.”

About Peninsula Australia
Peninsula is New Zealand and Australia’s leading workplace advisory firm for SMEs, advising more than 30,500 clients in New Zealand and Australia on workplace relations and workplace health & safety issues. Its advice line allows businesses to speak with its team of workplace relations specialists, and through onsite visits to their business.  

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Energy – Re-Energise 26 highlights opportunity for energy sector workforce to secure New Zealand’s energy future

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Wellington, New Zealand – New modelling released today in Re-Energise 26 shows New Zealand should grow its energy workforce, and grow it quickly, to deliver electrification and build a secure, resilient energy system.

Produced jointly by Energy Resources Aotearoa and the Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA), Re-Energise 26 is the first report to map workforce needs across the full energy sector. The comprehensive data set was built using top-down and bottom-up inputs from government and energy sector sources and covers a workforce of over 13,800 full-time equivalent energy sector employees and more than 4,000 contractors and consultants.

The modelling identifies pressure points in critical roles, with major bottlenecks in supervision, mentoring and assessment. It shows that without more skilled people, New Zealand will struggle to electrify, cut emissions and maintain a secure, resilient energy system.

It calls for coordinated action across the sector to lift career visibility, strengthen training pathways and build a more diverse and highly skilled workforce.

“Technology alone will not deliver New Zealand’s energy future,” says Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie.

“Timing is critical for regions experiencing declining industries, where skilled workers are being displaced and risk being lost before new energy projects and opportunities come online.

It will take skilled people with the capacity to design, run and improve the system. If we want a more secure, lower-emissions energy future, our country needs to invest in the workforce that will make it happen.”

EEA Chief Executive Nicki Sutherland says energy security and reliability depend on experienced people and a strong pipeline of new talent.

“We need to think about investment in people as seriously as we do infrastructure to create the depth needed on our bench to achieve New Zealand’s secure energy future. And we need to be equipping our workforce with the right skills for a world that will be fundamentally different.”

Re-Energise 26 sets out an Industry Skills Action Plan built around four priorities: Attract, Develop, Collaborate and Retain.

To drive delivery, a Workforce Summit will be convened in May 2026, bringing energy sector organisations together to set priorities and assign delivery leads.

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Banking – Banking Ombudsman urges extreme caution over use of crypto ATMs

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

25 March 2026
People should be highly suspicious of anyone telling them to withdraw cash and deposit it in cryptocurrency ATMs, says the Banking Ombudsman after investigating several scam cases in which people have lost large sums of money using such ATMs.
Crypto ATMs allow people to deposit cash and buy cryptocurrency, which is sent to a digital wallet. Transactions usually happen very quickly and cannot easily be stopped or reversed once completed.
Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden said this speed and lack of traceability made crypto ATMs particularly risky when used under pressure or at someone else’s direction.
“We are seeing cases where customers are told to withdraw cash and deposit it in a crypto ATM, often as part of a so-called job offer or investment opportunity.
“Legitimate organisations, such as banks, or potential employers will never ask anyone to make payments in this way.”
In one recent case  investigated by the scheme, a customer responded to what appeared to be a genuine online job advertisement. Following instructions, she withdrew $31,500 from her bank account, telling the bank it was to buy a car, but then deposited the cash in a crypto ATM. The funds were transferred to the scammer’s digital wallet and could not be recovered.
In another case , a customer was targeted over a six-month period after being drawn into what appeared to be a job offer. He withdrew and deposited nearly $65,000 in cash through crypto ATMs, thinking he was investing his money.
“In both cases, the victims believed they were following legitimate instructions,” Ms Sladden said. “That’s why it is so important that people are aware of the risks of using crypto ATMs, and also that they are skeptical about anyone urging them to use these machines.”
Consumer advocates and authorities around the world have expressed concern about the risks of using such machines, given the strong links to scammers and others involved in financial crime, and the Government in New Zealand looking at restricting or banning their use.
Ms Sladden said obvious red flags included requests to keep payments secret or give false information to a bank.
“People should independently verify who they are dealing with, and talk to someone they trust before making large or unusual payments.
“It’s important to stop and ask questions before taking any steps that might result in the loss of money.”
Related links: 
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Health – GenPro Chair Pushes Back on “Catastrophising” Around New PHO

Source: GenPro

GenPro Chair Angus Chambers is calling for a more balanced and constructive conversation around the establishment of the new primary health organisation (PHO), amid what he describes as widespread negativity and misinformation within the sector.

“There has been quite a lot of catastrophising around the impact of a new PHO,” Chambers said. “The response from parts of the sector has been negative, instead of focusing on the opportunity to deliver greater national consistency, coherence, and support for general practice.”

Recent criticism claimed the new PHO will be highly disruptive which will “distract and destabilise” patient care, lead to job losses among clinicians, and reduce patient access to services. Chambers says those claims are overstated and not supported by the evidence.

“The new PHO has undertaken detailed mapping of services and contracts across the system. The reality is that very little will change in the next 12 to 18 months,” he said.

“Many providers are already operating under contracts outside of the PHO Services Agreement that extend for one, two, or even three years. These arrangements are not being torn up. The current contracts already provide stability, and contrary to the misinformation there is no immediate threat to services.”

Dr Chambers emphasised that maintaining continuity of care is a core priority.

“We do not want to break anything on the way through—because that is not helpful to patients. The ideal scenario is that patients notice very little change, other than their general practice becoming more viable and more robust over time.”

He also expressed concern about fear mongering directed at general practices.

“There has been messaging encouraging practices to be fearful about what they are signing up for, rather than supporting them to undertake clear and informed due diligence. That is not helpful to the sector or to patients.”

Dr Chambers pointed out that the recent establishment of new PHOs, which will work alongside 30 other, already established, PHOs, is not unprecedented.
   
“We’ve seen two PHOs established in the past year. Change is not new to this sector, and it can be managed in a way that strengthens primary care.”

He concluded by urging stakeholders to shift the tone of the conversation.

“This is an opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable general practice system. We need to move away from worst-case scenarios and focus on what will actually deliver better outcomes for patients.”