New Appointments to Health Workforce Committee to Shape NZ’s Care Future

The Committee plays a pivotal role in ensuring New Zealand has the people and skills it needs to deliver timely, high-quality care across the health system—now and into the years ahead.

Health Minister Simeon Brown has officially announced the appointment of new members to New Zealand’s Health Workforce Committee, a key advisory body charged with shaping the strategic future of the nation’s healthcare workforce. The Committee plays a pivotal role in ensuring New Zealand has the people and skills it needs to deliver timely, high-quality care across the health system—now and into the years ahead.

Leadership and Expertise at the Helm

Leading the new cohort is Dr David Gow, appointed as Chair of the Committee. Dr Gow brings with him decades of clinical and leadership experience, most recently serving in senior roles within public health and medical workforce development.

Joining him are three newly appointed members:

• Dr Jeremy Dryden – an experienced clinician with deep insight into mental health and rural health workforce challenges.

• Dr Ruth Large – a pioneer in digital health and telemedicine, bringing valuable knowledge of health system innovation.

• Dr Allan Moffitt – a primary care leader known for advancing general practice development and workforce planning.

Dr Gary Hopgood will continue his service on the Committee, providing vital continuity and institutional knowledge.

A Strategic Role in Workforce Sustainability

The Health Workforce Committee provides long-term, high-level advice to the Government and the Ministry of Health on matters such as:

• Health workforce planning and forecasting

• Emerging trends and risk management

• Training capacity and capability needs

• Policy alignment to evolving health system needs

Minister Brown emphasized that the Committee’s input will directly inform government efforts to grow, support, and retain frontline health professionals.

“These members bring strong clinical experience and a clear understanding of the workforce opportunities and challenges across our health system,” said Minister Brown. “This Government is focused on ensuring all New Zealanders can access timely, quality care, and our health professionals are central to achieving that.”

Committee to Support Ongoing Health Workforce Reforms

The appointments come at a time of intensifying pressure on New Zealand’s health system, as the country deals with:

• Persistent nursing and GP shortages

• An aging health workforce nearing retirement

• Increased demand for mental health and primary care

• Rising reliance on internationally qualified healthcare workers

• Accelerating digital transformation and new models of care

The Committee’s guidance will be vital in crafting responses to these issues, as well as informing policies to train more domestic healthcare professionals and ensure workforce equity across urban and rural areas.

Acknowledging Outgoing Contributors

Minister Brown also paid tribute to Dr Bryan Betty and Dr Andrew Connolly, two long-serving members of the Committee whose leadership helped steer the group through critical reforms during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent workforce recovery period.

• Dr Bryan Betty will now serve as Chair of the Primary Care Advisory Group, where he will continue to influence national direction in general practice and primary care delivery.

• Dr Andrew Connolly has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Health New Zealand Board, reflecting his broad leadership expertise and continued influence in health sector governance.

“I want to acknowledge the contributions of Dr Bryan Betty and Dr Andrew Connolly to the Committee,” Brown said. “They will continue this important work in their new roles.”

Looking Ahead

The new appointments are for a term of three years, beginning 1 December 2025. The Government expects the Committee to play a key role in supporting broader initiatives to:

• Expand clinical training capacity

• Boost Māori and Pacific health workforce participation

• Advance digital capability and cross-sector collaboration

• Build a resilient, equitable, and future-ready health workforce

The Committee’s work will inform not only short-term initiatives but also long-term strategic direction for Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) and Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority), particularly in building integrated, community-focused care models.

With a skilled and diverse membership now in place, the Committee is poised to help shape the evolution of the health workforce for the next generation of New Zealanders.