Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick to chair Federation of Primary Health

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (left) and Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick at the launch of the Federation of Primary Health Aotearoa New Zealand in the Grand Hall at Parliament. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick has been named the chair-elect of a new national primary health care group.

The Federation of Primary Health Aotearoa New Zealand was formally launched at Parliament on Wednesday.

Its overall aim is to make comprehensive primary health care the foundation of the New Zealand health system.

An establishment board was tasked with setting up the federation in February under the chairwomanship of Dame Annette King.

In the company of the Prime Minister and the Health Minister, it was announced Chadwick would succeed King following ratification.

Chadwick has been Rotorua mayor for five years but before that she spent time as a midwife and a nurse.

She entered national politics in 1999 and had previously held the Associate Health Minister portfolio.

Health Minister David Clark at the launch.

At the launch, Chadwick said she was humbled to lead the "significant and bold" health initiative.

"It is very affirming that such a diverse group of valued health professionals have taken this step. Nothing stays the same and we need to strategically plan and work together on how we face the big health issues that we must confront as a society.

"I have a pragmatic approach ... based on experience, research and simply finding new ways of working that reduce inequality and make access to healthcare easier."

More than 150 ministers, MPs and health leaders were at the formalisation of the federation.

Dame Annette King (right) announces the appointment of chair-elect Steve Chadwick. Photo / Supplied

King said Chadwick was a "passionate advocate for the role of primary care and reducing health inequalities".

"I don't believe we have had this level of commitment and unity in primary health care in my living memory."

Health Minister David Clark said the day was significant and the federation would allow all voices in the health system to be heard.

"Primary health care is the foundation of the health system. I expect the federation will be an important contributor as I develop this Government's vision for collaborative, multi-disciplinary primary healthcare in New Zealand."

The Establishment Board for the federation is currently receiving membership applications and will then move to call for nominations for the election of its substantive Governance Board.

The Federation of Primary Health's purpose
- Provide national leadership on issues affecting primary health in New Zealand.
- To be the voice of primary healthcare for the health, wellbeing and benefit of all New Zealanders.
- To promote primary health as the central function and focus of the health system.
- To promote, protect and improve the sustainability and interests of the sector and contribute to developing health strategy, policy and implementations.
- Ensure a consumer focus and acknowledge the needs and differences of communities.
- To foster effective partnerships and collaborations.
- Tackle inequities.
- Protect the health of Māori.