Important updates to the Rural General Practice Services (RGPA) contract
We’re extending the ACC Rural General Practice Services (RGPA) contract, from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028.
The Rural General Practice Service (RGPA) contract supports timely access to injury-related treatment services in rural and remote communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
As part of this contract variation, there are a number of amendments to the Service Schedule, including to the definition of ‘rural’. The definition has been updated to align with the Geographical Classification for Health (GCH). This revised definition is intended to provide clarity and consistency for future contracting and does not automatically change existing contractual arrangements.
This means:
- general practices located in R1, R2 or R3 areas, or otherwise approved by ACC, remain eligible
- practices that already hold a RGPA contract are not required to reapply.
In addition, the requirement for providers to maintain advanced trauma and resuscitation training has been updated to extend the recertification cycle from two years to three years. This update aligns with the standards set by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
Contract holders will receive a contract variation shortly.