# Seagulls fighting over the last chip

> GP says no parties have answers for health system.
- Title: Seagulls fighting over the last chip · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: GP says no parties have answers for health system. Northland GP Geoff Cunningham says no political parties have solutions for health system shortages and…
- Keywords: geoff cunningham, northland, health system, workforce shortage, funding model, seagulls, election 2026, politics, news, fighting, last, chip
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/2074075/seagulls-fighting-over-the-last-chip-gp-says-no-parties-have-answers-for-health
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-21T20:56:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: geoff cunningham, northland, gp, health system, workforce shortage, funding model, seagulls, election 2026, politics, news
## Health system shortage
Northland GP Geoff Cunningham says 25,000 people lack GP registration due to workforce shortages.
## GP pay and retention
GPs earn less in Northland for working harder than in cities, making retention difficult.
## Health debate clash
Labour's Ayesha Verrall and National's Simeon Brown debated health policies on Morning Report.
## Labour's health targets
Labour says it will keep coalition health targets but may use nurse practitioners for GP visits.
## National's health concerns
National claims health system is heading in the right direction with new Waikato Medical School.
## Specialist shortages
Senior doctors warn non-doctor workforce pushes safety risks and delays specialist care.
## AI for GPs
AI tools only save 10 minutes per day for GPs, not a solution for systemic health issues.
## Key takeaway

Northland GP Geoff Cunningham says no political parties have solutions for health system shortages and funding issues.