We act as a forum for the medical colleges in Aotearoa New Zealand
We meet quarterly to discuss issues of common interest, and to engage with key players in the health sector. Through our extensive network in the medical college community, CMC is able to provide well-informed opinions and advice to Ministers, government agencies and other relevant bodies on health, postgraduate medical training and workforce issues.
We advocate to improve, protect and promote public health
Our regular meetings are an opportunity to advocate to improve, protect and promote public health. We also develop position papers and make submissions on health sector consultations, particularly those related to patient safety, medical training and workforce issues. Occasionally, CMC also undertakes projects on specific matters at the direction of the Board of Trustees.
Meeting Dates 2026
17 August 2026 | 26 November 2026
Meeting Dates 2027
25 February 2027 | 27 May 2027 | 12 August 2027 | 25 November 2027
Meeting Dates 2028
24 February 2028 | 25 May 2028 | 10 August 2028 | 23 November 2028
We facilitated the global Choosing Wisely campaign in New Zealand
From 2016 to 2020 we facilitated New Zealand’s involvement in the global Choosing Wisely campaign, aimed at reducing harm from unnecessary tests and low-value treatment. The campaign promotes a culture where low value and inappropriate clinical interventions are avoided, and patients and health professionals have well-informed conversations about treatment options, leading to better decisions and outcomes. Many medical colleges have identified tests, treatments or procedures that may be unnecessary based on evidence, and discussion with their members. From June 2020, the Health Quality and Safety Commission has been managing the Choosing Wisely campaign. Choosing Wisely recommendations, as well as a range of resources to help you implement a Choosing Wisely campaign in your organisation or service, are available on their website.
Strategic Objectives 2026-2029
We have six strategic objectives to guide our work over 2026-2029
1.
Advocacy: To support and enable colleges to advocate, ally and amplify on workforce issues and health policy. To ensure colleges are recognised as the leading source of specialist clinical expertise, standards, and advice within their respective specialties
2.
Workforce: Supporting colleges to continue to develop a well-trained, skilled medical workforce in Aotearoa’s health system that reflects the communities they serve
3.
Collaboration: Provide a forum to support collaboration between colleges and work with external partners to advance the CMC’s objectives
4.
Equitable health outcomes: Enabling Colleges and members of colleges to champion equity and better health outcomes for Māori, Pacific Peoples and communities disproportionately affected by health inequities
5.
Sustainable and strong governance: Ensure CMC is a sustainable organisation, has up to date governance structures and provides professional development to grow health leadership
6.
Meeting obligations under Te Tiriti: CMC recognises Māori as tangata whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand and affirms Te Tiriti o Waitangi as Aotearoa's founding document, with its responsibilities and obligations. CMC commits to giving effect to the Articles of Te Tiriti and to the health sector principles of tino rangatiratanga, equity, active protection, options and partnership