Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)
The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) has strengthened its governance team with the co-option of a new board member and the confirmation of its Chair and Deputy Chair for the 2026 year.
Following the Annual General Meeting, the GenPro Board confirmed the reappointment of Dr Angus Chambers as Chair and Dr Stephanie Taylor as Deputy Chair, and welcomed Dr Richard Lowe as its newest co-opted board member.
Dr Lowe is a specialist GP and co-owner of a large, multi-site Very Low Cost Access practice in Mt Roskill, Auckland. At 33, he brings fresh perspective and strong future-focused advocacy to the GenPro Board.
“GenPro is doing an outstanding job uniting the voice of GP owners, making our message stronger, and ensuring practices like ours are heard at the top table,” says Dr Lowe. “I bring a fresh perspective on today’s challenges and a determination to see general practice thriving in 10, 20 and 30 years’ time.”
Dr Lowe believes the coming years will be pivotal, with many long-serving owners approaching retirement.
“With many owners set to retire, it’s vital that as many of these practices as possible remain in GP hands. This means encouraging GPs to step into ownership and ensuring each and every new owner is engaged with GenPro. Without this, we risk the gradual erosion—and even extinction—of independent general practice.”
Alongside his practice leadership role, Dr Lowe has recently broadened his governance and sector experience, including serving as temporary Clinical Director at ProCare (contractor), representing the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners on a Health NZ funding working group on palliative care, completing training with the Institute of Directors, teaching General Practice Education Programme Year one registrars, and providing care in two residential aged-care facilities.
He sees significant opportunity for GenPro to support stability and strong leadership in the sector.
“GenPro can play a leading role in connecting GP owners, supporting younger GPs into ownership, helping retiring owners keep practices in GP hands, and developing future leaders across the health system.
“We know that well-resourced general practice delivers better care, closer to home, and improves the health of New Zealanders. The next generation of GPs can bring new fuel to GenPro’s mission—and I offer a direct, relatable connection to this group.”
GenPro Board for 2025/26
Dr Angus Chambers – Chair
Dr Stephanie Taylor – Deputy Chair
Dr Mary English
Dr Richard Lowe
Dr Vicky Jones
Dr Richard Lowe (co-opted)
Dr Hiria Nielsen (co-opted)
Dr Mark Peterson
Bethan Rajwer
Michelle Te Kira
GenPro represents the owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres across Aotearoa New Zealand.
