The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners strives to ensure a high standard of care in general practices across New Zealand by setting the standard for quality systems. 

Benefits of quality standards

  • Contributes to safer care and a better experience for your patients 
  • Shows a commitment to ongoing quality improvement
  • Enhances teamwork in the practice
  • Enhances clinical processes

Foundation Standard and Aiming for Excellence are pillars in New Zealand practice, supporting New Zealand general practitioners and their teams to be world-class primary health care providers. 

To meet the requirements of the Foundation Standard and CORNERSTONE® accreditation, practices must demonstrate compliance with all relevant indicators and criteria. 

CORNERSTONE®  |  Optional  | 4-year accreditation cycle 

CORNERSTONE® is the programme that assess practices using the Aiming for Excellence standard. 

Aiming for Excellence is the College’s quality standard for general practices that wish to embed continuous quality improvement in the way they provide care for their patients.

Practice improvement activities can be claimed as points towards Fellows’ continuing professional development (CPD). 

Find out more about CORNERSTONE®.

Foundation Standard | Mandatory | 3 year certification cycle 

The Foundation Standard represents legal, professional and regulatory requirements that a general practice must meet as part of providing safe, effective and equitable care. 

The College has provided all New Zealand general practices with a consistent framework for showing their commitment to the safety of their patients and staff. The practices’ affiliated PHOs assess achievement of the Foundation Standard.

Find out more about the Foundation Standard.