There are fears critical GP services could be lost, with doctors under significant financial pressure.
A new survey revealed nearly 90 percent are concerned about their future, as a combination of staff shortages and inflation comes to a head.
Dr Angus Chambers has worked as a GP for the past three decades - but the job as he's always known it is slipping away.
"We're burnt out, we're struggling financially, we haven't got enough workforce, we can't service our population to the level they need," he told Newshub.
And he's not alone.
"I think it's actually at crisis point, where we are expected to work longer and harder," said GP Dr Api Talemaitoga, who works in both Auckland and Christchurch.
The situation has been inflamed by a chronic staff shortage and a lag in funding.
A new survey revealed 35 percent of respondents made a loss in the last quarter of the financial year, and nearly 90 percent of GPs are concerned about the future financial viability of their practice.
"Increase in costs much faster than inflation, [and a] fairly static income. A really big factor is the loss of the COVID income," Dr Chambers told Newhub.
Nearly a quarter of practices are no longer taking new patients.
Sixty percent of respondents say they have a current vacancy for a doctor.
Meanwhile, 54 percent have reduced services in the past six months, and 17 percent have reduced opening hours.
An ageing population means more complex health issues and fewer people available for work, so GPs say investment is the answer.
"Increase the funding now, not a plan to do it in a few months, but starting now," said Dr Talemaitoga.
"General practice is actually the solution to our healthcare problems. We know that for every dollar invested in general practice, [there is a] probable $14 return," Dr Chambers said.
GPs warned of a shortage 20 years ago, but it can take more than 10 years to become fully qualified, which won't plug the gap left by those retiring.
Nor will it ease the competition between private practices and better-paid Government-funded Te Whatu Ora jobs.
In a statement, Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall agreed the funding system for GPs is not fit for purpose but that funding alone is a blunt tool.
She told Newshub the next stages of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) reform will address these issues in collaboration with the sector - a sector in crisis.
