PremiumEva de JongMultimedia journalist·NZ Herald·29 May, 2026 10:00 PM12 mins to read‌Dr Hilmer Budelmann of Parnell Family Doctors has been caring for the same families and patients in his community for over 30 years. Photo / Anna HeathInvestment in online consultations and AI technology are altering care in the general practice sector. Some GPs say this will mark the death of the traditional family doctor model, but new players in the sector say the shift is inevitable and will save money. What do patients want?

Dr Hilmer