Abstract
New Zealand health care relies on the skills of many health and other professionals. For those with long-term or complex needs, a culturally safe focus on the patient (and family and whānau) is needed along with collaborative care provided by a range of health disciplines. This dual focus leads to patient-centred, person-focused care. Doctors have a key role in enabling a coordinated and collaborative approach because interdisciplinary models of team care result in safer, higher-quality care for patients, providers and systems.