Blog
Total boost of $175 million addresses a long-awaited investment in frontline care Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) unites its voice with general practice New Zealand (GPNZ) and other sector partners in welcoming today’s announcement of a boost to funding for general practice from 1 July 2025. The government release follows the … Read more
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Register now and join us on 23 July at Mount College for the inaugural Let’s Talk Screening training Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) invites non-clinical kaimahi to join a new, one-day training designed to build confidence in talking with Māori and Pacific whānau about cancer screening. Let’s Talk Screening gives you … Read more
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Welcome to the June 2025 edition of Te Rerenga! This issue highlights how the Workforce Development Fund is backing local kaimahi to lead from within, including the cover story about a counsellor who is helping strengthen the mental health workforce across the Bay. We also look at how new roles in general practice are improving … Read more
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WBOP PHO took part in a wide range of activities during Smokefree May, working with partners and providers to encourage and support smokefree journeys across our region. At Tauranga Hospital, the Western Bay of Plenty Smokefree Coalition hosted a month-long display in the main corridor. The stall provided information about quitting smoking and the support … Read more
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Western Bay of Plenty PHO is working closely with Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand to ensure any transitions of practices to other PHOs, including those currently affecting our region, are managed carefully with continuity of care at the core. We recognise that the primary care system is evolving, and support changes that genuinely … Read more
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Matakana Island initiative brings rural health innovation to national spotlight After being showcased on the world stage in Lisbon, Portugal, the Tāpiri Mai project has now received national attention, with a feature on TVNZ’s 1News highlighting the impact of this community-led healthcare model. Reporter Jordyn Rudd travelled to Matakana Island to see firsthand how the … Read more
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In May, we took a moment to celebrate two vital pillars of the health system: our nurses and family doctors, with short video tributes recognising their impact across the rohe. International Nurses Day (12 May) was an opportunity to acknowledge the care, skill, and heart that nurses bring to their work every day. Our video … Read more
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Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) joins general practice New Zealand (GPNZ) in raising concern about the lack of real investment in primary care in Budget 2025. Despite ongoing calls from the sector, there is no meaningful uplift to address historic underfunding or support long-term sustainability. While the announcement stated a 7.4 … Read more
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Last week, the Tāpiri Mai project took the stage at the International Conference on Integrated Care (ICIC25) in Lisbon, Portugal. The event gathered global leaders in health innovation and provided a platform to share and learn from integrated care models worldwide. Kiri Peita, Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) General Manager: Māori, … Read more
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Clarifying how flexi-funding and service contracts are used to support general practice, outreach, and equity-focused care. Recent public statements have suggested that Western Bay of Plenty PHO retains too much flexible funding and that these funds are not reaching frontline care. We want to share the details on how this funding works and how it … Read more
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