Blog
The Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) has made a formal submission opposing the Government’s proposed Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Bill. This Bill weakens the equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles at the heart of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, removing legal obligations to address health inequities and … Read more
WBOP PHO and partners have launched training to support non-clinical staff on opportunistic cancer screening conversations with Māori and Pacific whānau On 23 July, 22 staff from general practice, iwi, and community providers came together at Tāne-nui-a-rangi Wharenui, Mount College, for the first Let’s Talk Screening training. The full-day session was designed to support non-clinical … Read more
Two primary care teams offering free, same-day mental health, addictions and wellbeing support are now under one easy to recognise identity. BeingWell is the new name for a service many people in the Bay of Plenty region already use. Managed by the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO), it connects people with … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
