Blog

Let’s Talk Screening training now available online

Building on the successful full-day wānanga held in July 2025, Let’s Talk Screening is now accessible as a free online training. This resource supports non-clinical staff to engage in culturally safe and respectful conversations about breast, bowel and cervical screening with Māori and Pacific whānau. All training materials — including video modules, slide decks, handbooks … Read more

Ngāti Kahu Hauora reopens historic building as a place for whānau and community

Ngāti Kahu Hauora has celebrated the reopening and blessing of Waiāio, their newly restored Whare Matua in Bethlehem, Tauranga. The name Waiāio, meaning peaceful waters, was gifted by Ngāti Kahu hapū representative Charlie Rahiri Jnr and reflects the hauora’s deep connection to the Wairoa River and its people. The cottage holds a long and proud … Read more

Farewell and thanks to CEO Lindsey Webber

The WBOP PHO Board thanks CEO Lindsey Webber for her six and a half years of dedicated leadership and service. Lindsey is now moving into a new chapter in her career, and we wish her every success. Since 2019, Lindsey has guided WBOP PHO through some of the most transformative years in New Zealand’s health … Read more

BeingWell and Here to Help U join forces to reach more people with free wellbeing support

A new collaboration between BeingWell and ‘Here to help u’ is helping bridge the gap for people who need wellbeing support but aren’t currently connected to a general practice. The partnership means a Health Coach is now available two days a week to offer free support to anyone accessing ‘Here to help u’ services. “This … Read more

New webpage helps whānau access cervical screening support in the Bay of Plenty

Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) has launched a new cervical screening Support page on its website. It provides information for wāhine and whānau across the Bay of Plenty, creating an online hub to connect our community with local care and support. Cervical Screening Support is a free service for Māori and … Read more

Te Rerenga: September 2025 edition – Easier to reach care

Welcome to the September 2025 edition of Te Rerenga! In this issue, we feature the relaunch of BeingWell, our refreshed identity for free, everyday mental health and wellbeing services across the rohe. The story highlights how a community-focused, co-designed brand is making support from Health Coaches, HIPs, counsellors and social workers easier to access. You’ll … Read more

Bringing cervical screening into trusted spaces

WBOP PHO, Huria Trust and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa team up to offer free clinics on Tauranga campus this September September is cervical screening Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of staying up to date with screening to prevent cervical cancer. To make it easier for more people to access care, WBOP PHO is … Read more

WBOP PHO opposes the Pae Ora Amendment Bill

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

New training in Tauranga focuses on cancer screening kōrero

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

BeingWell: Free, everyday mental health and wellbeing services, now easier to reach in the Bay

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