Blog
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
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
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
The recent media focus on PHO transitions in the Bay of Plenty risks missing the deeper issue at stake. This is not a dispute between PHOs, but a structural shift that appears to be driven by large corporates seeking to reshape the system in ways that serve their business models, not necessarily patient care. WBOP … Read more
WBOP PHO leaders voice questions about timing, transparency, and community impact A planned move by several local general practices to switch Primary Health Organisation (PHO) affiliation has sparked concern for more than 46,000 people in the Bay of Plenty. Leaders at the Western Bay of Plenty PHO (WBOP PHO) say the move raises urgent questions … Read more
Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) is running free cervical screening clinics in community spaces across the region. These drop-in clinics are part of our ongoing effort to make cervical screening more accessible, more comfortable, and easier to fit into everyday life. If you’ve never been screened, are overdue, or are looking … Read more
Welcome to the April 2025 edition of Te Rerenga! This issue shines a light on WBOP PHO’s commitment to strengthening the local health workforce, with the return of CME/CNE events, de-escalation and diabetes education training, and the first-ever eCALD sessions held in Tauranga. These opportunities are helping equip our network with the tools and connections … Read more
WBOP PHO’s CPCT story featured in GPNZ national report on extended primary care teams A recent report from general practice New Zealand (GPNZ) shows how extended primary care teams are improving access to care across Aotearoa. The document gathers real-life stories and highlights the success of the Comprehensive Primary and Community Teams (CPCT) initiative, which … Read more
In response to a recently circulated report that questions the role and financial practices of Primary Health Organisations, Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) wishes to address several misleading claims, while reaffirming our commitment to transparency, responsible resource management, and the health of our community. The independent document titled PHO Benchmark Comparison … Read more
The government’s recent announcements on primary care signal a welcome shift towards strengthening general practice and improving patient access. While further details are awaited regarding implementation, Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) recognises this as a significant step forward. Health Minister Hon Simeon Brown recently outlined several new investments aimed at enhancing … Read more
