NEWS
Stay informed about the latest developments, announcements, and initiatives from the WBOPPHO.
From new healthcare programmes to local initiatives. Learn more here!
Local realities, national decisions
As one of three PHO chief executive negotiators in the PSAAP funding negotiations, Sarah Stevenson reflects on why local voices matter in the decisions being made about primary care, especially in an election year. By Sarah Stevenson, WBOPPHO Chief Executive...
Creating space: a reflection for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Being understood and acknowledged is part of being cared for. For many whānau, walking into a general practice or another health care setting can feel unfamiliar. Hearing your own reo, your own language, can be the thing that shifts how...
Te Rerenga: September 2026 – Recognition and growing demand
Welcome to the September 2026 edition of Te Rerenga. This issue celebrates the people and teams behind local primary care, and shows how WBOPPHO's services are responding to community needs through partnership, advocacy and everyday manaakitanga. The edition leads with...
Helping shape wider, fairer diabetes medicine access
Nearly 1,900 submissions nationwide informed the final criteria, protecting cover for Māori and Pacific Peoples, and extending it to thousands more. WBOPPHO welcomes Pharmac's decision to widen access to four type 2 diabetes medicines from 1 September 2026. It responds...
WBOPPHO Clinical Director honoured with national Community Service Medal
Dr Claire Isham, who also works as a specialist GP in Tauranga, received the honour from RNZCGP at a ceremony in Auckland on Saturday. Dr Claire Isham with RNZCGP President Dr Luke Bradford ahead of the ceremony. Dr Claire Isham,...
Pae Ora Amendment Act: our commitment to equity is unchanged
WBOPPHO received with disappointment the passing of the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Act 2026 in July. It reduces the statutory provisions for equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi that sat at the heart of the 2022 legislation, and resets...
WBOPPHO’s BeingWell named finalist in national primary health awards
The Bay of Plenty service is one of two finalists announced today for Best Mental Health Programme. Members of the BeingWell team at a 2025 hui. Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOPPHO) has been named a finalist in...
Te Rerenga: June 2026 – Expanding access and celebrating local impact
Welcome to the June 2026 edition of Te Rerenga. This issue highlights how locally led primary care continues to improve access to health services across the Bay of Plenty through innovation, partnership and community leadership. The edition leads with Mental...
Sector vote supports first major general practice funding change in 20 years
Following months of negotiations and sector consultation, 86% of voting practices accepted a package that will deliver an additional $120.6 million to primary care and introduce a new capitation model. Te Whatu Ora Health NZ, Primary Health Organisations (PHOs), Contracted...
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Who we are and what we do
Get Updates on Health and Wellness Services
Join our community and get the latest news from our region.
Discover the health and wellness services available to you and your whānau.
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Services available in the community
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Kaupapa Māori service options
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Who we are and what we do
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