Monday Pānui 11 May 2026

In Today’s Pānui	PSAAP update Diphtheria Alert COVID -19 Vaccination Services in General Practice Transport Funding Support for Patients Auckland PHO Governance and Board Member Resignation
PSAAP update  (PHO Services Agreement Amendment Protocol) All changes to the PHO Services Agreement, including funding uplifts, general practice performance outcomes, must be agreed at PSAAP)	Negotiations are currently underway between the GPNZ-led PHO caucus, the Contracted Provider Caucus (General Practice Owners), and Health NZ regarding funding uplifts for 2026/27. All parties have signed a non-disclosure agreement, therefore, no further information regarding the content of the discussions will be available until negotiations are concluded. Representatives across general practice remain aligned in advocating for the best possible funding outcomes for the sector. Discussions include capitation uplifts, co-payment rules, rural funding, and additional clauses within the PHO Services Agreement. Once an agreement has been reached, Auckland PHO negotiators will update the practice network and seek feedback where required.
Diphtheria Alert This information was included in the Friday Facts 8 May 2026.  Repeating for anyone who missed it.	The Northern Territory of Australia is currently experiencing a significant diphtheria outbreak which has now spread to parts of Western Australia (WA), Queensland (QLD) and South Australia (SA). As of 27 April, 117 cases have been reported in 2026 (NT 74; WA 39; QLD 2; SA  2). The majority of these have been in Indigenous peoples (92%), and in rural and remote areas (98%); 2 cutaneous cases were acquired overseas. Approximately one quarter of cases have been respiratory diphtheria. The remainder have been cutaneous disease. The overall risk of introduction of toxigenic diphtheria to New Zealand is considered low; however, if introduced, the risk of an outbreak increases in areas with low diphtheria vaccination coverage, particularly in high density settings. Clinicians are asked to be alert for diphtheria in returning travellers from Australia and areas where diphtheria is endemic, including Asia and the South Pacific who present with severe acute respiratory illness (ARI) or non-healing ulcers. Please continue to encourage pregnancy and on time infant and childhood vaccines and support catch up vaccinations for those not yet fully vaccinated. Please read the attached advisory to understand the risks and key messages for healthcare professionals.
COVID -19 Vaccination Services in General Practice	Health NZ is notifying all GPs and Pharmacies about their Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Agreement, and Immunisation Services, is due to end on 30 June 2026. The service schedule is now incorporated into the PHO Services Agreement which means practices do not need a separate agreement to vaccinate against COVID-19 effective 1 July 2026. Further information to be sent when received from Health NZ.
Transport Funding Support for Patients This information was included in the Friday Facts 8 May 2026.  Repeating for anyone who missed it.	As fuel prices remain high, please be reminded of Auckland PHO’s Funded Transport Services programme (for eligible clinics), that is accessible via the Uber for Business dashboard. This service is aimed particularly to improve access for high needs patients requiring primary care services such as immunisation, cervical screening, and long-term conditions support. Eligibility criteria and business rules can be viewed here. For any queries on Auckland PHO’s Funded Transport Services programme, please contact Emma Pickles - Project Manager, Auckland PHO via emma@aucklandpho.co.nz.
Auckland PHO Governance and Board Member Resignation	It is with regret that the Auckland PHO Board Chair, Jayme Kitiona announces the resignation of GP Provider, Dr Libby McLeay, GP Owner at Avondale Health Centre. Libby has served as a valued member of the Auckland PHO Board for the past six years and has stepped down due to family commitments. The Board acknowledges and thanks Libby for her significant contribution, leadership, and commitment to Auckland PHO during her tenure. As part of the Board’s current review and refresh of the Auckland PHO Constitution, the Board has agreed to co-opt three GPs as an interim measure to support governance continuity during this period of transition.  The Board is working through this process. Auckland PHO shareholder representatives, including GPs, Nurse Practitioners, Practice Nurses, and Practice Managers, will be formally notified of the proposed constitutional changes and Board membership updates, as shareholder approval will be required through a voting process.

Barbara Stevens | Tumu Whakarae / CEO