Monday Pānui 17 November 2025

In today’s Pānui	Establishment of new GenPro PHO – Commentary from Barbara Summer Holiday Closures and Summer Playbook Measles Auckland PHO Awards Auckland PHO Annual General Meeting
Establishment of new GenPro PHO – Commentary from Barbara	GP Owners may have now received a communique from GenPro regarding the establishment of national PHO with an invitation to seek an expression of interest to sign up.  The lack of clear direction and persistent lack of certainty for PHOs and general practice over an extended period has led to an environment which we believe is disruptive and unhelpful for the system as a whole and it is not surprising that GenPro has followed the example of Tend and Green Cross in applying to establish a PHO, as a mechanism for accessing direct contracting with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. A core function of PHOs is to ensure their enrolled population has access to appropriate primary care services, not simply to be a conduit for capitation funding to general practices. This essential population health function risks being completely eroded due to the recent trend of emerging national PHOs. We are strong in our belief that Auckland PHO provides extensive support to our practice network, and advocates strongly for strong, well-funded and sustainable general practice, noting it is not just GenPro who acts as a PSAAP negotiator and advocate for and on behalf of GP Owners – the Auckland PHO CEO is also a negotiator and advocate at PSAAP on behalf of 8 Auckland PHO Practices with a total population of 56,000 patients. Our work will continue, with the core focus on improving access, equity and outcomes for whānau.  The sector is stronger when we work collaboratively, with shared direction and common values. We believe that a strong and accountable PHO function, working in partnership with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, is essential to a thriving, integrated health system based on what’s best for people, not businesses. If you would like to discuss further, please contact me, 021 669 533 or barbara@aucklandpho.co.nz
Summer Holiday Closures and Summer Playbook	As we prepare for the upcoming summer holiday period, we are required to gather key information to ensure continuity of care and practice holiday closures.  Practices have been sent an email requiring information on the following: Operating Hours during the Christmas and New Year period. Alternative options of where the practice is referring patients to if the practice is closed or the primary provider is on leave. After-hours contact person and phone number for urgent matters. Whether the practice will be fully staffed or operating with a skeleton crew during this time. Also please update this information on your HealthPoint page. In the next week you will also be sent the Summer Planning Checklist in preparation for the holidays. Any queries about this, please contact shannon@aucklandpho.co.nz
Measles	Fortunately, Auckland has not had a measles case recently and therefore we will not update the Measles Playbook unless there is more information to add. MMR Vaccine Eligibility Please refer to the MMR vaccination eligibility document. If you have any questions please contact shanaz@aucklandpho.co.nz or aaron@aucklandpho.co.nz
Auckland PHO Awards	Have you RSVP’d for our awards night yet?  Will you be getting a prize? Details of this year’s awards evening can be found below or in the attached invitation. Date:     Thursday 11 December Time:     From 6pm Venue:  Sorrento in the Park | 670 Manukau Road, Epsom We welcome all staff from your primary care teams to join us for the evening. To RSVP: We kindly ask Practice Managers / Owners to RSVP on behalf of their practice staff by emailing komal@aucklandpho.co.nz by December 1st, including the names of attendees and any dietary requirements, so we can organise catering accordingly.
Call for Submissions: Innovation Award 2025 🌟 Has your practice introduced a new idea, approach, or initiative that made a difference this year? We’re inviting all practices to submit their most innovative project or improvement for a chance to be recognised at our Annual Awards Night. Submit by Friday 21 November by emailing komal@aucklandpho.co.nz  The winner will be announced on the night. Let’s celebrate creativity and impact in primary care!
Auckland PHO Annual General Meeting	Notice has been sent today to Auckland PHO Shareholders about the upcoming AGM to be held on Wednesday 3 December 2025 on Teams. Shareholders – please send in your proxy vote if you are unable to attend. All attachments can also be found on the Auckland PHO website here. Password: aucklandpho

Barbara Stevens | Tumu Whakarae / CEO