Monday Pānui 27 July 2026

In today’s Pānui - 27 July 2026	Refugee Funding Changes Cyber Risk e-Learning – New Requirement for 2026/27 Auckland PHO is Moving to Greenlane Surplus CareSens Glucometers Available
Refugee Funding Changes	Health New Zealand has advised that changes have now been made to the funding available for former refugee groups accessing primary care and associated support services across Auckland. The key changes are: Eligibility has reduced from 10 years to 5 years from the date of arrival in New Zealand. Health New Zealand has also indicated that there is an intention to reduce this nationally to 2 years in the future. The number of funded standard and extended consultations will now be capped beyond the first two years following arrival. Eligibility for the 90-minute consultation has changed and is now available only for non-quota refugees, as quota refugees receive extended health assessments through the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre. We appreciate that these changes may be challenging for both patients and practice teams. Unfortunately, it is likely that general practice staff will be the first to experience patient concern or dissatisfaction as people adjust to the new funding arrangements. To help support patients during this transition, practices may wish to consider using the Discretionary Funding Pool where appropriate to assist with patient co-payments while patients become accustomed to contributing towards the cost of their consultations. If your practice experiences significant financial impacts or you would like to discuss individual circumstances, please contact me directly at barbara@aucklandpho.co.nz. We are keen to understand the effect these changes are having across our network and will continue to advocate for practices where issues arise. Practice and Patient Resources & Information: Former Refugee Primary Health Funding Changes – for General Practice Refugee Categories Quick Guide – for General Practice and Admin Teams Refugee Health Resources & Further Information – for General Practice and Admin teams Former Refugee Changes – Patient Information
Cyber Risk e-Learning – New Requirement for 2026/27	Cyber security continues to be an increasing focus across the health sector. As part of the 2026/27 PHO Services Agreement (agreed by both the Contracted Provider and PHO caucuses), all practices are expected to complete cyber security training and work through the Cyber Security Checklist. To support practices, Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora has developed a series of short e-learning modules for your nominated Cyber Risk Lead.  $150 +GST is available for one funded completion per practice. Why this matters Patient information is one of the most valuable and sensitive assets your practice holds. As the shared digital health record continues to expand, more information is being exchanged across the health system than ever before. Protecting this information is everyone's responsibility, and every practice should have a nominated person who understands cyber risk—not just rely on their IT provider. Health NZ has developed a Cyber Security Checklist based on the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre's (NCSC) Ten Minimum Cyber Security Standards. Each standard has four maturity levels, with the expectation that all practices achieve the baseline level over time. The e-learning programme forms part of the wider information security programme, alongside the checklist and supporting webinar series. About the training One of the ten standards focuses on Risk Management, requiring every practice to nominate a person responsible for overseeing cyber risk. Completing this training helps meet that requirement by equipping your Cyber Risk Lead to: Understand common cyber security risks. Apply a practical risk management framework. Assess risk tolerance and identify appropriate mitigation strategies. Document cyber risks and escalate them to practice managers or partners where appropriate. The Cyber Risk for General Practices/Primary Health Organisation Users course is available through Ko Awatea LEARN for practices in the Northern Region. It consists of three short modules covering: Understanding cyber risk Applying a risk management framework Risk tolerance and mitigation The learning content takes approximately 15 minutes, although allowing up to 45 minutes will enable participants to complete the course and supporting activities thoroughly. Funding Available A payment of $150 + GST is available for one completed course per practice, effective immediately. Additional team members are encouraged to complete the training to build broader cyber security awareness within the practice; however, funding is limited to one participant per practice. How to Complete and Claim Nominate your Cyber Risk Lead. Practices can determine who is best suited to this role. Complete the Cyber Risk for Primary Health Organisation Users course on Ko Awatea LEARN (you may need to create an account if you do not already have one). Download your verified Record of Learning. Email the Record of Learning to info@aucklandpho.co.nz to receive your $150 payment. If you have any questions, contact barbara@aucklandpho.co.nz
Auckland PHO is Moving to Greenlane	Office Furniture Available The lease is up and Auckland PHO is preparing to relocate to our new offices in Greenlane on 1 September, we have a small number of corner desks that will not be required in our new workspace. These desks are available to practices on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested, please email info@aucklandpho.co.nz to register your interest.
Surplus CareSens Glucometers Available	Need extra glucometers for your practice?  Auckland PHO have a number of surplus CareSens blood glucose meters available to give away. While the associated glucose test strips have expired and are no longer suitable for use, the glucometers remain in good working condition and may be useful for training, demonstration, or where compatible current strips are available. We have a box ready to go and can arrange delivery to your practice. If you're interested, please get in touch with Aaron Piano at aaron@aucklandpho.co.nz

Barbara Stevens | Tumu Whakarae / CEO