Welcome

Health services aren’t what they used to be in the good old days.

Back then, things seemed a lot more straightforward. When you were feeling crook, you went to your doctor, who might then hand you over to a specialist – or if you were really ill, have you admitted to hospital. There were none of the many other confusing health organisations that exist today.

No, things aren’t the same, but here’s something that may surprise you: In fact, if you’re enrolled with your Eastern Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation, Te Waka Taumata O Tawhaki, you’ll find health services are actually much better than they’ve ever been: They’re cheaper, more efficient, easier to access, and once you understand a few simple facts, much more straightforward, too.

Before we explain, here’s the one essential thing you need to know: If you live in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and you want to save money with cheaper doctors’ visits, cheaper prescriptions and a selection of free or low cost health services, all you need to do is sign up with a doctor who belongs to Te Waka Taumata O Tawhaki.

In fact, it’s quite likely your doctor is already a member, in which case you will have been enrolled on The Eastern Bay Primary Health Organisation’s register.

What is a Primary Health Orginisation?

Primary Health Organisations (let’s call them PHOs, for short) were set up by the Government in 2001 when New Zealand’s health system was reorganised. The Whakatane-based Eastern Bay Primary Health Organisation is one of 83 around the country and is run by a dedicated team of professionals whose main goal is to deliver primary healthcare services to you at a lower cost than ever before.

Simply, we aim to revolutionise the delivery of healthcare in the region by improving access to healthcare and improving and maintaining the health of people enrolled with it in culturally appropriate ways.

More Specifics about your PHO

Our board of directors is especially close to the needs of the community – it’s a true partnership made up of four respected iwi leaders and four leading health professionals. We also enjoy a partnership with Ngati Awa Social & Health Services. Services are available to everyone in the community – Maori, Pakeha, and everyone in between.

Briefly, here’s how it works: Under Te Waka Taumata O Tawhaki’s umbrella, doctors, nurses and other health professionals (Maori health workers, health promotion workers, dieticians and pharmacists), work together to meet your health requirements.

Whether you live in a main centre or some remote part of the Eastern Bay, you are eligible for low cost health treatment, including much cheaper prescriptions – provided you are enrolled, of course.

PHOs are funded by the government to subsidise a range of health services including providing care and treatment when you are ill and helping you stay healthy. They also serve community groups who have poor health or who are missing out on primary health care.

At last count, Te Waka Taumata O Tawhaki, which employs just three permanent staff, had about 31,000 patients and six general practices were members. Working in those practices were 18 doctors and 22 practice nurses.

Explore this easy-to-use website and you’ll discover a full list of health providers associated with The Eastern Bay Primary Health Organisation, as well as a list of exciting programmes and initiatives we sponsor.

Board Members