What is a PHO?

A PHO is a Primary Health Organisation. Mahitahi Hauora PHE (Primary Health Entity) is Northland’s largest PHO.

In New Zealand, PHOs are organisations funded to:

• Coordinate government funding to member general practices
• Support local primary healthcare services
• Improve access to care for whānau
• Focus on prevention, early intervention, and long-term wellbeing
• Reduce inequities and inequalities

We work alongside general practices, Māori health providers and community organisations across Te Tai Tokerau to support a strong, connected primary health system.

What we do for our communities

Our role is not to replace your general practice, doctor, or nurse – but to strengthen the system around them, so whānau receive the care they need, when and where they need it.

Our mahi is:

• Supporting general practices and community providers to deliver quality care
• Working with partners across health and social services
• Funding and enabling programmes that improve health outcomes
• Advocating for the needs of Te Tai Tokerau at a regional and national level
• Helping design services based on what matters most to whānau

Together, we help ensure care is closer to home, more connected, and centred around people and communities.

How we support your local GP

We support our member general practices across Northland by helping them:

• Deliver high-quality care to enrolled patients
• Access tools, data and clinical support
• Participate in programmes that improve health outcomes
• Strengthen workforce capability and sustainability

This support allows practices to focus on what matters most – caring for their patients and communities.