Green Cross Health announces that Community Care has been officially granted full approval to operate as a Primary Health Organisation (PHO), effective 1 July 2026. The full PHO approval comes after Community Care and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora have been working positively over recent months on a robust and comprehensive PHO application process.

The approval for Community Care to operate as a PHO marks a significant milestone for Green Cross Healthʼs practices and patients, and once operational, will enable enhanced support for practices and improved primary care access for their patients nationwide. Current PHO agreements will be extended to 30 June 2026 to ensure a smooth handover, with a seven-month change management process to help practices successfully transition PHOs. Collaboration with PHOs and other groups remains a priority for Community Care.

Wayne Woolrich, General Manager of Green Cross Healthʼs Medical Division, said: “We thank Health New Zealand for their time and effort through the comprehensive application process. Community Care will use the existing Green Cross Health back office network infrastructure to direct more primary care funding into frontline services, improving access and outcomes for enrolled whānau and communities across New Zealand. We look forward to collaborating with PHOs and partners across New Zealand as part of our contribution to ensuring New Zealanders have access to timely, quality primary care.ˮ