11 September 2025
Tend Health has welcomed Ahuahu Group, the commercial arm of Te Nehenehenui Trust, and Pencarrow Private Equity as new strategic investors, joining its founding partners. This marks an important milestone in Tend’s journey to help New Zealanders be the healthiest people in the world.
With Ahuahu Group joining the investor group, alongside Pencarrow, the collective investor base grows stronger. This group brings a wealth of experience, deep cultural connection and proven expertise in building enduring New Zealand businesses. Together, the focus is on delivering modern, equitable and sustainable healthcare across Aotearoa.
Ahuahu Group Chair, Craig Barrett, said “While this is a commercial investment that aligns with our focus to invest with sector experts who share the same long-term investment horizons as us, it also aligns with our strategic priorities of Te Nehenehenui for our Maniapoto whānau, to build strong, vibrant and healthy whānau and communities. We see Tend as a values-driven partner well positioned to transform healthcare delivery for Maniapoto and Aotearoa.”
Jonathan Goldstone, Managing Partner at Pencarrow, said Tend is building something really special and his firm is proud to be part of the journey. “We love backing ambitious teams with a strong sense of purpose, and Tend couldn’t be a better example of that. We’re excited about what’s to come and pleased to be investing alongside Ahuahu Group and the founders as Tend moves into its next chapter,” he said.
This announcement comes as Tend confirms it has acquired Northcare Accident and Medical Centre on Auckland’s North Shore, a respected provider of urgent and general medical care. The acquisition strengthens Tend’s local presence, supports succession planning for GPs and ensures continuity of care for the North Shore community.
Tend Co-CEO Cecilia Robinson added that the partnership represents a significant step forward for the organisation. “We’re proud to welcome Ahuahu Group and Pencarrow as investors and partners in this next stage of Tend’s growth. Both bring deep expertise and shared values that will help us expand access to modern, equitable healthcare across Aotearoa. The addition of Northcare strengthens our presence on the North Shore, ensuring continuity for patients and sustainable pathways for GPs planning their futures. Above all, it supports our purpose, to help New Zealanders be the healthiest people in the world.”
For Tend Co-Founder Dr Mataroria Lyndon (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Wai, Waikato), the partnership is about more than investment - it’s about ensuring whānau can access healthcare in ways that work for them. “Ahuahu Group’s involvement helps us strengthen those connections with iwi and communities, so we can deliver healthcare that is accessible, equitable, and aligned with the needs of whānau. It’s about building sustainable pathways for better Māori health outcomes and for everyone in Aotearoa.”
Dr Peter Boot, who has led Northcare for the past eight years, said the decision to join Tend was guided by shared values and a strong belief in the future of general practice. “We’ve always prioritised clinical quality and the wellbeing of our patients,” said Dr Boot. “Partnering with Tend means we can secure the future of the practice. Their commitment to clinical excellence, health equity and integrated care made them the right partner. I’m confident that Tend will honour Northcare’s legacy while continuing to build a practice that serves our community well.”
The investment enables Tend to expand its footprint across Aotearoa through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, particularly with general practices led by GPs approaching retirement. It will also support continued investment in technology to enhance clinical workflows, patient experience and system sustainability.
Since launching in 2020, Tend has delivered more than 4.7 million patient interactions and now cares for around 145,000 enrolled patients across the country. Its hybrid care model combines virtual and in-person care through a single patient record, ensuring safe, connected and personal care. With innovation at its core, Tend has recently introduced its own AI technology into clinical workflows. To date, it has supported over 100,000 consultations, reducing administrative burden and improving the experience for patients and clinicians alike.
Advisor to Tend and Barrenjoey, Nick Ross, said there had been strong investor interest in the company. He described Tend as “a standout business with strong leadership, a clear growth strategy and a unique technology platform that is reshaping the future of healthcare in Aotearoa.”
*Nick Ross is an independent contractor to Tend and Barrenjoey through 519 Capital Limited