New Primary Health Organisation, Arataki PHO, has officially launched its website, marking an exciting new chapter in how primary healthcare is delivered across Aotearoa.
Named from the Māori word Arataki, meaning to lead, to guide, an agent of change, the organisation’s mission is clear: to lead meaningful transformation in the health system by improving outcomes for patients and whānau through equitable, accessible and high-quality care.
Arataki PHO brings together general practices, iwi and community providers and sector partners such as Health NZ Te Whatu Ora and ACC, as well as our alliance PHO partners, working collaboratively to ensure the right services are available for all New Zealanders.
Josh Robb, Chair of Arataki PHO, said the launch represents a bold and forward-looking approach to healthcare: “Arataki exists to lead with purpose, combining innovation, collaboration, and compassion to improve health outcomes for every community we serve. It’s about building trust, breaking down barriers to access and delivering care that reflects the real needs of New Zealanders.”
The Arataki identity reflects this spirit, its upward arrow represents growth and progress and its turquoise tones connect the organisation to the natural beauty and vitality of Aotearoa.
Meet the Arataki PHO Board
Arataki’s Board brings together a diverse group of health, governance and community leaders, each deeply committed to shaping a healthier, more equitable Aotearoa.
Sharon Shea MNZM (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Ranginui) – Independent Director
Sharon is a highly regarded Māori public health and governance leader known for her expertise in health equity, strategy and system design. She brings deep experience working across health and social sectors, ensuring the voice of priority populations is represented in decision-making.
Markerita Poutasi – Independent Director
Markerita is a strategic policy and governance expert with extensive experience in Pacific health and community wellbeing. She’s passionate about creating lasting change through partnership, evidence-based strategy and genuine community engagement.
Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Hinerangi) – Director
A respected GP and hauora Māori advocate, Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen is known for his leadership in Māori health and his commitment to improving equity through kaupapa Māori approaches. He brings decades of clinical and advocacy experience to Arataki’s mission of leading change with integrity and heart.
Dr Lee Mathias ONZM – Director
A trailblazer in New Zealand’s health system, Dr Mathias has held numerous governance roles across health and community organisations. She brings vast experience in health system reform, maternity services and population health, and a lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for women and families.
Dr Mataroria Lyndon (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Wai, Waikato) – Director
As Co-Founder of Tend Health and Director of Population Health & Equity, Dr Lyndon bridges clinical leadership and community insight. A passionate advocate for equitable care, he champions solutions that are culturally safe and clinically sound.
Dr Graham Denyer – Director
Dr Denyer is a practising GP and Chief Medical Officer at Tend Health, with a strong focus on clinical governance and innovation. His experience across both rural and urban healthcare brings valuable perspective to Arataki’s delivery model.
Josh Robb – Chair
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Tend Health, Josh leads the Arataki Board with a focus on data, technology, and design-led system transformation. His passion lies in creating better, more equitable health experiences for patients and providers alike.
Director Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen emphasises that meaningful change in healthcare requires more than infrastructure - it demands a fundamental shift in approach.
"You can't just build a clinic and expect communities who've been let down by the health system to walk through the door. Trust is earned by being trustworthy," says Dr McKree Jansen. "When Māori patients are adopting digital tools at higher rates than any other group, that tells me they feel safe, they feel seen and they feel like these services were built for them - not despite them. That sense of belonging in healthcare spaces is what we should be measuring alongside clinical outcomes."
This philosophy of trust-building and genuine partnership underpins Arataki's approach to every initiative.
Leading with Action: Childhood Immunisation Campaign
As one of its first major initiatives, Arataki PHO has launched a comprehensive Childhood Immunisation Campaign to help improve vaccination rates and empower whānau through accessible, non-judgemental information.
A new Childhood Immunisation Q&A Service, available through the Tend app, allows parents and caregivers to book a free 15-minute video consultation with a nurse to discuss vaccination questions. The focus is on education and reassurance, not pressure, helping whānau make informed, confident health decisions for their tamariki.
Arataki’s Health Promotion Team has also developed multilingual social media in English, Te Reo Māori, and Chinese, with culturally resonant messaging, to be shared across YouTube, the Arataki website and in clinics. Supporting print materials are being distributed across practices to assist nurses in everyday immunisation conversations.
In the coming weeks, Arataki will also roll out transport vouchers and other interventions targeting priority populations, to help whānau access immunisation services with fewer barriers.
Chair Josh Robb added: “Our immunisation programme is exactly what Arataki stands for, leadership through empathy, innovation and action. By focusing on trust and accessibility, we’re helping whānau take the next step toward a healthier Aotearoa.”
Following Arataki’s successful August initiative, Tend Women’s Health Week, which offered free cervical screening in partnership with the Ministry for Women, Arataki continues to focus on breaking down barriers to care. This new programme builds on that success, further improving access for all whānau.
Lifting Transparency
Arataki is committed to strengthening good governance and openness across the primary care sector. As part of this commitment, Arataki will share quarterly updates on its website, highlighting key initiatives, outcomes and impact. This approach reflects Arataki’s belief that transparency builds trust, supports collaboration and helps communities see the difference being made together.