Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) are the means by which the Government ensures that everyone has access to a general practitioner (GP) and a primary care practice.  PHOs are made up of a number of primary care practices which work together to care for patients who are registered with them. There are 32 PHOs spread across the country and paid for by the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs). They have an obligation to consult local people about the services they want.

PHOs are given money by the Ministry of Health to subsidise healthcare for their enrolled patients. This pays for care and treatment when people are ill, helping people stay healthy and initiatives to contact groups in the community with poor health who would otherwise miss out. There is extra funding for certain disadvantaged people or groups.

http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/primary-health-care/about-primary-health-organisations