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Arataki PHO is marking a significant moment across its network, with the approval of Very Low Cost Access (VLCA) status for Tend Linwood Medical Centre, outstanding results for Bay of Plenty immunisation outcomes, and the appointment of Alexander Fala to its board.
Tend Linwood achieves VLCA status
From 1 April 2026, Tend Linwood Medical Centre will transition to Very Low Cost Access status - reducing the cost of primary care for thousands of patients in one of Christchurch's most underserved communities.
Under VLCA, consultation fees for patients aged 14–17 will drop from $46.00 to $13.50, and standard fees for adults without a Community Services Card will reduce from $63.00 to $30.50. Patients aged 0–13 continue to be seen at no charge, and Community Services Card holders aged 18 and over remain at $20.00.
"This is exactly the kind of change that a PHO exists to support," said Josh Robb, Chair of Arataki PHO. "VLCA status delivers significant co-payment savings for our patients - reducing fees by up to $32.50 for adolescents and non-Community Services Card holders, and making high-quality, local healthcare affordable for everyone in the community."
Robb noted that the data behind the approval tells its own story. "Fifty-four percent of Linwood's enrolled patients are classified as high-needs - a figure that speaks for itself about the community this clinic serves. When people can't afford to see their GP, they wait, they deteriorate, and too often end up in emergency departments. VLCA status changes that equation - people can come in earlier, before things become serious, and that's better for patients and better for the whole health system."
Dr Rawiri McKee-Jansen, Arataki PHO board member and Tend GP, says the change has particular significance from an equity perspective. "The Linwood community carries a disproportionate share of the health burden - we see it in the data and we hear it from clinicians on the ground. Cost is one of the most stubborn barriers to care, and it falls hardest on the people who are already most vulnerable. Reducing that barrier isn't a small thing. For some whānau, it will be the difference between getting help early and not getting it at all."
Bay of Plenty immunisation success
This achievement at Linwood follows recognition of Tend's immunisation performance in the Bay of Plenty. Bay of Plenty has historically recorded some of the lowest immunisation rates in Aotearoa, making it a priority focus for Health New Zealand's System Level Measures programme.
At a quarterly SLM review meeting in February 2026, Health New Zealand informed Arataki that its Bay of Plenty practices - operated by Tend - had achieved first place in the region for 24-month immunisation coverage across all ethnicities, with a fully immunised rate of 90.0% against a regional average of 76.1%. Arataki also ranked second for Māori immunisation coverage at 75.0%, and is the only PHO in the region with no Māori children classified as "not fully immunised" - meaning zero recorded declines.
Health New Zealand noted that Arataki's integrated care model was a key strength behind the results.
"Bay of Plenty has faced real challenges with immunisation rates for a long time, so to be leading the region - and to be the only PHO with no Māori tamariki classified as not fully immunised - is a result our teams should be incredibly proud of," said Robb. "It doesn't happen without consistent effort and genuine relationships with whānau. Health New Zealand's recognition of our integrated model affirms the approach we've taken, and we're committed to sustaining and building on it."
Alexander Fala joins the Arataki board
Arataki PHO is also pleased to announce the appointment of Alexander Fala to its board. As the new CFO at Tend Health, Alex leads the company's financial strategy and acquisition programme. He brings extensive senior leadership experience across New Zealand's technology and business sectors, having served as CEO of both Vend and Syft Technologies, and held senior roles at Trade Me and Les Mills International. A Rhodes Scholar and proud Kiwi of Samoan heritage, Alex has experienced Tend's care firsthand as a patient.
"I'm honoured to be joining the Arataki board," said Fala. "Primary care is where the health system either succeeds or falls short for the communities that need it most - and that's not abstract for me. I want to contribute to making healthcare genuinely accessible, and I believe strong governance and financial foundations are what allow a PHO to keep showing up for its communities year after year."