The Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation - BOP PHO - team have won the Supreme Award at the 2024 Diversity Awards NZ.

They are also named the Medium-Large Organisation Winner in the Ngā Āhuatanga o te Tiriti Tohu category at the awards in Auckland on August 28.

"These awards are a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone at WBOP PHO," says WBOP PHO Māori, population health and equity general manager Kiri Peita.

These honours recognise their commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, diversity, equity, and inclusion, affirming their efforts to improve health outcomes for Māori and create an environment where their kaimahi and the people they serve can thrive.

The  WBOP PHO is a non-profit organisation that supports and delivers primary health care and wellness services through general practices, Iwi partners, and community organisations from Katikati to Ōpōtiki.

"We achieve this by planning, funding, and coordinating services, projects, and programmes alongside providers," says Kiri.

"We are a joint venture (JV) between Ngāi Te Rangi iwi, Ngāti Ranginui iwi, and Western Bay of Plenty Primary Care Providers Inc (Provider Inc), an umbrella organisation for our general practice network.

"Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a fundamental part of our organisation, and it’s an honour to be recognised for our efforts to foster a more equitable future."

The Supreme Award acknowledges WBOP PHO's impactful co-governance model with mana whenua, which guides their work in supporting and delivering primary health care and wellness services to their local communities.

"Our unique 20-year long joint-venture partnership, involving Ngāi Te Rangi iwi, Ngāti Ranginui iwi, and the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Care Providers Incorporated, makes us the first and only PHO to operate under this framework."

The Ngā Āhuatanga o Te Tiriti Tohu award honours organisations that demonstrate a strong dedication to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through initiatives that enhance Māori outcomes and build stronger relationships with indigenous communities.

"WBOP PHO's recognition in this category highlights our efforts and its significant impact on its employees and the wider community," says Kiri.

"Winning these awards reflects our collective commitment to creating a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are central," says WBOP PHO CEO Lindsey Webber.

"This recognition strengthens our commitment to drive positive change and continue our work in fostering equity within our organisation and beyond.

"These awards mark a significant milestone for WBOP PHO, reinforcing our role as a trailblazer in workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion and promoting equitable health outcomes across the community."

Diversity Awards NZTM

Led by Diversity Works, the annual award is the most significant programme in Aotearoa New Zealand to celebrate excellence in workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.

This year’s award had 28 finalists in multiple categories, showcasing innovative initiatives to build work environments where everybody is safe to bring the best version of themselves.

For a full list of winners, please visit the Diversity Works NZ website. Read the WBOP PHO case study.