Enrolment with a general practice and primary health organisation

Most general practices are now part of a PHO. If you are not sure whether your general practice is part of a PHO, you can ask your regular doctor or practice nurse.

To enrol, you will have to complete and sign a form which the doctor, nurse or medical centre receptionist will give you. The form will require you to provide some personal details such as name, age, date of birth, address and ethnicity. The information collected at enrolment is subject to the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020, so the privacy of your information is protected.

When you enrol with a general practice, they’ll ensure you are entitled to enrol and eligible for publicly funded healthcare. You may be required to show documentation that shows you are eligible.

You are entitled and eligible to enrol if you reside permanently in New Zealand (at least 183 days per year) and meet the eligibility requirements as set out in the Health and Disability Services Eligibility Direction 2011. Refer to our guide to eligibility for public health services to assess your eligibility here: Guide to eligibility for public health services

It’s important to enrol your newborn with a general practice as soon as possible to ensure your baby gets the healthcare they need right from the start.

Your general practice will need proof of eligibility to enrol your newborn. The practice can do this by sighting your baby’s birth certificate, or by confirming your eligibility as the parent or guardian.

You can use any of the following documentation to show you are eligible for funded health services, therefore making your baby eligible.

• NZ passport
• NZ citizenship certificate
• NZ birth certificate
• Passport with a resident or permanent resident visa

If you’re unsure, please discuss your options with the general practice you wish to enrol your newborn with.

Find an enrolling general practice near you

Visit the Healthpoint website to find a general practice near you that's accepting enrolments.

Healthpoint

You can enrol a newborn based on the eligibility of at least one parent, without needing to wait for a birth certificate or newborn nomination. This is particularly beneficial in situations where the mother has been under your care during pregnancy, making the baby's identity clear.

We recognise the unique caregiving arrangements within our communities, such as Whāngai, where children may be cared for by extended whānau. The process allows you to use your professional judgement and good faith when assessing enrolment eligibility in these situations. If there is any doubt, contacting the Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) or using alternative proof of eligibility, like WINZ documentation, is encouraged.

Information is available on the number of people who are enrolled in a PHO and the demographic details of enrolees by PHO, Lead District and District of Domicile.

Download the latest pivot table of PHO Enrolment Demographics as of November 2024 [XLSX 1.2MB].

The document Enrolment Requirements for Contracted Providers and PHOs outlines the enrolment parameters for PHOs, including operational policies and requirements.