Invercargill’s Family Doctors
We are committed to providing the best possible care and working with you to cultivate wellness.
Important Update:
A small change behind-the-scenes at Vercoe Brown
Kia ora,
We want to let you know about a change happening at Vercoe Brown Medical Centre from 1 July 2026.
What's changing
Every general practice in New Zealand is supported by an organisation called a PHO (Primary Health Organisation), which helps fund and coordinate primary healthcare in our community. From 1 July, Vercoe Brown is moving from WellSouth to a new PHO called Arataki PHO.
What this means for you
Nothing changes in how you access your care:
✓ Your doctors, nurses, and care team stay exactly the same
✓ Your enrolment carries over automatically — no forms, no action needed
✓ Your fees stay the same
✓ Your appointments, prescriptions, and referrals all continue as normal
✓ If you're already part of a care programme, it continues without interruption
Why we're making this change
Arataki is a purpose-built New Zealand PHO focused on equitable, accessible primary care. Moving to Arataki gives our practice better access to funding and support programmes directed toward frontline care. Over time, this means more investment in the services available to you and your whānau here in Invercargill, including new ways to access care and stronger health support programmes in our community.
If you have questions, ask at reception or speak with your usual doctor or nurse. We also have an FAQ sheet available at the front desk.
Ngā mihi,
Vercoe Brown Medical Centre team
Moving to Arataki Primary Health Organisation (PHO) — FAQs
What is happening?
From 1 July 2026, Vercoe Brown Medical Centre is moving from our current PHO (WellSouth) to a new one called Arataki. A PHO is an organisation that helps fund and support primary health care — it works behind the scenes and is not something you interact with directly.
What is a PHO?
A Primary Health Organisation (PHO) is a not-for-profit organisation that works with general practices and Health New Zealand to support the delivery of primary health care services. PHOs help manage government funding for enrolled patients, support health programmes and initiatives, and assist practices to provide high-quality care.
Do I need to do anything?
No. There are no forms to fill in, nothing to sign, and no action required from you. Your enrolment at Vercoe Brown carries over automatically.
Will I still see the same doctor or nurse?
Yes. Your care team stays exactly the same. This change only affects which organisation supports the practice administratively — it has no effect on the clinicians you see.
Will my fees change?
No. Your fees stay the same.
What about my appointments, prescriptions, and referrals?
All continue as normal, with no interruption or need to rebook or reconfirm anything.
I’m on a care plan for an ongoing health condition — will that be affected?
No. If you are part of an existing care programme (for example, ongoing support for a long-term condition), it continues without interruption.
Why is the practice making this change?
Arataki is a primary health organisation focused on equitable, accessible, high-quality care for communities across Aotearoa. The change gives our team better access to funding and support directed toward frontline care, which over time should mean even better support for our patients.
Who is Arataki PHO?
Arataki PHO is a New Zealand primary health organisation working alongside general practices, iwi and community providers, Health NZ, and ACC to support primary care across the country.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Please ask at reception or speak with your usual doctor or nurse at your next appointment. They will be happy to help.
Manage My Health Update
Manage My Health (MMH), a health (patient) portal, had a cybersecurity incident (data breach) in late December.
Vercoe Brown & Associates Ltd no longer uses MMH as our Patient portal. The breach accessed specific documents stored in the ‘My Health Documents’ area of the platform for patients who have used MMH at any time.
The issue has been fully contained and fixed following an independent forensic review by international cybersecurity experts, and the system is safe to use.
If your information has been affected, MMH will contact you directly.
For the most up to date information and FAQs, please visit https://managemyhealth.co.nz/faqs-
Thank you for your understanding.
All the services you need, in one place
Welcome to our practice
We are a passionate team who are committed to resolving medical issues when you are sick and working with you to cultivate wellness. We maintain our skills and knowledge to provide you with the best possible care with evidence-based treatments.
We are here to assist with your health needs and provide you and your family with a high standard of care. We provide a comprehensive range of General Practice services in a friendly and supportive environment.
Our Health Centre is easily accessible, with off-street parking and wheelchair access. We all share the belief that the satisfaction of family medicine comes from continuity of care. That means building relationships and looking after people over a long period of time.
Meet the team
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