The Doctors NZ

05/10/2025

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 6-12 October

TOP UP TOGETHER

Learn how to talk about mental health: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/wellbeing-hub/a-guide-to-starting-a-conversation-about-mental-health

25/09/2025

The Doctors Whakatipu has recently launched a mobile health check-up service for a week each month, offering free and easy access for basic health support to the Queenstown community.

It's a great opportunity to drop in - no appointment needed - and get a health check-up with our paramedic Dean Brown.

These visits rotate between locations (currently Luggate and Glenorch), so keep an eye out on The Doctors Whakatipu page for upcoming dates!

23/09/2025

Did you know high blood pressure often has no symptoms? A quick check with your GP could give you peace of mind. Find out more: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/b/blood-pressure

22/09/2025

Struggling with intrusive thoughts? Anxiety? Need support with lifestyle changes? Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches are available for a consult at many of our medical centres – and it’s free to see them! Learn more: https://thedoctors.co.nz/healthcare-team/health-improvement-practitioners-and-health-coaches

20/09/2025

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day. Nearly 83,000 Kiwis are living with dementia in 2025, and that’s expected to more than double by 2050. Alzheimer's can affect memory, thinking, and daily life, but getting support early can really help. Learn more from the experts: https://alzheimers.org.nz/

17/09/2025

Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week!

Te Reo Māori is one of the official languages of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and it’s our privilege to honour that; this week and throughout the year.

If you’re exploring Te Reo for the first time, we encourage you to give it go. Start with a couple of words that you use every day and go from there. Every action helps preserve Te Reo Māori as a living language across the motu (island), safeguarding it into the future.

Here’s a selection of Te Reo kupu (words) that you use every day:
- Kia ora (Hello)
- Ata mārie or Mōrena (Good morning)
- Ahiahi mārie (Good afternoon)
- Ngā mihi nui (Thank you)
- Ko toku ingoa (My name is)
- Korero (a talk or discussion)
- Hui (gathering, meeting, assembly)
- Kura (School)
- Kapu (Cup)

For more information, learning materials and ways to show support for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, visit https://www.reomaori.co.nz/

10/09/2025

Who can I see at my medical centre if a doctor isn’t available? Many of our practices have a diversified healthcare team – learn about their roles and how they can support you next time you’re unwell or have a medical question: https://thedoctors.co.nz/healthcare-team

09/09/2025

🏡 Moving soon? You may not need to change healthcare providers!

With over 65 medical centres nationwide, we can help you transfer to one of our other practices. Speak to our team before you go to find out more.

View our full list of medical centres here: https://thedoctors.co.nz/

08/09/2025

Hayfever sniffles already bothering you? It’s arrived early for many people this year. Have a chat to us if you need support managing it.

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04/09/2025

September is Cervical Screening Awareness Month. Cervical screening is recommended for all women or people with a cervix. Since September 2023, the screening test has changed to an HPV (human papillomavirus) screening test, as 95% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV. This test is highly effective at detecting changes early so that we can intervene before cancer develops. There are three options for the test: - Self-test vaginal swab - Vaginal swab with clinician assistance - Speculum swab from the cervix (same as smear test) Cervical screening may also be free for those who meet eligibility criteria. If you’re due or unsure when your last test was, now’s a perfect time to check and book. Book an appointment - The Doctors Ti Rakau | Medical Centre & GP Services

Follow the link here for more info: https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/cancer-screening/cervical-screening

03/09/2025

👶 Could your child have allergies?

Allergic reactions can start early and may look different in pēpi (babies) and tamariki (children) than in adults.

Keep an eye out for signs like:
🔹 Ongoing eczema or rashes
🔹 Frequent sneezing or coughing
🔹 Wheezing or shortness of breath
🔹 Tummy troubles after certain foods
🔹 Unusual fussiness after feeding

Mild symptoms can often be managed at home, but it’s a good idea to chat with your GP or nurse if you suspect an allergy. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

📝 Tip: A food and symptom diary can be super helpful for your appointment.

03/09/2025

Today is World Sexual Health Day. Your sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Whether you’re seeking check-ups, contraception, or guidance, our GP and healthcare team are here for you. https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/sexual-health

01/09/2025

🤧 Hay fever season is coming — are you ready?

Hay fever affects 1 in 5 Kiwis and can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, blocked noses, fatigue, and even worsen asthma symptoms. It’s triggered by things like pollen, dust, and pet dander — and it tends to flare up in spring and summer.

🌸 Now’s the time to get prepared:
✅ Start antihistamines or nasal sprays early
✅ Check pollen forecasts and stay indoors on high-pollen days
✅ Keep pets out of bedrooms
✅ Ventilate, clean mould, and wash bedding regularly

While there’s no cure, symptoms can be managed. For help, visit allergy.org.nz or book a nurse or GP appointment with us.

31/08/2025

September is Cervical Screening Awareness Month. Regular cervical screening is one of the best protections against cervical cancer and is recommended for all women. If you’re due or not sure when your last one was, now’s a perfect time to check and book your test. https://thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

28/08/2025

We are thrilled to let you know that our nurse Shivani is now a Nurse Prescriber!

Originally from Fiji, Shivani has over 10 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse. She’s passionate about helping people and values building meaningful, supportive relationships with patients.

As a Nurse Prescriber, Shivani can assess and prescribe for common health issues like asthma, gout, and diabetes. She also works closely with GPs to improve access and convenience for patients.

$50 for regular patients
$100 for casual

Call us today to book - 09 273 8980

28/08/2025

Daffodil Day is a powerful reminder of how many kiwis are impacted by cancer. If you notice anything different in your body, go and see your GP – early detection truly makes a difference. Book an appointment with one of our medical centres today. https://thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

26/08/2025

As with all other medical centres, we review our fees annually.

We recognise that many individuals and families are currently facing financial challenges, and so we have made the decision that standard GP consultation fees will remain unchanged at this time.

Providing accessible, high-quality healthcare continues to be our priority. While we’re holding consultation fees steady, there will be some increases to selected non-consultation services. These may include specific procedures, materials, or ancillary support services. These changes are in response to rising supplier and operational costs, and we’ve worked hard to minimise the impact wherever possible.

The government has introduced changes to the fees for Community Services Card holders, which we are required to implement. Details of these changes are outlined below.
• CSC fee for age group 14-17 going up from $13.00 to $13.50
• CSC fee for age group 18+ going up from $19.50 to $20.00
We appreciate your ongoing support and trust in our team. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

26/08/2025

Need care for a sudden illness or injury? If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms like breathing difficulties, high fever, severe pain, or a new accident-related injury, visit one of our Urgent Care or Walk-In clinics – no appointment needed. Check your closest medical centre here: https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/urgent-care-medical-centres

03/07/2025

Have you had your flu vaccine yet?

Funded flu vaccines are still available at The Doctors Ti Rakau.

The 2025 funded vaccine (Influvac Tetra) is FREE if you meet any of the following criteria:
✅ Pregnant
✅ Aged 65+
✅ Aged 6 months to under 65 with eligible health conditions
✅ Children 4 and under with a history of serious respiratory illness
✅ Living with serious mental health or addiction conditions

Not eligible for a funded vaccine? You can still get your flu vaccine with us for a small fee.

🗓Book here: https://greencross.centrik.co.nz/book-appointment/the-doctors-ti-rakau

30/06/2025

The risk of measles being brought into Aotearoa by travellers is currently very high. Measles is serious and very contagious.

The best protection is immunisation, and the MMR vaccine is FREE in NZ.

It’s especially recommended for:
- Babies 6–11 months travelling overseas
- Tamariki aged 12 months to 15 years
- Adults born between 1969–2004 who may have not been vaccinated.

Learn more and check if you need the vaccine here: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/measles-mumps-and-rubella-mmr-vaccine

https://youtu.be/FgKscEDAmH0

Dr Hina Luti answers your questions about the measles vaccine.https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/immunisation/measles-vaccination

26/06/2025

We've introduced AI tools to assist with note-taking during your consultations.

These tools are secure and you can always request to see what’s being recorded.

AI helps our team capture clinical notes more efficiently, rest assured that everything is reviewed carefully by our healthcare professionals.

AI is not involved in diagnosing or making clinical decisions.

Your health information remains safe, private, and fully protected within our practice.

If you have any questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help.

If you’d prefer that AI not be used during your consultation, just let us know at the start of your appointment, and we’ll make sure to accommodate your preference.

25/06/2025

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in NZ. Also known as colorectal or colon cancer, it affects the colon (large bowel) and re**um, and men are more affected than women.

⚠It can develop without any warning signs, but 90% of cases can be treated successfully if caught early.

Watch for symptoms like:
- Bleeding from the bottom
- Ongoing changes in bowel habits
- Persistent tummy pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling unusually tired or weak

Anyone with symptoms, no matter their age, should see a GP. You may also need earlier or more regular testing if you have a family history of bowel cancer.

✅Free bowel screening is available in NZ every two years for those aged 60–74. If you're Māori or Pacific, you’ll be invited to screen from age 50.

📬It’s a simple test sent to your home that checks for early signs of cancer, before symptoms appear.

Learn more here: https://bowelcancernz.org.nz/about-bowel-cancer/early-detection-and-prevention/screening/

23/06/2025

Meet Verona – our new Health Improvement Practitioner 💚

We’re excited to welcome Verona, who supports patients with tools to manage stress, anxiety, mild depression, and more - for both adults and children.

Verona is a registered Occupational Therapist with nearly 20 years’ experience in community mental health. She offers practical, compassionate support for a wide range of challenges, including parenting, chronic illness, life transitions, and grief.

She’s available Monday to Friday, and appointments are FREE for enrolled patients.

Need support? Just ask your doctor, nurse, or Reception to book an appointment with Verona.