Health NZ - Te Toka Tumai Auckland

12/05/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our nurses this International Nurses Day 💙 💚💓

Meet Karen…

"For nearly 35 years, I’ve worked in cancer care - supporting patients, leading teams, and helping bring oncology services closer to home.

A lot of my mahi has involved expanding cancer treatment across Tamaki Makaurau and, recently, helping establish the city’s first nurse‑led community oncology unit in west Auckland.

For many patients, getting into central Auckland can be quite hard. If treatment is 10 or 15 minutes from home, instead of hours away, that changes everything.

Closer to home care means people are more likely to be able to use our services, fewer missed appointments and more timely cancer care overall.

So much of this work is about connection - standing alongside patients and their whānau, offering care, reassurance and steadiness when things feel uncertain."

Every day that nurses show up to work, they make a difference. Thank you team.

06/05/2026

👏To celebrate International Day of the Midwife celebrations this week, we meet one of our midwives from Counties Manukau in the Auckland region. Shekinah says being a Pasifika midwife brings an innate cultural perspective on worldviews and values to this amazing profession.

“I like how I’m building connections with, and serving, my Pasifika community. I have been a midwife for five years and as well as delivering babies safely, my highlights of being in this wonderful profession include serving my Pasifika birthing community by providing culturally competent care through partnership and advocacy. Additionally, working within a great team supports my practice and my aspirations. It is because of the leaders and collegial relationships in my professional world that I’m able to be a caring and competent midwife and I love what I do”. 🎉💓🤰🍼👶

05/05/2026

Celebrating International Midwives’ Day 💓💓💓

Today we recognise the incredible difference our midwives make for wāhine, pēpi and whānau every day. From pregnancy through birth and beyond, they walk alongside families at some of life’s most important moments.

This year’s theme, ‘One Million More Midwives’, is a global call to grow and support the midwifery workforce – so more families can access safe, high-quality care when they need it most.

To all our amazing midwives: thank you for your skill, compassion and dedication. We appreciate everything you do! 🍼👶🎉

30/04/2026

Today marks the start of World Smokefree May! Make this your month to stop smoking, and back your friends, whānau and communities to quit too.

Find a stop smoking service near you today: https://www.smokefree.org.nz/quit/help-and-support/find-a-stop-smoking-service

Or start your journey with a quit coach today: text NOW to 590 or call 0800 569 568 (option 6).

To back the campaign and help spread the word, go to: https://worldsmokefreemay.nz/

16/04/2026

Life begins with hā (breath), but Whooping Cough can threaten that precious life force.

Whooping cough spreads easily and can cause bad coughing making it very hard for pēpi/babies to breathe. Especially newborn pēpi who haven’t had their 6-week immunisations.

If you’re hapū/pregnant, a free whooping cough vaccine from 13 weeks can protect your pēpi by passing on immunity until they’re old enough for their own immunisations at 6 weeks old. Boosters at 4 and 11 years help keep protection strong.

Protect your taonga. 💙

Book an immunisation today with your usual doctor, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider, pharmacy, or online at bookmyvaccine.nz

14/04/2026

We are seeing a lot of fake social media posts pretending to be from Health NZ, including doctors and nurses. Many of these use AI‑generated images, videos or text to appear legitimate.

*Health NZ does not endorse or sell health, weight loss or lifestyle products*

🔎 How to spot fake or AI‑generated content

Look for odd details
Hands, eyes, backgrounds and strange distortions are common giveaways. You may also notice gibberish text, misspelt names, or incorrect or outdated logos. If it says 'district health board' it's likely fake as DHBs no longer exist - we are Health NZ Te Toka Tumai Auckland.

Check the source
If a post is not from an official, verified Health NZ channel, treat it as suspicious or potentially a scam. (Look for the verified tick).

Watch for unnatural visuals
Perfect symmetry, unusual lighting, blurred edges, strange objects in the background that don't make sense, strange text/fonts or strange movements in videos can indicate AI‑generated content.

Read the text carefully
If the wording feels overly generic, repetitive or robotic, think twice before engaging or sharing.

What to do if you’re concerned about a post
✅ Report it immediately on the platform

The more reports submitted, the more likely the post will be removed.

13/04/2026

Extra mosquito monitoring is under way at Queen’s Wharf, Auckland. There is no current health risk, but surveillance helps prevent harmful mosquito-borne diseases. Help by removing standing water and not disturbing mosquito traps.

If you catch or see an exotic mosquito, call 0800 669 943.

10/04/2026

Cyclone Vaianu is currently on track to reach New Zealand in the early hours of Sunday morning.

🌧️If you take medications, please check you have a good supply or pick up repeats. Keep them in a handy place or your GRAB/GO bag.

🌧️Keep water on hand to take your medication with.

🌧️If you are medically dependent on electricity, please ensure your power company knows about your needs.

🌧️ If you are medically vulnerable and in areas at risk of flooding or rural locations, please check if family or friends can contact you for check-ins or stay with them instead.

If you need any more advice or help you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free, anytime or contact your usual healthcare or Hauora provider.

If you’re based rurally, call 0800 KA ORA (0800 252 672) to speak to a nurse or doctor. You can also book an online doctor’s appointment 24/7 at healthnz.govt.nz/onlinegp.

📢 Auckland Emergency Management

09/04/2026

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the news about the Cyclone this weekend, that is completely understandable. Support is available.

💙 You can talk to someone for free, any time: 1737 Need to Talk - call or text 1737 or visit 1737.org.nz

ℹ️ For health advice during flooding and emergency situations, visit healthnz.govt.nz/floods.

⚠️ For regular updates, follow MetService New Zealand and Auckland Emergency Management.

Contact your doctor or usual health professional, or call Healthline 24/7 on 0800 611 116 if you have any concerns about your own or others’ health. If based rurally, call 0800 KA ORA (0800 252 672) to speak to a nurse or doctor.

07/04/2026

Update: 8 April

Watercare has now lifted the boil water notice that was in place for parts of Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings. Drinking water in the affected area is now safe to use as normal.

_ _

Update: 7 April

A boil water notice will remain in place as a precautionary measure in parts of Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings.

Here's everything you need to know, from our friends at Watercare.

01/04/2026

Happy holiday weekend to all our staff and patients who celebrate and a big thank you to our staff working over the break.

Don’t forget - if you ate too many chocolate easter eggs - your urgent care clinic is the best place to visit. Some clinics offer lower cost visits for children aged 13 and under, or if you have a community services card.

Online GP is another option to see a doctor from the comfort of your bed or couch 👉 healthnz.govt.nz/online-phone-healthcare/online-gp-care

If you do have a life or limb emergency - our Emergency Department is here 24/7.

Don’t forget - If you are going away - pack your medications, first aid kits and keep Healthline’s number on hand - 0800 611 116.

Please be safe this Easter. You don’t want to be spending it with us if you can help it. ❤

31/03/2026

Winter is approaching. Protect yourself and your family.

Flu vaccines are available starting today, 1 April, to safeguard you and your community this winter.

Alongside flu, Covid, and whooping cough also spread more easily in colder months. Immunisation effectively reduces severe illness, hospitalisation, and the spread of winter viruses.

✅ Flu vaccines available now
✅ Covid vaccines year-round; ensure you’re up-to-date before winter
✅ Free vaccines for those aged 65+, anyone who is pregnant, and people with certain health conditions.

👶 Protect pēpi this winter
Whooping cough (pertussis) can be serious for babies. Pregnant women should get immunised to pass some immunity to newborns until they receive their own immunisations at 6 weeks. (Ensure baby's immunisations are timely!)

You can book vaccines at many pharmacies, GPs, Hauora Māori, and Pacific health providers, as well as some midwives and community vaccinators.

📅 Book your vaccination online at 👉 bookmyvaccine.health.nz

In addition to vaccination, prevent winter illness by staying home if unwell, washing hands frequently, and practicing good hygiene.

13/03/2026

Do you have problems sleeping, snoring or think you might have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?

Check out this informative video made by Counties Manukau Sleep team - The Dream Team! 😴

11/03/2026

Celebrating World Kidney Day 2026 at Auckland City Hospital 🧡

Today our Renal Services team at Auckland City Hospital marked World Kidney Day with our annual Kidney Health Awareness Day. Each year we set up in the hospital to offer free basic kidney checks for staff, patients, whānau and visitors, including:
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• eGFR and creatinine
• Urine analysis
• One to one consultations with a renal physician

Our goal is simple: help people understand their kidney health early, so we can prevent or slow down kidney disease. Please look after your kidneys – get your checks done, stay hydrated, manage your blood pressure and diabetes, and talk to your doctor if you are at risk or have any concerns.

We are proud of our amazing multidisciplinary renal team for making this happen every year and for their ongoing commitment to kidney health in Tāmaki Makaurau.

09/03/2026

Health NZ dietitians Izzy and Lindsay share simple, practical tips for healthier kids’ lunchboxes ⚡
Find more easy nutrition advice: healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/keeping-healthy/eating-well

03/03/2026

HPV (human papillomavirus) is one of the most common viruses in the world. For many people it causes no harm, but it can lead to several preventable cancers.

✅ The HPV vaccine is the best protection against HPV. It’s a safe and effective way to protect people of all genders.

💙 The HPV vaccine is free for people aged 9 - 26. Most young people are offered the vaccine at school, usually in Year 7 or 8. This is the best time to vaccinate and get long lasting protection.

🏫 Missed it at school? You, or your whānau, can still catch up. It’s easy to get the HPV vaccine from your local healthcare providers. You can also book online through Book My Vaccine.

👫HPV affects everyone. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer caused by HPV, but it’s not the only one. Around a third of HPV related cancers affect men.

🫶When everyone is vaccinated, it helps protect the whole community.

ℹ️ Find out more and book your vaccine today (link in the first comment).

27/02/2026

Measles is back in Tāmaki Makaurau again. This is a serious illness that spreads easily. There was a risk of the virus spreading at these locations across the North Shore and West Auckland:

📍Taco Bell Westgate
📅 Monday 16 February 2026
⌚ 8am to 11am

📍Subway Rosedale
📅 Monday 16 February 2026
⌚ 1.00pm to 2.30pm

📍KFC Westgate
📅 Tuesday 17 February 2026
⌚8am to 11am

📍Pak n Save Albany
📅 Tuesday 17 February 2026
⌚ 10.45 am to 12.15 pm

📍Katsubi Rosedale
📅 Thursday 19 February 2026
⌚ 12.45pm to 2.15pm

📍Bunnings Constellation Drive Albany
📅 Saturday 21 February 2026
⌚ 10.45am to 12.30pm

📍Tank Massey, Maki Street
📅 Saturday 21 February 2026
⌚ 12.00pm to 1.15 pm

📍25mL Cafe, Hobsonville Point
📅 Sunday 22 February 2026
⌚ 10.30am to 1.00pm

📍Woolworths Hobsonville
📅 Sunday 22 February 2026
⌚ 12.00pm to 1.30pm

📍Subway Rosedale
📅 Tuesday 24 February 2026
⌚ 11.30am – 12.50pm

📍 Unichem Pharmacy Westgate
📅 Tuesday 24 February 2026
⌚ 11:00am to 12:20pm

If you were at these places at the dates and times listed, visit the 🔗 below for info on how to keep you and your whānau safe 👇🏽
https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/locations-of-interest

📞 Got questions or concerns? Call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.

24/02/2026

Two new measles cases have been confirmed in Auckland, linked to recent overseas travel.

Public Health is carrying out contact tracing and providing advice to those affected. Both cases are from the same household.

Locations of interest include:
• Flight SQ281 from Singapore to Auckland on 17 February 2026
• Auckland International Airport between 11.30pm on 17 February and 1.30am on 18 February
• Waitakere Hospital ED waiting room on 21 February from 9am to 11am.

If you were on flight SQ281 (rows 31 to 46) or at Waitakere Hospital ED at the listed time and have not been contacted, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Measles symptoms include:
🤒 High fever, cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes
🔴 A rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body, lasting up to one week.

If you have symptoms, phone your doctor or healthcare provider before visiting. This helps prevent further spread. You can also call Healthline at any time for free advice (0800 611 116).

MMR vaccination is the best protection against measles. Two doses after the age of 12 months provide strong immunity. Infants aged 4 to 11 months travelling to countries with active measles outbreaks may be advised to receive an extra early dose. Speak with your healthcare provider for guidance.

The MMR vaccine is free for everyone under 18, and for most adults.

👇🏽 Check the first comment for links to measles info, booking a vaccine online, and the full media release about the new cases.

18/02/2026

We're so happy to hear you're on the road to recovery, Louis! Glad the team took great care of you. Wishing you all the best, e hoa! ❤

First steps on the road to recovery.

Huge thank you to the incredible team at Auckland Hospital and to our fans for the support.

02/02/2026

Dengue fever - symptoms 🦟

Dengue is on the rise in parts of the Pacific Islands.

Many people with dengue have no symptoms at all, or only feel mildly unwell.

If symptoms do appear, they usually start 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last 2 to 7 days.

Common symptoms include:
✅ sudden high temperature (fever)
✅ intense headache
✅ pain behind the eyes
✅ muscle and joint pain
✅ feeling very tired
✅ nausea or vomiting
✅ a fine, itchy rash (often starting on the arms and legs, but not the palms or soles).

Some people experience severe muscle and bone pain.

⚠️ Warning signs of severe dengue

A few people may develop severe dengue within 2 to 5 days of symptoms starting. Your condition can worsen quickly, even if the fever seems to be improving.

Anyone with symptoms of severe dengue needs hospital care, as it can be life-threatening.

30/01/2026

✈️ Heading to the Pacific? Dengue cases are rising in many countries, including Samoa, American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu. The Cook Islands has been very hard hit, and more travellers are returning to NZ with dengue.

🦟 Dengue is spread by mosquitoes (not people), and there’s no vaccine available here.

Protect yourself: wear repellent with DEET, cover up, stay somewhere with screens or nets, and avoid areas with standing water.

If you get symptoms like fever, headache, eye pain, muscle aches, nausea or a fine rash, seek medical advice quickly.

Find out more: http://spr.ly/6183hDlEl

07/12/2025

🚨 Measles Update 07 Dec - Locations of Interest Identified

While there have been no new cases reported over the weekend, Health New Zealand is concerned about a number of locations of interest where people may have been exposed to measles and could now be infectious.

If you were present at any of the following places on the dates and times listed, you must call Healthline on 0800 611 116 urgently. You may be at risk of developing measles and spreading it to others:
➡️ BP Connect Richmond, Queen Street, Nelson: 16 November, 1:15PM – 2:15PM
➡️ Eagle Bar, Karangahape Road, Auckland: 29 November, 12:00AM – 2:30AM
➡️ Eagle Bar, Karangahape Road, Auckland: 30 November, 1:45AM – 3:55AM
➡️ G.A.Y Club, Karangahape Road, Auckland: 29 November, 1:15AM – 2:45AM
➡️ G.A.Y Club, Karangahape Road, Auckland: 30 November, 2:45AM – 4:25AM

If you were at these locations, attendees could now be infectious. Please stay at home and avoid contact with others until you’ve phoned Healthline and received advice.

📍 Locations of interest : https://info.health.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/measles/locations-of-interest

📲 If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, or a rash, call Healthline 0800 611 116 immediately. Do not attend work, school, or social events.

05/12/2025

Kia mataara e te whānau o Tāmaki. There's a new measles case in Auckland today. New locations of interest include:

✅The RÜFÜS DU SOL concert at Western Springs Stadium on 29 Nov.
✅Additional locations of interest in Auckland shopping malls.

Please check out the locations of interest, and follow the advice on this page: info.health.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/measles/locations-of-interest

Two new measles cases confirmed - one in Queenstown and one in Auckland, both linked to known exposures. There are now 30 cases nationally, with 22 no longer infectious.

New locations of interest include:

1️⃣Two Bluebridge Connemara ferry sailings on 30 Nov (Wellington–Picton and return)
2️⃣RÜFÜS DU SOL concert at Western Springs Stadium on 29 Nov
Additional sites in Wellington and Auckland shopping malls

✅ Check the regularly updated locations of interest page
✅ Follow advice for close or casual contacts
✅ Monitor for symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes, rash starting on the face

Heading into the holiday season? Protect yourself and others:

Make sure you’ve had two doses of MMR vaccine
If you develop symptoms, stay home and call Healthline (0800 611 116) or your GP before visiting.

Travelling overseas? Check your immunisation status and allow time – it takes two weeks to develop immunity after a dose.

More info: info.health.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/measles/locations-of-interest

03/12/2025

Five new measles cases have been confirmed today – one in Dunedin, three in Auckland and one in Waikato. The number of known measles cases nationally since 8 October is now 27.

📍 Auckland Airport Domestic Terminal has been identified as a location of interest, on 26 November, 6.40pm to 8.10pm. If you were there at these times follow the advice at: http://spr.ly/61897v6H1

🛑 Measles spreads *very easily*. If you're feeling unwell, stay home and call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
💙 Immunisation is your best protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect 99% of people.
🔵 Booking options for getting a vaccine can be found on this page: info.health.nz/immunisations/booking-a-vaccine

✅ No appointment? No problem! Many clinics and some pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations.

🔍 Symptoms to watch for: high fever / cough, runny nose, sore red eyes / rash starting on the face, spreading down the body.

📞 Suspect measles? If you plan to visit a doctor's clinic, or urgent care, please make sure you call ahead before visiting. This enables the clinic to prepare and take the right precautions to protect others from catching measles.

More info: http://spr.ly/61887v6HE

27/11/2025

Health NZ hospitals, services and emergency departments will remain open during the strike.

If it's not an emergency, you can:
👩🏽‍⚕️ Visit your GP, pharmacy, urgent care clinic or book an online GP appointment
📞 Call Healthline for 24/7 free health advice on 0800 611 116
📞 Call Ka Ora for after-hours care in rural areas on 0800 252 672
📞 Call or text 1737 for 24/7 free mental health support and advice.

Find the right care for you and your whānau: http://spr.ly/61887qipg

For more info on the strike: http://spr.ly/61827qipQ