Dannevirke Community Midwives

22/10/2025

🌿 WĀNANGA WAHAKURA: LEARN, WEAVE, CONNECT 🌿

Hapū māmā, pāpā, and whānau are invited to a Wānanga Wahakura at Mākirikiri Marae, where facilitator Meriana Firmin (nō Whanganui) will guide participants in weaving the waikawa style of wahakura (woven bassinet) and exploring the tikanga that supports the care of pēpi.

WHAT’S INVOLVED

🧺 Weave your own wahakura with hands-on support from experienced weavers
🤝 Connect with others who support whānau during pregnancy and early parenting
💚 Learn about rāranga tikanga and how it shapes the way we nurture our babies

KEY DETAILS

📅 WHEN: Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 November 2025, 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
📍 WHERE: Mākirikiri Marae, Mākirikiri Road, Dannevirke

Registration is essential. Sign up here 👉 https://forms.office.com/r/5KffMzP3CR

This wānanga offers a beautiful opportunity for whānau to learn, share, and prepare for the arrival of their pēpi. We hope many of you can join this special kaupapa. 🌿

www.thg.org.nz

20/10/2025

🚨 TROUBLE REACHING YOUR MIDWIFE? CALL THE HOSPITAL 📞

The Dannevirke Community Midwives team is currently having some phone issues, which might make it hard to reach your midwife. We know how important it is to feel supported during pregnancy and after birth, and we understand this can be stressful, especially when you need advice or reassurance.

If you can’t get through, please call the Dannevirke Community Hospital on (06) 374 5691 and they’ll help connect you with a midwife.

We’re really sorry for the inconvenience and are working hard to get things back up and running as soon as possible. We’ll share an update once everything is fixed.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. 💚

www.thg.org.nz

02/10/2025

With measles cases confirmed in Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s important we all stay alert. Symptoms include: high fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes, and followed by a rash.

📍 Locations of interest in Northland/Te Tai Tokerau, Queenstown, and Cromwell are listed here: http://spr.ly/6187A9Ap9. Please check if you or your whānau/family may have been exposed.

🤒 If you or your whānau feel unwell, stay home, and call your GP/hauora provider or Healthline 0800 611 116 for free advice.

✅ Anyone who hasn’t had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (including tamariki/children) should get immunised. This is the best protection.

🛡️ Protect your whānau and your whakapapa. If you're not sure if you had two MMR doses, your GP or hauora provider can help you check.

👩🏽‍⚕️ Pop-up immunisation clinics are running in Northland/Te Tai Tokerau - find details here: http://spr.ly/6188A9Api

Clinics in other regions are listed here: info.health.nz/immunisations/immunisation-clinics

If you can’t find an immunisation clinic in your area, please contact your doctor, hauora or health provider, or call the Vaccination Helpline free on 0800 28 29 26 (8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday).

You can also book a vaccination appointment at: info.health.nz/bookavaccine

More info: http://spr.ly/6189A9Apc

19/08/2025

🩻 NEW WALK-IN X-RAY CLINIC ON SATURDAYS 🏥

Great news for our community! X-ray services are now available on Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM at Dannevirke Community Hospital.

This availability means you no longer need to travel out of town for weekend imaging. Simply walk in with a referral from your GP (or other requester), and our team will be here to support your care locally.

✅ No appointment needed
✅ Open to everyone
✅ Convenient and accessible right here in Dannevirke

➡️ REMINDER: X-ray and ultrasound services are also available on weekdays. Please help spread the word so our community knows imaging is available closer to home.

www.thg.org.nz

23/05/2025

⚠️ EMERGENCY MOBILE ALERT TEST THIS SUNDAY 📲

Heads up! NZ Civil Defence are testing the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system on Sunday, 25 May, between 6 and 7 p.m.

We know the last test startled a few people (us included), so we're sharing this early in case loud alerts or sudden noise might be unsettling for you or someone in your whānau.

If you have a hidden phone for your safety, NZ Police recommend turning it off or switching it to flight mode before 6 p.m. Some phones will still make a loud sound even when set to silent.

More info, including FAQs and a helpful factsheet, is available at 👉 https://getready.govt.nz/prepared/ema

www.thg.org.nz

13/05/2025

Early detection saves lives! Please share with your friends and whānau. It could make all the difference. 💕

💗 BREAST SCREENING IN DANNEVIRKE: BOOK NOW! 🚌

The BreastScreen Aotearoa mobile unit is in town!

If you're due for a mammogram and haven’t been contacted, call now to book your appointment.

📍 LOCATION: The Hub Car Park, 24 Allardice Street
📅 DATES: 12 May to 18 June 2025
📞 BOOK NOW: Call 0800 270 200

Early detection saves lives. Regular breast screening can find breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.

Please share with your friends and whānau. It could make all the difference. 💕

www.thg.org.nz

PLEASE NOTE: Dates and location may be subject to change.

12/08/2024

👶 CALLING ALL EXPECTING & NEW PARENTS! 👶

Angelique Tucker, a midwife with 18 years of experience, is working on her master's research project—and she needs your help!

The title of her project is 'The Impact of Social Media on Decision-Making in Pregnancy'.

Angelique would love to hear from you if you're in your last three months of pregnancy or the first three months of parenting. Your discussion will explore:

📱 How social media influences decision-making during this crucial time
💬 What topics it impacts
🔍 How do you determine if the information is reliable
🗣️ How you feel about discussing these topics with your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC)

Please email Angelique at researchmidwife2024@gmail.com to learn more.

www.thg.org.nz

19/06/2024

📢 INCREASE IN PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH) CASES ⚠️

Unfortunately, over the past two months, we've seen a significant rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases across all age groups.

Pertussis can be especially severe for our pēpi (babies), often requiring hospital care and can tragically be fatal. Here's how to reduce your risk:

👶 PREGNANT PEOPLE

We strongly recommend getting the free Boostrix vaccination during each pregnancy, starting from the second trimester (16 weeks onwards). This vaccine is 92% effective in preventing infant death from pertussis.

👨‍👩‍👦 WHĀNAU

Ensure everyone in your extended whānau, including infants, children, and older adults, is up-to-date with their immunisations — especially pertussis boosters. Vaccination is funded for ages 9-13, 45, and 65. Some whānau also choose to privately purchase a booster if they are expecting a newborn baby.

📅 BABIES

Ensure your pēpi receive their 6-week immunisations on time.

Let's work together to protect our community and our precious tamariki. Vaccination is our best defence against pertussis.

Stay safe, stay healthy.

www.thg.org.nz

11/05/2024

🌷 A MESSAGE FOR MOTHER'S DAY 💖

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mums in our community!

Today, we celebrate the countless sacrifices you make, the love you pour out and the strength you radiate daily. Your role in our lives is immeasurable. 🙏

We also want to acknowledge that this day can be challenging for many. For those who have lost mothers, those yearning to be mothers and those who may have a complicated relationship with their mothers, we see you. May you find comfort in memories, solace in supportive communities, and strength in your resilience.

Let us remember that love and kindness are the heart of this day, and may we extend it to all those around us, in joy and struggle alike. ✨

www.thg.org.nz

06/05/2024

🌍 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE 💜

Yesterday, we celebrated the International Day of the Midwife — a day dedicated to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of midwives worldwide.

We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to these incredible professionals who provide essential care and support to pregnant individuals and their whānau.

To our outstanding team at Dannevirke Community Midwives:

🌟 Jane Hallett
🌟 Yvette Williams
🌟 Emma Newell
🌟 Sally Garrod
🌟 Tungane Kane
🌟 Dawn Jacobs
🌟 Ruth Martis
🌟 Robyn McDougal

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the positive impact you make in our community. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are immensely proud to have you on our team.

Learn more about this year's theme here 👉 https://internationalmidwives.org/idm-theme-announcement/

www.thg.org.nz

12/04/2024

🌟THE BIG LATCH ON 2024 🌟

The Big Latch On aims to support parents' feeding journeys by creating safe and accepting spaces. It allows parents to connect with and meet new friends and receive support and information from local services. 🤗

You can attend a local event (https://www.womens-health.org.nz/blo/big-latch-on-2024/find-an-event/) or participate online with a . 📸

The Big Latch On aims to be as inclusive as possible. While it focuses on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support, Women's Health Action recognises that all infant feeding journeys are valid and that whānau and the wider community play an essential role in optimal infant feeding. They welcome anyone who wants to attend. 🎉

Learn more about the event here 👉 https://www.womens-health.org.nz/blo/big-latch-on-2024/

Below is a picture of Jane (midwife) and Kizzi (student midwife) attending an event earlier today.

www.thg.org.nz