Health NZ - Waikato

Health NZ - Waikato The official communications channel of Te Whatu Ora in the Waikato

Health New Zealand - Waikato employs more than 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 400,820 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.

Two new health warnings are now in place for:⚠️Lake Rotokaeo (cyanobacteria/blue-green algae)⚠️Lake Puketirini (bacteria...
07/01/2026

Two new health warnings are now in place for:
⚠️Lake Rotokaeo (cyanobacteria/blue-green algae)
⚠️Lake Puketirini (bacterial).

In the Waikato, cyanobacteria health warnings are also in place for Lakes Kainui, Arapuni, Rotokauri, Waikare and Ngā Roto.

Entering water that has visible white floaties, is an off green or off blue colour could be a sign of cyanobacteria (toxic algae) and can make you and dogs feel really unwell 🤢 Even if there are no signs around, if the wai (water) doesn’t look right, please don’t go in.

If you have been in the water:
👉 shower off with soap and lots of water as soon as possible (even without symptoms)
👉 change out of wet clothing immediately
👉 clean paddles, waka/kayaks and life jackets with fresh water (not lake water)

If anyone is feeling unwell after swimming or paddling, please call your GP, local health provider or Healthline on 0800 611 116 as soon as possible.

06/01/2026

When you’re heading for a swim or a paddle at your favourite roto (lake) this summer, please look at the water quality 👀. Even if there are no signs around, if the wai (water) doesn’t look right (similar to what’s in the video), please use a cleaner roto. Entering water that has visible white floaties, is an off green or off blue colour could be a sign of cyanobacteria (toxic algae) and can make you feel really unwell 🤢

If you have been in the water:
👉 shower off with soap and lots of water as soon as possible (even without symptoms)
👉 change out of wet clothing immediately
👉 clean paddles, waka/kayaks and life jackets with fresh water (not lake water)

If anyone is feeling unwell after swimming or paddling, please call your GP, local health provider or Healthline on 0800 611 116 as soon as possible.

Each summer, popular swimming sites across the Waikato are tested every week for unsafe levels of bacteria or cyanobacteria (toxic algae). High levels of cyanobacteria can be harmful to humans, dogs and wildlife.

ℹ️ Check water safety near you: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/
ℹ️ More info: https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/water/algal-blooms/

In the Waikato, a new Cyanobacteria health warning is now in place for Lakes Kainui and Arapuni. Lakes Rotokauri, Waikar...
26/12/2025

In the Waikato, a new Cyanobacteria health warning is now in place for Lakes Kainui and Arapuni. Lakes Rotokauri, Waikare and Ngā Roto continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Cyanobacteria can cause skin rashes, asthma symptoms and more. If exposed, shower and change clothes ASAP.

🐶Please also keep dogs away from affected water - it's toxic to them too.

ℹ️Check water safety near you: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/

More info: https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/env.../water/algal-blooms/.

📷Photo of Cyanobacteria in this post taken on Boxing Day (26 December) at Lake Arapuni.

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03/12/2025

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Five new measles cases have been confirmed today – one in Dunedin, three in Auckland and one in Waikato. The number of k...
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.

📍 Check the Locations of Interest page and follow public health advice: 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

Health NZ hospitals, services and emergency departments will remain open during the strike.If it's not an emergency, you...
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/61887qiXw

For more info on the strike: http://spr.ly/61897qiXb

25/11/2025

With a current outbreak of measles in Aotearoa New Zealand, many parents have questions about measles and immunisation. We crowdsourced some questions about MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunisation for babies/pēpi and put them to Paediatrician Dr Owen Sinclair (Te Rarawa).

If you still have questions, reach out to your usual doctor/GP, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider. You can also call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26. They're open from 8.30am-9pm, Mon-Fri and 8.30am - 2pm, Sat and Sun.

Learn more at: info.health.nz/measles

Measles outbreak update - 21 NovTwo new cases confirmed today, bringing the national total to 21 (18 no longer infectiou...
21/11/2025

Measles outbreak update - 21 Nov

Two new cases confirmed today, bringing the national total to 21 (18 no longer infectious).

New locations of interest added for Nelson, Auckland, and Waikato. If you were at any listed locations, check our page for instructions and monitor for symptoms: fever, cough, runny/red eyes, rash starting on the face.

Call Healthline 0800 611 116 or your health provider if symptoms develop.

Locations of interest 👉 http://spr.ly/61837cKcT

19/11/2025

Your questions about measles symptoms, answered! We crowdsourced some questions from you, and put them to Paediatrician, Dr Owen Sinclair (Te Rarawa).

If you still have questions, you can talk to your usual GP/Hauora or Pacific health provider, or for immunisation questions call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26. They're open from 8.30am - 9pm, Mon-Fri, and 8.30am - 2pm, Sat and Sun. 😀

Find out more at info.health.nz/measles

Now is the perfect time to check your immunisation status and book your MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is free for:- Ever...
05/11/2025

Now is the perfect time to check your immunisation status and book your MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is free for:
- Everyone aged under 18 (regardless of immigration status)
- Adults over 18 eligible for funded healthcare
- Some non-eligible adults during outbreaks in affected regions

How to book 📅

For ages 13 and over, vaccinations can be booked online or over the phone.

- Book a vaccine online: bookmyvaccine.health.nz
- Book over the phone: 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).

For those aged 13 and under, contact your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider to book an appointment.

Children over 3 years old can get an MMR vaccine at lots of pharmacies. You can search for one near you on Healthpoint: www.healthpoint.co.nz/immunisation


You can also book through your GP, nurse, or Hauora Māori or Pacific healthcare provider.

Need help? Call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 (Mon–Fri 8:30am–9pm, weekends 8:30am–2pm) for support). Interpreters, Māori kaimahi or disability advisors are available.

05/11/2025

Now is the perfect time to check your immunisation status and book your MMR vaccine. Visit bookmyvaccine.health.nz to book online.

You can also book through your GP, nurse, or Hauora Māori or Pacific healthcare provider.

Need help? Call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 (between 8.30am and 9pm Mon-Fri, or 9am - 2pm Sat and Sun, except public holidays).

The MMR vaccine is free for:

✅ Everyone aged under 18 (regardless of immigration status)
✅ Adults over 18 eligible for funded healthcare
✅ Some non-eligible adults during outbreaks in affected regions

Children over 3 years old can get an MMR vaccine at lots of pharmacies. You can search for one near you on Healthpoint: healthpoint.co.nz/immunisation

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Pembroke Street
Hamilton
3204

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