Health NZ - Wairarapa

12/03/2026

Construction will start on a new, purpose-built MRI facility at Wairarapa Hospital later this year - a development which will make a real difference for our community.

A new MRI scanner means Wairarapa patients will receive high quality diagnostic imaging much closer to home. For many patients, removing the need to travel will be a significant improvement in their care experience.

Having an MRI service on-site will help reduce current wait times. Faster access to imaging means earlier diagnosis, quicker specialist decision-making and earlier treatment – all of which contribute to better health outcomes.

This investment doesn’t just benefit Wairarapa. By shifting approximately 1,700 MRI scans a year back into our district, we’ll help ease pressure on MRI machines in neighbouring centres, supporting shorter wait times across the wider Central Region.

This new MRI facility, together with our new replacement CT scanner, is a significant investment in the future of health services for Wairarapa and we look forward to the benefits it will bring for patients and families across our region.

11/03/2026

A little preparation can make a doctor’s appointment easier to navigate.

Before your appointment

💛 Jot down symptoms and questions
💛 Bring a notebook or use the notes app on your phone
💛 If you can, bring a support person with you

During your appointment

💛 Take notes about medicines, tests or treatments
💛 Ask why a treatment is being recommended
💛 Ask about side effects or other options

Before you leave

💛 Confirm if you need a follow-up appointment
💛 Ask how you’ll receive your test results
💛 Find out who to contact if questions come up later

Most important tip: If you don’t understand something, always ask. There are no silly questions when it comes to your health.

Your healthcare team wants you to feel informed and confident about your care 💛

10/03/2026

⭐ Measles is highly contagious.
⭐ It’s also preventable.
⭐ You can protect yourself and your whānau against measles by coming to the free immunisation clinic in Masterton.
⭐ Drop in between 3-6pm on a Thursday.
ℹ️ If you’re not sure if you need a measles vaccine you can check your immunity status by following this link - http://spr.ly/6184hWb8i

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

04/03/2026

Wairarapa Hospital has a brand‑new CT scanner!

Installed in just 17 days, this $2.5m investment gives our region a modern, more reliable machine that will support better imaging, improved pathways and fewer delays for patients.

The new Canon scanner replaces an older leased model from 2016 and is part of a national upgrade programme.

A blessing for the new scanner was be held on Monday 2 March to mark this important step forward for Wairarapa. 💙📈

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).

03/03/2026

If you're heading to the Pacific Islands, take extra care to avoid mosquito bites and protect yourself and your whānau from dengue.

New Zealand has seen a rise in travellers returning with dengue, especially from the Cook Islands.

Planning a trip? Protect yourself:

✅ Wear light-coloured, long-sleeve clothing

✅ Use insect repellent with DEET (recommended concentrations are 20% - 50% for adults and 20% - 30% for children over 2 months old)

✅ Avoid swampy areas or standing water

✅ Sleep under mosquito nets or in screened rooms

Older adults and young children are especially at risk of severe illness. Stay safe and follow local health advice.

Learn more: info.health.nz/dengue

12/02/2026

We’ve got some fantastic news to share. We’re getting a new CT scanner that will strengthen diagnostic services for our region, bringing more reliable diagnostic services closer to home, improving access and reducing wait times for our Wairarapa community.

The new scanner is a huge leap forward in capability, reliability and the care we can offer our community. This is an exciting investment, one that will bring improved technology, faster imaging and a better experience for both patients and staff.

There will be a short period, just over two weeks, where CT services will be unavailable on site. We have confirmed plans with neighbouring hospitals to ensure our patients continue to receive the diagnostic assessments they need.

11/02/2026

05/02/2026

⚠️ Water safety update for Wellington

Untreated sewage from Moa Point sewage treatment plant are currently affecting Wellington’s south coast. This means the water contains harmful bacteria, viruses and other contaminants, making it unsafe to swim and unsafe to gather or eat seafood/kaimoana from these areas.

Please stay out of the water, avoid collecting kaimoana, and follow all posted warnings.

If you or your whānau become unwell after contact with contaminated water:

✅ contact your usual health provider/GP or Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider
✅ freephone: Healthline 0800 611 116

Tell them you may have been exposed to contaminated water.

Please follow Wellington Water and LAWA for the latest updates on affected areas and current warnings.

Stay safe, Pōneke. 💙

08/01/2026

☀️ It’s pretty warm out there, Wairarapa!!
With high temperatures and warm evenings offering little relief, it’s important to stay cool, hydrated and check in on one another.

Here are a few simple reminders:
💧 Drink water often, even if you don’t feel thirsty
🧢 Keep cool – seek shade, wear light clothing, and use fans or air-conditioning where possible
🏠 Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains during the day (if you don’t have air-conditioning) open windows and doors for air circulation
☀️ If you’re outside having fun in the sun, remember to slip, slop, slap and wrap
👥 Look out for whānau, neighbours and friends, especially older people and young children
🐾 Don’t forget your pets – make sure they have plenty of fresh water, shade, and a cool place to rest. Avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day
🤗 Take care, look after each other, and stay safe in the heat ☀️

For some great heat health tips, check out this link: http://spr.ly/6186CoQgy
For accessible format heat advice, click here http://spr.ly/6187CoQgJ

06/01/2026

Did you know pharmacies can help with lots of health concerns?
If you're away from your local GP this summer, pop into a pharmacy for:

⭐ Expert medication advice
⭐ Emergency contraception
⭐ Some immunisations
⭐ Some urinary or eye infections
⭐ Fixing up minor cuts
⭐ Checking rashes
⭐ Basic health checks

Find your closest one through healthpoint.co.nz.