Health NZ - Taranaki

06/05/2026

Here's the weekend convoy schedule for State Highway 3 (SH3) Awakino Gorge.

Convoys will begin from 5pm Friday 8 May and continue through to 7am Tuesday 12 May, per the schedule below. The convoy times have been scheduled to allow enough time for everyone to get through Awakino Gorge, so we encourage drivers to arrive early for their preferred departure time.

The overnight convoys tonight (Wednesday 6 May) and tomorrow (Thursday 7 May) will stay the same. Check out this post for that schedule: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DtWU6H9JK/

For more information on the convoys, go to https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-bulletins/convoy-time-change-ahead-through-sh3-awakino-gorge

We'll provide next week's convoy schedule on Monday 11 May.

04/05/2026

🌿 A special name for a special place 🌿

As the sun rose on Wednesday morning, the New East Wing Building at Taranaki Base Hospital came alive with karakia, speeches and waiata as the stunning state-of-the-art new building was formally blessed.

The ceremony also marked the gifting of its name, Te Rau Mātāpuna o Taranaki - a name rich in cultural meaning and significance.

The name has been bestowed by Taumaruroa, the Tiriti partner for Project Maunga. Taumaruroa, representing mana whenua Ngāti Te Whiti, the three waka of Taranaki.

It reflects the campus wide cultural narrative (the cascading source of life), that centres on wai/water as the source of life, wellbeing, and health. The name Te Rau Mātāpuna o Taranaki carefully weaves together layers of symbolism to connect these core elements.

Te Rau Mātāpuna o Taranaki is now being fully equipped and prepared to welcome patients, and we can’t wait. 💙

📸 Take a look at a few moments from a very special blessing ceremony.

30/04/2026

Tomorrow...

29/04/2026

28/04/2026

🛡️ Give your tamariki their own shield of protection through immunisation!

Whooping cough can be serious for babies, but protection can start early. When someone who is pregnant receives a free whooping cough immunisation during pregnancy, it helps protect their baby during their first weeks of life.

Babies then build their own protection with immunisations at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months. Booster doses help keep protection strong throughout life.

Talk to your usual health provider or pharmacist, or visit www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/immunisations to find out more and book an immunisation.

24/04/2026

Winter is knocking at our door. 🚪 Protect yourself and the people you love. Get your flu immunisation before the season hits. To book yours talk to your usual doctor/hauora Māori or Pacific health provider, visit your local pharmacy, or book online at bookmyvaccine.nz

24/04/2026

Feeling like a different person at different times of the month? You’re not alone 💙

It’s completely normal for energy, mood, focus and patience to fluctuate as we move through our menstrual cycle. Understanding each phase can help us look after ourselves and give ourselves a bit of grace when we’re not feeling 100%.

🩸 Menstrual phase

Low hormones, low energy, and a strong commitment to rest. This is your body’s reset phase.

The perfect time for rest and gentle movement (like stretching or walking). Blankets, naps, fewer plans, and zero guilt recommended.

🌱 Follicular phase

Energy and motivation start to creep back in. You might feel clearer, more optimistic, and ready to try new things.

This can be a good time to plan ahead, start projects, reconnect socially, and gradually increase activity or exercise if that feels right.

✨ Ovulation

Confidence and social energy often peak.

Great for catch‑ups, teamwork, presentations, and bigger commitments. Just remember to keep eating, resting, and drinking water - even when you feel unstoppable!

🔥 Luteal phase

Energy slowly dips, emotions can feel closer to the surface, and everyone might become slightly annoying for no clear reason.

A good time to keep steady routines, realistic expectations, and firm boundaries. Extra rest and kindness (especially towards yourself) go a long way here.

💛 Working with your body, not against it, can make the month feel a little gentler.

23/04/2026

A very inspiring story!

23/04/2026

17/04/2026

Do you work in the healthcare sector or have an interest in public health? Join our Taranaki National Public Health Service team to learn more about what we do and how we deliver our mahi across the region. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with others working in the healthcare sector.

The team will be in Ngāmotu/New Plymouth on Monday, and Ōpunakē and Hāwera on Wednesday. Sessions will run for around 1–2 hours, with light refreshments provided.

Our speakers include Ngamata Skipper and Tāmati Neho, sharing insights into public health and services across the region.

To register or learn more check out the comment section below 👇
Nau mai, haere mai.