Health NZ - Taranaki

20/03/2026

It’s Feel Good Friday! 🎉

Today we’re sharing a shout out to our Taranaki Base Hospital maternity ward - their mahi made a real difference for this patient. 💙

You guys are amazing, and we appreciate everything you do! 🙌

Want to share your appreciation? We’d love to hear it!
👉 http://bit.ly/3HlEsMZ

19/03/2026

🎉 Measles Community Toolkits are now available in Pacific Languages.

The toolkits are available in: Samoan, Tongan, Solomon Islands Pijin, Tokelauan, and English.

✅ Share trusted information about measles that communities can rely on
✅ Support whānau to make informed decisions about measles immunisation
✅ Create safe spaces and encourage supported talanoa

👉 Check out the toolkits at the link in the comment below.

They include videos, answers to commonly asked questions, social media content, print-ready posters and more.

More Pacific languages are on the way so watch this space 😎

For queries, contact: pacificpublichealth@tewhatuora.govt.nz

19/03/2026

Our awesome Practice Manager for the South Taranaki Rural Health General Practice 👏👏👏

“I think rural healthcare is really about distance. Not just kilometres on a map, but the distance between someone needing help and actually getting it. And sometimes the most important thing you can do is bring that care a little closer to home.

Healthcare isn’t just what happens in the consultation room. It’s everything that happens before that moment. I manage the general practice inside Hāwera Hospital, and most of my role is making sure the right people are in the right place at the right time so patients can be seen. Rosters, workforce, appointments, systems. All the pieces that have to line up before someone ever sits down in front of a clinician.

I actually started my career as a pharmacist. I trained at Otago and spent years working in hospital pharmacy and medication systems. Over time I realised I was drawn to the bigger picture of healthcare and how it all connects and flows.

In rural communities, that connection matters even more. Access to care isn’t always easy. Some patients travel long distances for appointments, and the cost of travel alone can become a barrier. So whenever we can treat someone locally, it makes a real difference.

What lights me up is seeing that invisible work become visible when someone is able to get the care they need close to home. It all revolves around breaking down barriers so people can care for people.

Bringing services together.
Bringing people together.

Because in the end, that’s all it really is.

People helping people.”

Lisa, Practice Manager South Taranaki Rural Health General Practice

18/03/2026

17/03/2026

What an awesome effort! Thanks New World New Plymouth

For the last few months, the team at New World New Plymouth have been doing something very special. Their staff have had the opportunity to donate to the Taranaki Health Foundation directly from their pay, giving them an opportunity to support local healthcare projects.

What's more, New World New Plymouth owners, John and Christine, have been matching the generosity of their staff dollar for dollar. So every dollar a team member gives, becomes two dollars.

They are aiming to raise $10,000 to sponsor one of the birthing rooms in the new Maternity Unit at Taranaki Base Hospital. This incredible support will allow us to elevate these rooms to make sure the wellbeing of the mother and partner is supported and the rooms are as comfortable as possible.

10/03/2026

🌍💜 World Kidney Day – Free Pop Up Health Clinic! (12 March)

Did you know 850 million people worldwide are living with kidney disease? The good news: early detection can make a huge difference, and sometimes all it takes is a quick check.

To mark World Kidney Day on Thursday 12 March, our Taranaki Renal Team is bringing kidney health straight to you with a free pop-up clinic in the Community Hub at Centre City in New Plymouth.

Everyone is welcome!
Come along for:
✔️ Free blood pressure checks
✔️ Free blood glucose testing
✔️ Kidney health information and resources
✔️ Friendly chats with our health team

Whether you're curious about your health or just passing by, the team would love to see you.

10/03/2026

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

27/02/2026

Do you, or someone you know use the Kaūpokonui River for recreational activities? Taranaki Regional Council has identified cyanobacteria in the river.

Cyanobacteria can cause skin rashes and breathing issues and is also toxic for dogs too. If you or your whānau come into contact with affected water, shower and change clothes as soon as possible.

For more info check out Taranaki Regional Council’s post below👇

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JFqaHLSYQ/