THINK Hauora is the Primary Health Organisation (PHO) for the MidCentral district. What is primary care?
Well it's usually the first port of call when you or someone in your whānau needs health care or advice. The people you might see in primary care include (but are definitely not limited to) general practitioners (GPs), nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians and long term conditions nurses. THINK Hauora exists to ensure that everyone living in our MidCentral communities have access to primary care, whenever they need it.
13/04/2026
Did you know, the latest flu vaccine is now available? Vaccination is the safest way to protect you and your whānau from influenza AND it reduces the spread of illness to the most vulnerable among our whanāu and communities. Check if you are eligible for a free vaccine, or book your spot online by visiting https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/flu-vaccine
30/03/2026
Ducks in a Row – peace of mind for tomorrow 🦆
Ducks in a Row is a free 9‑week programme offering practical information and reassurance to help you plan for the years ahead.
Sessions are available in person or online, and you’re welcome to attend the sessions that matter most to you.
✅ Attend in person or join virtually
✅ Friendly, supportive environment
✅ No pressure – come along to the sessions that suit you
Topics include:
• Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Health, disability and home support options
• Medication and ageing
• Funeral considerations
• Retirement, caring roles and rest home pathways
📍 THINK Hauora, Palmerston North (or online)
🗓 Tuesdays, 1:00–3:00pm
▶ Starting 7 April
📩 Register your interest: amanda.rota@thinkhauora.nz
18/03/2026
Did you know you can get vaccinations for your tamariki or whānau right here at THINK Hauora in Palmy?
Our walk-in Immunisation Clinic runs every Thursday morning from 9:00am to 12:30pm at THINK Hauora, 200 Broadway Ave.
✅ Drop in when it suits – no appointment needed
✅ Childhood and adolescent vaccinations
✅ Vaccines for hapu māmā (pregnant mums)
Keeping up with immunisations helps protect your whānau and our wider community. Hei āpōpō! (See you tomorrow!)
16/03/2026
Did you know you can call your GP team or hauora provider 24/7?
Even after hours your call will be connected to a medical team who can talk to you about your health concerns and advise on the next steps of your care.
During regular hours, your healthcare provider can provide over-the-phone advice and support, or you can schedule an appointment for an in-person consultation. Your general practice team will often have appointments reserved for urgent health concerns.
They should always be your first point of contact for non-urgent medical advice and care, even after hours.
For the care and advice you need, call your general practice team first - 24/7! ⏰📞
Syphilis is in our community, and many people who have it do not notice any symptoms. If you are having s*x, ask for a quick blood test. It is simple and can help protect you and others.
Syphilis can be passed on to s*xual partners and to unborn children, so early testing is important.
Endometriosis affects education, work, whānau, fertility, wellbeing, and opportunity across a lifetime, and in Aotearoa, that’s the reality for around 120,000 people.
This year’s theme, Your Story Shaping Our Future, highlights the power of listening to lived experience. Sharing stories helps break the silence, grow understanding, and improve outcomes for young people, their families, and future generations.
For more information, follow Endometriosis New Zealand or visit www.nzendo.org.nz.
If you're experiencing ongoing pain or symptoms, reach out to your general practice team or hauora provider.
08/03/2026
Happy International Women's Day 👩⚕️❤️
Today we’re celebrating all the women who make an enormous contribution to local health care and to the wellbeing of our communities here in the MidCentral rohe.
This year’s IWD2026 theme, , reminds us of the many ways we can lift up wāhine - through mentoring, volunteering our time, advocating for equity, and supporting women’s health and wellbeing. While there is still mahi ahead of us here in Aotearoa and around the world, today is a chance to recognise the change we can create when we give our time, our support, and our voice.
Thank you to our wonderful wāhine who champion the wellbeing of whānau and our communities every day.
05/03/2026
❤️ Heart Health Awareness Month might be over… but your heart still deserves some love!
Keeping your heart healthy is important all year round. The Heart Foundation NZ on has some simple tips to help lower your cholesterol and support long‑term heart health. Small changes can make a big difference!❤️
23/02/2026
Are you in the MidCentral region and ready for a fresh start? Here Toitū can help.
Work brings more than income - it brings purpose, confidence, and connection. If you’re ready to boost your wellbeing and reconnect with the workforce, Here Toitū offers a clear pathway forward.
💚 Build confidence
💚 Access health and hauora providers
💚 Take steps towards meaningful mahi
Here Toitū is FREE and tailored to you for up to 12 months.
Are you living with a health condition or disability? Here Toitū is a FREE, 12-month service that helps you build confidence, boost wellbeing, and prepare for meaningful, sustainable employment.
💚 Identify your strengths
💚 Access health and hauora support
💚 Connect with local services
💚 Prepare for meaningful mahi through training, study, or volunteering
Your journey matters. Let us walk alongside you.
Find out more:
Our Here Toitū service supports you to recognise your potential, improve your wellbeing and find purposeful activity. It is run in the MidCentral district by THINK Hauora in partnership with MSD and supports people to find or return to meaningful employment, training or volunteering.
19/02/2026
Last week we hosted a two‑day Masterclass on Integrated Care and Collaborative Leadership - one day with our THINK Hauora kaimahi, and one with our wider network of local General Practices.
It was a great chance to step away from the day‑to‑day, come together, and explore how we can keep improving primary health care across our rohe as the sector continues to evolve.
We were fortunate to have Jodeme Goldhar, an internationally recognised leader in integrated care and large‑scale change, join us to guide the sessions.
Across both days the kōrero was inspiring. Together we looked at:
🔹 How working in a more connected way helps build a stronger primary care system
🔹 Why collaboration and relationships matter for care that truly supports whānau
🔹 The mindset shifts that help us make a bigger difference collectively
🔹 And how radical collaboration can shape the future of primary care
It was a fantastic opportunity for our teams to connect, learn from each other, and strengthen the way we work together, all with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of our communities 🌿
17/02/2026
Some handy tips on safe drinking water from our friends at Healthify 💧
After severe weather, drinking water can sometimes be affected.
If you’re unsure whether your water is safe, you can find everything you need to know here:
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THINK Hauora ensures everyone in the MidCentral districts have access to essential primary health care services. We are officially known as a Primary Health Organisation (PHO).
Primary health services are usually a person’s first port of call when they need health care or advice. The people you might see in primary health include general practitioners (GPs), nurse practitioners, pharmacists and long-term conditions nurses.
Our approach to health care services takes a holistic approach - understanding the connectivity between our health and other areas of our lives.
We believe that health is so much more than just our physical wellbeing. Social connection, spiritual wellbeing, the environments in which we live and work and our goals and aspirations for the future all have an impact on how we feel physically and mentally.
Find out more about the primary health services and support available in your area by visiting our website thinkhauora.nz