Health NZ - Lakes

25/02/2026

Update from Rotorua Lakes Council...

Test results have confirmed Tikitapu is safe for swimming! 🏊

The lake was also well within bathing standards on Sunday and Monday 👏

23/02/2026

FYI

☀️ What a beaut day for an end of summer swim... Just maybe not at Tikitapu (Blue Lake) 👇

A precautionary health warning is in place for the lake, even though preliminary testing shows it's safe to swim ⚠

This warning follows a small leak from urinals in public loos at the motor camp end of the beach yesterday. It was caused by a power outage affecting the pump station for the facility.

Please stay out of the water at the lake until the warning is lifted 🤝

04/02/2026

03/02/2026

Dengue fever - symptoms 🦟

Dengue is on the rise in parts of the Pacific Islands.

Many people with dengue have no symptoms at all, or only feel mildly unwell.

If symptoms do appear, they usually start 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last 2 to 7 days.

Common symptoms include:
✅ sudden high temperature (fever)
✅ intense headache
✅ pain behind the eyes
✅ muscle and joint pain
✅ feeling very tired
✅ nausea or vomiting
✅ a fine, itchy rash (often starting on the arms and legs, but not the palms or soles).

Some people experience severe muscle and bone pain.

⚠️ Warning signs of severe dengue

A few people may develop severe dengue within 2 to 5 days of symptoms starting. Your condition can worsen quickly, even if the fever seems to be improving.

Anyone with symptoms of severe dengue needs hospital care, as it can be life-threatening.

02/02/2026

✈️ Heading to the Pacific? Dengue cases are rising in many countries, including Samoa, American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu. The Cook Islands has been very hard hit, and more travellers are returning to NZ with dengue.

🦟 Dengue is spread by mosquitoes (not people), and there’s no vaccine available here.

Protect yourself: wear repellent with DEET, cover up, stay somewhere with screens or nets, and avoid areas with standing water.

If you get symptoms like fever, headache, eye pain, muscle aches, nausea or a fine rash, seek medical advice quickly.

Find out more: http://spr.ly/6183hDlEl

23/01/2026

⚠️The health warnings at the Ohau Channel and Lake Okaro have been lifted. Check the water for signs of algal blooms as these can develop rapidly and unpredictably.

💦If the water looks discoloured, has an unusual smell, or has green or brown particles suspended in it then it is best to avoid contact with it.

⛈️After heavy or prolonged rain, it's best to wait 2-3 days before going in the water as it can be contaminated by land runoff containing bacteria that can cause diseases, and are not visible.

06/01/2026

Do you have any physiotherapy or occupational therapy equipment at home that you're not using any more?

Walkers, elbow crutches, shower stools.... please drop them off at the Rotorua Hospital main reception area.

Many thanks and happy New Year.

01/01/2026

Great news - the health warning for Lake Rotorua has now been lifted! Cyanobacteria health warnings remain in place for the Ohau channel and Lake Okaro.

If there is heavy rain, please avoid entering the waterways in the area for 48 hours to keep you, your whānau, and your dog’s safe. Cyanobacteria can cause skin rashes, asthma symptoms and more. If exposed, shower and change clothes ASAP. It's also toxic for dogs.

To check water safety near you visit 👇 https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/bay-of-plenty-region
ℹ️ Information is also available from Toi Moana | Bay of Plenty Regional Council: https://www.boprc.govt.nz/

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/61807qino

For more info on the strike: http://spr.ly/61837qinS

27/11/2025

⚠️Cyanobacteria health warning for Lake Rotorua, including the Ohau channel.

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

🐶 Keep dogs away from affected water - it's toxic to them too.

ℹ️ Check water safety near you: http://spr.ly/61867qkcK.
ℹ️ Information is also available from Toi Moana | Bay of Plenty Regional Council: http://spr.ly/61877qkcz

27/11/2025

⚠️Cyanobacteria health warning for Lake Rotorua, including the Ohau channel.
Cyanobacteria can cause skin rashes, asthma symptoms and more. If exposed, shower and change clothes ASAP.
🐶 Keep dogs away from affected water - it's toxic to them too.
ℹ️ Check water safety near you: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/bay-of-plenty-region.
ℹ️ Information is also available from Toi Moana | Bay of Plenty Regional Council: https://www.boprc.govt.nz/

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