The Doctors NZ

25/09/2025

The Doctors Whakatipu has recently launched a mobile health check-up service for a week each month, offering free and easy access for basic health support to the Queenstown community.

It's a great opportunity to drop in - no appointment needed - and get a health check-up with our paramedic Dean Brown.

These visits rotate between locations (currently Luggate and Glenorch), so keep an eye out on The Doctors Whakatipu page for upcoming dates!

23/09/2025

Did you know high blood pressure often has no symptoms? A quick check with your GP could give you peace of mind. Find out more: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/b/blood-pressure

22/09/2025

Struggling with intrusive thoughts? Anxiety? Need support with lifestyle changes? Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches are available for a consult at many of our medical centres – and it’s free to see them! Learn more: https://thedoctors.co.nz/healthcare-team/health-improvement-practitioners-and-health-coaches

20/09/2025

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day. Nearly 83,000 Kiwis are living with dementia in 2025, and that’s expected to more than double by 2050. Alzheimer's can affect memory, thinking, and daily life, but getting support early can really help. Learn more from the experts: https://alzheimers.org.nz/

17/09/2025

Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week!

Te Reo Māori is one of the official languages of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and it’s our privilege to honour that; this week and throughout the year.

If you’re exploring Te Reo for the first time, we encourage you to give it go. Start with a couple of words that you use every day and go from there. Every action helps preserve Te Reo Māori as a living language across the motu (island), safeguarding it into the future.

Here’s a selection of Te Reo kupu (words) that you use every day:
- Kia ora (Hello)
- Ata mārie or Mōrena (Good morning)
- Ahiahi mārie (Good afternoon)
- Ngā mihi nui (Thank you)
- Ko toku ingoa (My name is)
- Korero (a talk or discussion)
- Hui (gathering, meeting, assembly)
- Kura (School)
- Kapu (Cup)

For more information, learning materials and ways to show support for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, visit https://www.reomaori.co.nz/

10/09/2025

Who can I see at my medical centre if a doctor isn’t available? Many of our practices have a diversified healthcare team – learn about their roles and how they can support you next time you’re unwell or have a medical question: https://thedoctors.co.nz/healthcare-team

08/09/2025

Hayfever sniffles already bothering you? It’s arrived early for many people this year. Have a chat to us if you need support managing it.

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03/09/2025

Today is World Sexual Health Day. Your sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Whether you’re seeking check-ups, contraception, or guidance, our GP and healthcare team are here for you. https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/sexual-health

31/08/2025

September is Cervical Screening Awareness Month. Regular cervical screening is one of the best protections against cervical cancer and is recommended for all women. If you’re due or not sure when your last one was, now’s a perfect time to check and book your test. https://thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

28/08/2025

Daffodil Day is a powerful reminder of how many kiwis are impacted by cancer. If you notice anything different in your body, go and see your GP – early detection truly makes a difference. Book an appointment with one of our medical centres today. https://thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

26/08/2025

Need care for a sudden illness or injury? If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms like breathing difficulties, high fever, severe pain, or a new accident-related injury, visit one of our Urgent Care or Walk-In clinics – no appointment needed. Check your closest medical centre here: https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/urgent-care-medical-centres

20/08/2025

🌼 Daffodil Day – 29 August 2025 🌼

1 in 3 Kiwis will face cancer in their lifetime. Daffodil Day is a chance for Aotearoa to come together and change the experience of cancer — for everyone.

Most of us know someone affected by cancer. The toll it takes on them and their whānau is real. 💛 Hope starts with you.

👉 Fundraise, volunteer, or donate today at cancer.org.nz/daffodilday

13/08/2025

👶 Could your child have allergies?

Allergic reactions can start early and may look different in pēpi (babies) and tamariki (children) than in adults.

Keep an eye out for signs like:
🔹 Ongoing eczema or rashes
🔹 Frequent sneezing or coughing
🔹 Wheezing or shortness of breath
🔹 Tummy troubles after certain foods
🔹 Unusual fussiness after feeding

Mild symptoms can often be managed at home, but it’s a good idea to chat with your GP, NP or nurse if you suspect an allergy. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

📝 Tip: A food and symptom diary can be super helpful for your appointment.

11/08/2025

🤧 Hay fever season is coming — are you ready?

Hay fever affects 1 in 5 Kiwis and can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, blocked noses, fatigue, and even worsen asthma symptoms. It’s triggered by things like pollen, dust, and pet dander — and it tends to flare up in spring and summer.

🌸 Now’s the time to get prepared:
✅ Start antihistamines or nasal sprays early
✅ Check pollen forecasts and stay indoors on high-pollen days
✅ Keep pets out of bedrooms
✅ Ventilate, clean mould, and wash bedding regularly

While there’s no cure, symptoms can be managed. For help, visit allergy.org.nz or book a nurse, GP or NP appointment with us.

07/08/2025

🚶‍♂️Got a sudden illness, minor injury, or infection that can’t wait? Our Acute Walk-In Clinic is open Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm for enrolled patients of The Doctors Tauranga, Welcome Bay, and Bureta.

⏰ Arrive early — we may close the clinic early if we reach capacity.
Please use this clinic for acute issues only — not for routine check-ups, long-term conditions, medical certs, or repeat scripts.

Let’s keep wait times down and care accessible for those who need it most. For non-urgent concerns, book a standard appointment with your GP or NP.

02/07/2025

We’re making exciting improvements to how we deliver care across the region!

✔ Greater choice: You can now access a wider range of services, including minor surgery, ear suction, diabetic reviews, and immigration medicals through The Doctors Tauranga.

✔ Acute care: Acute walk-in care is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm at The Doctors Tauranga, no appointment necessary. This clinic is for enrolled patients who experience sudden illness, accidents or injuries that do not appear to be life threatening but cannot wait until the next day.

✔ More flexibility: You can now book practitioner appointments at The Doctors Welcome Bay, The Doctors Bureta, or The Doctors Tauranga. Please be aware that if you are booking with a GP or NP that you have not seen before, a double appointment may be required to allow enough time for the practitioner to review your medical history. For chronic condition management, we recommend that you see your current GP/NP.

We look forward to supporting you with these improved services! Please keep an eye on your inbox and on our page for updates.

30/06/2025

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in NZ. Also known as colorectal or colon cancer, it affects the colon (large bowel) and re**um, and men are more affected than women.

⚠ It can develop without any warning signs, but 90% of cases can be treated successfully if caught early.

Watch for symptoms like:
- Bleeding from the bottom
- Ongoing changes in bowel habits
- Persistent tummy pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling unusually tired or weak

Anyone with symptoms, no matter their age, should see a GP. You may also need earlier or more regular testing if you have a family history of bowel cancer.

Free bowel screening is available in NZ every two years for those aged 60–74. If you're Māori or Pacific, you’ll be invited to screen from age 50.

📬 It’s a simple test sent to your home that checks for early signs of cancer, before symptoms appear.

Learn more here:

A bowel screening test is for people who do not have any obvious symptoms of the disease. Discover more here:

30/06/2025

Our dads, partners, brothers and mates deserve to live longer and stronger!

We offer comprehensive men’s health services, from general check-ups to mental health and lifestyle support.

What we can help with:
- Health assessments
- Heart checks
- Prostate & testicular health
- Sexual health
- Mental health support & lifestyle advice

Learn more at: https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/mens-health

12/06/2025

Skip the calls! The Doctors App makes it easy to manage your healthcare, whenever it suits you.

☑️ Book and manage appointments
☑️ Request repeat prescriptions
☑️ View lab test results
☑️ Access a summary of your health information
☑️ Connect with your general practice team

The Doctors App is available for download on mobile devices and is also accessible via web browsers. 💻📱

👉Download it now: https://thedoctors.co.nz/app

10/06/2025

🌧️ Seasonal changes can affect your mood — especially with less sunlight, colder days, and more time spent indoors. Feeling a bit low or slow is normal at this time of year. But if it's impacting your daily life, it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a type of depression triggered by the seasons.

Small steps can help:
✔️ Get outside in the morning light
✔️ Stay active — even gentle movement helps
✔️ Boost your vitamin D through food or supplements
✔️ Reach out for support

💬 If you or someone in your whānau is facing mental health challenges or looking to make positive behavioural changes, we encourage you to book an appointment with Ingrid, our Health Improvement Practitioner, or your GP. They can provide guidance, coping strategies, and the support you need to navigate this stage with confidence.

04/06/2025

Flu vaccines are still available — have you had yours?

🛡Getting vaccinated on time is the best way to stay protected during autumn and winter.

This year's funded vaccine (Influvac Tetra) is FREE for people who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Pregnant people
- People aged 65 years and over
- People aged 6 months to under 65 years with eligible conditions
- Children 4 years of age and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
- People aged 6 months to under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions.

If you don’t fit the eligibility for the funded vaccine, you can still get the flu vaccine with us for a small fee.

📲Book a flu vaccination here - https://greencross.centrik.co.nz/book-appointment/the-doctors-bureta/

02/06/2025

Struggling to breathe in the colder weather? 💨You’re not alone.

1 in 6 Kiwis live with a respiratory condition, and winter can make symptoms worse. Cold, damp air and more time indoors can trigger flare-ups — especially for asthma, COPD and bronchitis.

Breathe easier this winter:
✔️ Keep up with flu & Covid vaccines
✔️ Use your medications regularly
✔️ Keep your home warm, dry & ventilated
✔️ Stay active — even short walks help
✔️ Quit smoking, if you smoke
✔️ Chat to your GP or nurse about an action plan

If your breathing feels different or you’re worried, book an appointment with your GP or nurse.

30/05/2025

Our practice will be closed on Monday, 2nd June for Kings Birthday and on Friday, 20th June for Matariki.

For general health advice outside of our hours, call Healthline on 0800 611 116. If you require in-person care, please visit your nearest urgent-care facility. In an emergency, call 111.