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.

#

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.

09/06/2025

If you need to see a GP sooner than we can offer, or you’d prefer the convenience of online GP services, we recommend The Doctors Online.

✅ Free online consults for eligible children under 14
✅ Adults from $25 (with CSC)

See FAQs for suitability and fees at https://www.thedoctorsonline.co.nz.

04/06/2025

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

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.

29/05/2025

This month we’re celebrating the amazing mahi of our nurses. They do so much to keep our community healthy and supported. 🩺💙

It’s a good idea to book an appointment with a nurse if you need advice about:
- Diabetes management
- Osteoporosis
- Weight loss
- Asthma management
- Blood pressure management
- Wound care
- Eczema management
- Quitting smoking.

Our nurses can also help with:
- Routine childhood immunisations
- Other immunisations such as flu vaccine or shingles vaccine
- Organising home help or personal alarms
- Minor cuts and scrapes
- Cervical screening.

📞 Call us to book with a nurse or find out more.

27/05/2025

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 for yourself or a family member: https://greencross.centrik.co.nz/book-appointment/the-doctors-tauranga

26/05/2025

🌧️ 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

💬 We offer FREE health and wellbeing support for enrolled patients through our Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP). 🌿 HIPs can help with mood, sleep, stress, healthy habits, and more. No referral needed, and appointments are often available on the same-day!

22/05/2025

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

1 in 6 Kiwis live with a respiratory condition, and autumn 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.

21/05/2025

🚨Health New Zealand has issued a public health advisory: the risk of measles being brought into Aotearoa by travellers is currently very high.

Measles is highly contagious and can make both adults and children seriously unwell.

Immunisation is your best protection — and it's FREE in NZ through the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).

☑️ Recommended for:
• Babies 6–11 months travelling to high-risk countries
• Tamariki 12 months–15 years (as part of the National Immunisation Schedule)
• Adults born 1989–2004 who haven't been vaccinated

Learn more about measles symptoms and check if you need the vaccine 👇

https://info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/measles-mumps-and-rubella-mmr-vaccine

Aotearoa New Zealand is at very high risk of a measles outbreak. There’s a risk of getting measles if you have not had 2 vaccinations, or have not already had measles. The measles (MMR) vaccine is free for all children in NZ, and all adults over the age of 19 who are eligible for free NZ healthcar...