Health NZ - South Canterbury

10/03/2026

We see family as a very important part of patient care. You know your loved one better than anyone else and can often notice even subtle changes.

If you do notice something and think your care team should pay attention to it, kōrero mai, speak to us. We have a system in place to make sure that your concerns get heard.

More information about Kōrero Mai can be found on our website: https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/hospitals-services/services-support/public-hospitals/your-stay-in-hospital -mai-talk-to-me-9010

10/03/2026

❗️Health Warning Lifted❗️

Health NZ has lifted the health warning for faecal bacteria at Waihao River at Gum Tree Flat Road (Don’s Hole).

Latest water testing results show that the faecal bacteria is now below levels that are of concern to public health.

An existing health warning remains in place at Waihao River at Gum Tree Flat Road (Don’s Hole) for harmful algal bloom (benthic cyanobacteria).

People should avoid the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the water until this health warning has been lifted.

For more info 👉 http://spr.ly/6181B6EIqX

09/03/2026

Hi team,

Putting a call out for any knitted wool vests for newborns, and baby blankets. Our Maternity Ward at Timaru Hospital would greatly appreciate your donations.

Jean Todd Maternity Ward - 2nd Floor Timaru Hospital

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

25/02/2026

Health New Zealand National Public Health Service Health promotion adviser Jane Sullivan said using active transport methods to travel to school was very beneficial for children both physically and mentally.

‘‘The thing about physical walking is it actually helps a young person reach their physical activity national guidelines, which is 60 minutes per day. There’s evidence to show that children who walk to and from school are more likely to reach that target.

‘‘The other thing is about independent mobility, it’s really good for kids to be able to explore their environments. They take notice of what’s around them, and they learn citizenship.

‘‘With a young family walking together for example, they take a sense of responsibility of looking after younger children when they’re walking to school. They meet their friends, and it’s a good chance to connect.’’ Read more 👇

Waimataitai School is one several South Canterbury primary schools stepping up to reward and encourage active transport methods for pupils when travelling to school. Active transport is using methods of travel like walking, cycling, scootering or any other form of travel that involves being physical...

23/02/2026

❗️Health NZ has issued two health warnings❗️

1. Harmful Algal Bloom in Waihi River at Waihi Gorge.

People should avoid the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the water until the health warning has been lifted.

2. High levels of faecal bacteria was found in Waihao River at Gum Tree Flat Road (Don’s Hole).

Water quality is not considered suitable for recreational uses including swimming because of the risk to health from the bacteria and other pathogens.

More info about Waihi River at Waihi Gorge👉 https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/warnings-and-alerts/toxic-algae-warnings-for-cyanobacteria-in-rivers

More info about Waihao River at Gum Tree Flat Road👉 https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/warnings-and-alerts/health-warning-unsafe-water-quality

18/02/2026

The weather’s improving! But remember - it’s not safe to swim just yet.

⚠️ Don’t swim in estuaries, harbours, and beaches within 48 hours of significant rainfall .

Heavy rain flushes contaminants from both urban and rural areas into waterways, which can quickly reduce water quality even at usually safe spots.

➡️ For your safety, please follow these guidelines:
1. Wait 48 hours after significant rain
2. Check the water looks clean and clear
3. Stay informed to keep yourself and your whānau safe

Before heading out, check the "Can I Swim Here?" section on the LAWA website for up-to-date water quality info, or look for the water quality signs on-site.

Enjoy the sunshine! 🌞

🔗 ecan.govt.nz/lawa

16/02/2026

⚠️ Storms and flooding across NZ

It’s been a wild week of weather. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

🌧️ Avoid floodwater
Don’t walk or drive through it - it can be fast‑moving, deep and contaminated.

🚗 Limit travel
Some roads are flooded or blocked.

📢 Stay updated
Check MetService New Zealand, your local Civil Defence and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for warnings and closures.

⛰️ Watch for slips + rising water
If you feel unsafe, leave.

🔌 Power outages
Treat downed lines as live. Report hazards if you see any.

💛 Check on others
If it’s safe, look out for neighbours and whānau/family.

🧠 Look after your mental health
Take breaks from the news, stay connected, and reach out if things feel heavy.

Need support? Call or text 1737, or visit info.health.nz/mental-health.

🩺 Healthcare options
• Healthline: 0800 611 116
• Online GP options (video consults available at short notice) via info.health.nz/OnlineGP
• Ka Ora Rural Telecare: 0800 252 672
• Your usual GP, Hauora Māori or Pacific provider

In an emergency, always call 111.

Take care of yourselves and each other. 💛

12/02/2026

❗️Health Warning Lifted❗️

Health NZ has lifted the health warning for toxic algae in Pareora River | Pureora River at SH1 bridge.

Latest water testing results show that the toxic algae is now below levels that are of concern to public health.

For more info 👉 http://spr.ly/6182hufBm

10/02/2026

Kia ora koutou,

Talbot Park Community Health Hub is having automatic doors installed at the main entrance (South entrance) this Wednesday. If you have appointments on this day, please use the North entrance to enter and exit.

The new automatic doors should be operational by Thursday.

Ka kite

10/02/2026

❗️Health Warning Lifted❗️

Health NZ has lifted the health warning for toxic algae in in Ōpihi River at State Highway 1 bridge

Latest water testing results show that the toxic algae has reduced and is now below levels that are of concern to public health.

For more info 👉 http://spr.ly/6189h3Ksh