Health NZ - Whanganui

Health NZ - Whanganui Health New Zealand - Whanganui

Whanganui Hospital

Health NZ - Whanganui funds and provides a range of health and disability services to the population in which it serves living in the Whanganui and Rangitikei Territorial Authority areas, as well as the Ruapehu Territorial Authority area wards of Waimarino and Waiouru – known as South Ruapehu.

When something comes up, it’s not always clear who to contact or where to go. In Aotearoa, there are different health se...
11/02/2026

When something comes up, it’s not always clear who to contact or where to go. In Aotearoa, there are different health services for different situations.

The Healthify guide helps you:
• understand your health care options
• know what you can do yourself
• decide who to contact if you need help

Clear, trusted information to help you take the next step with confidence.

💡 Save this for later or share it with someone who might need it.

🔗 Learn more at Healthify.nz

11/02/2026

📦 Know someone moving into uni halls or a boarding school this year?

Living close to lots of new people can help illness spread - including meningococcal disease, which can become serious very quickly.

Young people aged 13-25 in their first year living in halls, boarding schools, military barracks, youth justice facilities or other close‑living settings are at higher risk.

The good news: MenB and ACWY immunisations are free for those in their first year of these living situations.
➡️ Two doses for MenB, one for ACWY.

You can book with your GP, Hauora Māori or Pacific provider, some pharmacies, or university health centres. It's ideal to get immunised before moving in, but if already moved in, that's okay! Young people can catch up.

Book at info.health.nz/bookavaccine or call 0800 28 29 26.

More info: info.health.nz

Share this with someone heading into halls this year. ✅

09/02/2026

Back to school season can bring a mix of excitement and worry - for kids and parents. If your child is feeling nervous about being back at school, they’re not alone.

Anxiety at this time of year is very common, and there are simple, practical ways parents can help kids feel supported and more confident. You can:

❤️ Let your child know that it’s normal and common to feel anxious.

🛡️ Remind them of times they've been brave in the past, and that they’re safe, loved and cared for.

👏 Praise their effort if your child tries something that you know makes them anxious.

🧩 Encourage them to think of ways to solve their problems and help them think about what might help if challenges come up.

🗪 Have calm and open conversations to help children feel safer and more supported.

More info: https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/anxiety

Friday 6 February, marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi.The day was officially commemorated ...
05/02/2026

Friday 6 February, marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The day was officially commemorated in 1934, and it has been a public holiday since 1974. Today we celebrate and remember the cultural history of Waitangi Day.

Some tips to stay safe if you're travelling:

* If you're driving - belt up
* Take plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic) to stay hydrated
* Make yourself aware of afterhours care at your destination

Most importantly - stay safe.

To learn more about Waitangi and its importance in our history, head here:
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/treaty/waitangi-day

Not sure what to do about a health concern? 📞Healthline is here for you - free, 24/7, and staffed by qualified nurses an...
04/02/2026

Not sure what to do about a health concern? 📞

Healthline is here for you - free, 24/7, and staffed by qualified nurses and paramedics. Whether it’s a fever, a weird rash, or just needing advice, you can call anytime.

📱 Call 0800 611 116 or request a callback through healthy.org.nz

It’s confidential and available whenever you need it.

03/02/2026

Trigger warning: Discussion of domestic and intimate partner violence

Strengthening support for survivors in Whanganui 💙

Social workers Debz Tongotea and Hayley Herkes have been recognised for leading Project NFSS. The project brings hospital teams, police and community partners together to make specialist support for nonfatal strangulation and suffocation easier to access locally.

Survivors currently have to travel to a clinic in Palmerston North. This mahi is helping to try change that, improving care pathways, clinician education, and access to followup care and ACC support.

Nonfatal strangulation is a serious criminal offense in NZ. Always seek medical care if you’ve been strangled or suffocated.

Read more about this amazing mahi: www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/news-and-updates/award-winning-project-turns-lived-experience-into-change

Our Emergency Department (ED) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.An emergency is life-threatening or organ-threatenin...
30/01/2026

Our Emergency Department (ED) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

An emergency is life-threatening or organ-threatening situations that may include:

• active bleeding
• acute chest pain
• difficulty breathing;
• stroke
• choking
• loss of consciousness
• clearly broken or dislocated bones

Welcome Alex - our new Lactation Consultant at Whanganui Hospital Alex describes herself as a “birth and baby nerd,” and...
28/01/2026

Welcome Alex - our new Lactation Consultant at Whanganui Hospital

Alex describes herself as a “birth and baby nerd,” and it’s easy to see why. Her passion for supporting whānau began early, inspired by a childhood documentary and eventually shaped into a career in postnatal nursing in the U.S. Over time she discovered how powerful breastfeeding support can be, not just for pēpi but for parents finding their confidence. That passion led her to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and to dedicate herself to helping families through one of life’s most tender seasons.

Recently, Alex and her husband made the bold decision to move their whānau, two children, two cats, and a whole lot of determination, around the world. They were searching for a place that matched their values: safety, community, connection to nature. New Zealand kept rising to the top of their list. When they learned Whanganui Hospital needed a lactation consultant, the pieces fell into place.

Alex often says, “Whanganui picked me,” and the fit has been a good one. Her children have settled into school and kindy, she and her husband are building friendships, and she’s finding her place within Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora in Whanganui.

“It didn’t take long to see how fortunate we were to land here,” she says.

We’re delighted to welcome Alex to our hospital. Her knowledge, compassion, and global experience are already strengthening the support we offer to new parents and babies in our community.

27/01/2026

Social worker Mei Kaa (Te Iwi Morehu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Ruanui) has been recognised with the Rural Healthcare Champion Award at the Health New Zealand Allied Health Awards for her incredible mahi supporting rural tangata whaiora across the Whanganui district.

After 17 years in mental health, Mei says the award belongs to everyone working alongside rural communities:

“Our rural community is beautiful - they’re the reason I get up every morning to help make a difference.”

From triage and liaison work to clinical co‑ordination across Marton, Taihape and Raetihi, Mei helps break down barriers like distance and isolation to ensure people can access the care they need.

Guided by the whakataukī: He aroha whakatō, he aroha ka p**a mai (if kindness is sown, then kindness is what you shall receive), Mei is making a huge difference for her community.

Health NZ - Whanganui

❤️
23/01/2026

❤️

Kia kaha, Aotearoa. 🖤
​It’s been a rough time for many of our whānau across the North Island. Seeing the wild weather and slips affect our communities can be unsettling and stressful.
​If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just "over it"- that is completely normal. In times like this, looking after your mental health/hauora is just as important as fixing the fence or clearing the driveway.
​Please remember you don’t have to carry it all on your own. There is tautoko (support) available if you or someone you know needs a hand navigating these feelings.
​Where to get help:
📞 Call or text 1737 any time, 24/7 to talk to a trained counsellor.
🔗 Find more support and info here: https://info.health.nz/.../mental.../where-to-get-help
And here: https://info.health.nz/health-topics/mental-health
​Check in on your neighbours, hug your whānau, and be gentle with yourselves. 💙

19/01/2026

Heading away for a summer break - whether in our region or further afield? 🌞🏞️

Getting healthcare after hours in rural areas isn’t always easy – that’s where Ka Ora Telecare can help.

Ka Ora is a phone and video health service designed especially for rural communities across Aotearoa. You don’t need to be enrolled with a General Practice to use it.

🕐 Available:

Weekdays: 5pm – 8.30am

24/7 on weekends & Public Holidays:

👩‍⚕️ Speak with a nurse, kaiāwhina, doctor, or nurse practitioner.

✅ Free for tamariki under 14.

📱 Call 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672) or book online: kaora.co.nz

Need mental health support? 1737 is available by free call or free text at any time, 24 hours a day for those needing su...
16/01/2026

Need mental health support?

1737 is available by free call or free text at any time, 24 hours a day for those needing support from a trained counsellor.

• Are you feeling stressed or just need someone to talk to?
• Are you feeling down or a bit overwhelmed?
• Do you know someone who is feeling out-of-sorts or down?

You can talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor or talk to a peer support worker. Their service is completely free.

1737 is a culturally diverse team. They mainly provide support in English but there may be cases where they can connect you with someone from your language of origin.

Learn more about them and their team here: https://1737.org.nz/

Address

100 Heads Road
Whanganui
4540

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