Piritahi Hau Ora

10/06/2026

❄️ HOW TO: GET WINTER READY 📝

Winter is here, and most of us are already feeling it.

Cold mornings, rainy days, more winter bugs going around, and the usual juggle of keeping ourselves and our whānau well.

Thankfully, a few small steps can help make the colder months a little easier:

🔥 CHECK YOUR HEATING
If you use a heat pump, an annual service can help it run more efficiently. If that’s not possible, give the filters a good clean.

🌧️ BE READY FOR RAIN
Keep an umbrella, raincoat, or spare warm layer in your bag or car so you’re not caught out.

🏡 KEEP YOUR HOME WARM
Close curtains before it gets dark, block cold draughts where you can, and keep doors closed to warm the rooms you use most.

🧺 CHECK YOUR WINTER SUPPLIES
Make sure you have the basics at home, including paracetamol, tissues, cold and flu medicines, regular prescriptions, and easy meals for days when someone is unwell.

💉 GET YOUR FLU VACCINE
Protecting yourself and your whānau from influenza is one of the best things you can do every winter.

Winter can be tough, but you don’t have to manage it alone. If you or your whānau need care, advice, or a flu vaccine, please get in touch. We’re here to help.

www.piritahi.co.nz

09/06/2026

☀️ GO DRY THIS JULY FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE 🎗️

Most of us know someone who has been affected by cancer.

A friend, a whānau member, a neighbour, a colleague, or someone in our community.

That’s what Dry July is all about. It’s a chance to come together, go alcohol-free for the month, and help raise funds for practical support services that can make a real difference.

Funds raised through Dry July help provide care, guidance, wellbeing workshops, exercise and rehabilitation programmes, and other hands-on support for people going through some of life’s toughest moments.

Whether you sign up, support someone taking part, or simply share the message, every bit of support helps.

Learn more, get inspired, or sign up here 👉 https://www.dryjuly.co.nz/

www.piritahi.co.nz

04/06/2026

🧭 HOW TO: DEAL WITH UNCERTAINTY 🛟

Things have felt all over the place lately.

If you’re feeling all sorts of things right now, you’re not alone. Rising costs, uncertainty, and everyday pressures are affecting many of us.

But it’s important to remember that small steps can still make a difference.

Learn some ways to deal with uncertainty here 👉 https://mentalhealth.org.nz/explore-mental-health-wellbeing/all-sorts/dealing-with-uncertainty-cost-of-living-and-the-fuel-crisis

www.piritahi.co.nz

03/06/2026

🫂 SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH GRIEF, LOSS, AND DISTRESS 🕊️

At times, our island community experiences sadness, grief, and loss that can deeply affect whānau, friends, neighbours, and the wider community.

During these times, it is important to remember that support is available. Nobody should have to carry these feelings alone.

Grief and emotional distress can affect people in many different ways. Some people may feel sadness, shock, anger, numbness, anxiety, exhaustion, or isolation. Others may notice changes in sleep, appetite, concentration, or motivation.

For some people, difficult experiences and overwhelming emotions can also lead to feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of su***de. There is no “right” way to respond to grief or distress, and healing looks different for everyone.

Piritahi Hau Ora Social Services encourages our community to check in on one another, stay connected, and reach out for support when needed. Sometimes, a simple conversation, a shared meal, or spending time together can make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, emotional distress, overwhelming thoughts, or suicidal ideation, please know that help is available. Speaking with a trusted friend, kaumātua, health professional, counsellor, or support service can be an important first step.

Our Social Services team is here to provide:

💙 Supportive listening and wellbeing support
💬 Counselling and brief intervention support
🤝 Su***de prevention and safety support
🔗 Help connecting with appropriate services
🌿 Support for whānau navigating grief, trauma, and difficult life events

Please contact Piritahi Hau Ora on 09 372 0022, Monday to Friday, if you would like support for yourself, your tamariki, or your whānau.

USEFUL SUPPORT SERVICES

📞 Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 anytime to speak with a trained counsellor
📞 Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
🌐 Grief Centre: www.griefcentre.org.nz
📱 Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234
🚨 Emergency Services: Call 111 if someone is in immediate danger

He waka eke noa. We are all in this together.

www.piritahi.co.nz

30/05/2026

28/05/2026

🧠 ANXIETY CAN SHOW UP IN DIFFERENT WAYS 💙

Anxiety doesn’t always “look” the same.

For some people, it may look like panic attacks, shortness of breath, shaking, or trouble sleeping. For others, it may show up in subtler ways, such as avoiding things you usually enjoy, feeling foggy, becoming more irritable, experiencing muscle tension, or noticing unexplained digestive issues.

If these symptoms sound familiar, please talk to our team. We’re here to help you find the right support.

www.piritahi.co.nz

25/05/2026

😊 LET’S SPREAD MORE KINDNESS 💗

In a world that can feel increasingly divided, small acts of kindness can go a long way.

And the good news? Kindness does not need to be complicated.

Here are some simple actions that can brighten someone else’s day and support your own wellbeing, too:

💬 CONNECT WITH KINDNESS
Send a kind message, have a friendly chat, or spend time with someone who may need company.

🤝 GIVE SOMEONE A HELPING HAND
Bring in a neighbour’s rubbish bin, offer practical support, or help someone with a task.

📱 BE KIND ONLINE
Leave a supportive comment, send a friend a funny meme, or pause before posting something that could hurt someone.

🌿 TREAT YOURSELF WITH KINDNESS
Write down three things you’re grateful for, go for a walk outdoors, or call a friend for a kōrero.

Remember, a little kindness can make a big difference, for others and for ourselves!

www.piritahi.co.nz

21/05/2026

⚠️ KEEP SMOKING IF YOU WANT TO... 👀

💸 Have less money
😮‍💨 Find it harder to exercise
🦷 Deal with stained teeth and bad breath
🤧 Get more coughs, colds, and chest infections
🫁 Make life harder for your lungs and heart
👋 Notice ni****ne stains on your hands and fingers
⏳ Increase your risk of serious health problems over time

Or, you could use this May as your fresh start.

We know quitting is not always easy. Ni****ne is addictive, routines can be hard to break, and many people need support along the way.

But you do not have to do it alone. Free support is available to help you make a plan, manage cravings, and take the next step when you’re ready.

Talk to our team if you’re ready to break free to smokefree this May.

www.piritahi.co.nz

20/05/2026

Not all cholesterol is bad.

✅ HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps remove other cholesterol from the blood.

⚠️ LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol because too much can build up in your arteries over time.

The tricky part? High cholesterol often has no obvious symptoms, so many people do not know their levels are high unless they have a blood test.

Swipe through the slides below to learn more 👇

18/05/2026

🤔 HOW’S YOUR GUT? 🔎

May is Good Gut Month, a helpful reminder to check in on your gut health.

Your gut plays an important role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity, energy, and overall wellbeing. If something feels different, it is worth paying attention.

Simple habits can also help support a healthier gut 👇

🥦 Eat more fibre from fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts, and seeds
💧 Drink plenty of water
🚶 Move your body regularly
💬 Talk to your GP if you notice ongoing changes, discomfort, or symptoms that concern you

Head to or visit gutcheck.co.nz to check in on your gut health and access trusted resources and support.

www.piritahi.co.nz