Health NZ - Counties Manukau

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Health NZ - Counties Manukau Counties Manukau Health provides health and disability services to over 500,000 people. We care about achieving health equity for our community.

Together, the Counties Manukau health system will work with others to achieve equity in key health indicators for Maaori, Pacific and communities with health disparities by 2020. We will measure the impact we have on healthy life years every year. This is our commitment to act and be deliberate in our choices and priorities. This means that people will live longer healthier lives in the community. This is a place to discuss CM Health - our initiatives, services, culture, and news – and to foster our growing online community and for you to share your views. We welcome you to leave comments, images, videos and links and to share our content. We understand that many people are passionate about healthcare – a passion we share. We expect that participants post content and commentary that is constructive, relevant and respectful - and reserve the right to moderate any posts that don’t meet our terms of use and to exclude anyone who violates them. The following terms of use are in place to promote a quality online environment for people that engage with us online. We do not tolerate the following content:
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• Any content which breaches the confidentiality of our patients, their relatives, staff or other individuals. If you would like to share your experience of our services we recommend contacting our customer service team on [email protected]. If you would like to complain about content you have seen on this page please send us a direct message via Facebook or Twitter and we will respond within 48 hours. Postings or external links to our page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CM Health.

Fakaalofa lahi atu! Hello and warm greetings.Niue Language Week is here, and the theme this year is "Gahua auloa ke faka...
20/10/2026

Fakaalofa lahi atu! Hello and warm greetings.

Niue Language Week is here, and the theme this year is "Gahua auloa ke fakaako fakamalolō e Vagahau Niue" - Working together to diligently teach and strengthen Vagahau Niue.

Ellavia, a House Officer at Middlemore Hospital, is from the capital village of Alofi and the village of Mutalau in Niue.

She says this year's theme is especially meaningful to her and her family.

“I was taught the three ‘Rs’ - relationships, respect, and reciprocity - by my mother and grandmother, and these values are central to who I am and to my work as a doctor.

“These values continue to guide me at work, at home, and within the Niue community.

“I have always loved celebrating my Niuean culture, and this year’s Niue Language Week theme is especially meaningful to me as it reminds us of the importance of working together across generations to teach, learn, and keep Vagahau Niue alive.

Ellavia says the more we use the language, the more we can preserve our culture and traditions within the Niue community.

“This is important for future generations as well. Strengthening the Niue language requires people across generations to learn from one another.

“Take the first step to learn the language, even if it feels unfamiliar to you. We’re all here to learn and help one another,” she says.

“Humbled, grateful and blessed” – that’s how Annie feels after more than one month in Middlemore Hospital which included...
14/10/2026

“Humbled, grateful and blessed” – that’s how Annie feels after more than one month in Middlemore Hospital which included two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward.

“I had severe pneumonia, influenza, blood clotting likened to stroke symptoms which led to me being in an induced coma for two weeks.

“When I eventually woke, it was still another week in high dependency unit and then weeks in respiratory recovery.

“A humbling month of hospital stay is an understatement. My time in ICU - was sobering. But I’m alive today, and so incredibly humbled by my recent experiences and blessed. I felt so much for my daughters and loved ones who rallied around my bedside - and my dearest mother too.

Annie says Middlemore Hospital was amazing and that she is thankful for the wonderful team around her, of which there were many.

“I was cared for personally and so professionally by a talented team of specialists and nurses.

“There were many differing therapists - helping me to learn to stand and walk again, to eat-swallow whole foods and drink - wow I could barely believe I needed them all. That soft (baby) food diet was no joke.

“The language and speech therapy sessions were most frustrating for me because I thought I’d be 100% full strength straight away. My voice is still not back from being on the ventilator, but it will return. My energy levels are not the same as before, but I’m getting better. Recovery is about patience and time.

“I’ve been out of hospital and back home for a few months now. I’ve been admitted a couple of times since with short stays and I’m mindful of own self-care and recovery journey. I’m so grateful to be here and a huge thank you to all the health professionals caring for me.

Annie, Mangere.

14/10/2026

PUDU – the cleaning robot and intern in action at Middlemore Hospital!

🤖Middlemore Hospital is trialling the PUDU cleaning robot, putting it to the test with sweeping, vacuuming and wet floor...
14/10/2026

🤖Middlemore Hospital is trialling the PUDU cleaning robot, putting it to the test with sweeping, vacuuming and wet floor mopping tasks.

Traditional floor cleaning machines are heavy and can be awkward to operate for long periods of time. PUDU is a tool to help our cleaning team work more efficiently, safely and comfortably.

PUDU complements the work of our skilled cleaning staff, who continue to play a vital role in maintaining a safe, clean and high-quality environment.

Our cleaners play a critical role in protecting the health and wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff at Middlemore H...
13/10/2026

Our cleaners play a critical role in protecting the health and wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff at Middlemore Hospital.

Nisbat Nisha, Cleaning Operations Manager for Middlemore Hospital, says the team plays an essential role in maintaining a clean, safe environment and supporting quality patient care.

"Our cleaners work hard behind the scenes every day to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Their contribution is essential to the patient experience and the smooth running of our hospital. I am proud of the dedication, teamwork and professionalism they bring to their roles."

Poko Fau, who is a cleaner at Middlemore Hospital, says she takes pride in knowing her work makes a difference.

"The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that our work helps prevent the spread of infection, supports patient safety and contributes to a positive healthcare experience for patients, visitors and staff."

On Thank Your Cleaner Day, let's take a moment to recognise their hard work, professionalism and dedication.

From maintaining high hygiene standards and reducing the spread of infection to ensuring clinical and shared spaces are clean and ready for use, their work is essential to the delivery of safe, quality care.

Bula! Meet Simione Tagicakibau, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Pacific Planned Care at Counties Manukau, who has a passio...
12/10/2026

Bula! Meet Simione Tagicakibau, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Pacific Planned Care at Counties Manukau, who has a passion for caring for others – a trait he feels is common among Fijians.

Simione is from Nukuloa, Gau, Lomaiviti and shares maternal links to Tarukua, Cicia, Lau in Fiji.

He was proudly born and raised in Fiji and has lived and worked in many beautiful tropical places throughout the Pacific and New Zealand, including Counties Manukau, known as the heart of the Pacific capital of the world due to our vibrant Pacific population.

“I grew up in Fiji with my extended family, where caring and respect were always valued within our household.
“After school, I knew I wanted to be a nurse because of my passion for caring for others and supporting my family. Most importantly, I wanted to explore the opportunities offered by this noble profession.

“I trained as a nurse in Fiji from 2003 to 2006 and have been working as a nurse ever since.”

Simione tells us he has worked in Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa and now New Zealand for the past 11 years.
“I migrated to New Zealand in June 2015 and lived and worked in Christchurch for eight years, Nelson for two years, and now I live here in Auckland.”

Fijian Language Week was from 4-10 October, and the theme this year was ‘Na noqu vosa me tekivu mai vale ka meu vosataka e na veisiga’, which translates to: “My language starts at home, and I need to speak it every day.”

As Fijians, Simione says it is important to embrace our culture, values, beliefs and language, and to practise them every day and pass them on to others and future generations so that we do not lose our unique identity.
“Language is powerful, and it is one of the main tools that we use in our daily work as healthcare workers.

“For my Fijian patients, language can break barriers, build rapport and trust between myself, my patients and their families, and most importantly help achieve positive health outcomes for our Fijian people.”

Simione felt honoured to help organise the Fiji Day celebration at Counties Manukau alongside the organising committee.

“We decided to celebrate Fiji Day together with an early Diwali celebration, not only to celebrate but also to acknowledge diversity, resilience, shared heritage, unity and the achievements of the Fijian people.”

Simione tells us that Fiji Day is held every year on 10 October. Fiji was ceded to Britain on 10 October 1874, lived under British colonial rule for 96 years, and then gained independence on 10 October 1970.

“That is why every Fijian celebrates Fiji Day, whether in Fiji or somewhere else in the world.”

A wave of blue and a sea of colourful Diwali outfits filled Ko Awatea on 8 October in celebration of Fiji Day and an ear...
12/10/2026

A wave of blue and a sea of colourful Diwali outfits filled Ko Awatea on 8 October in celebration of Fiji Day and an early Diwali celebration.

Staff came together at lunchtime to celebrate culture, traditions and diversity with music and laughter as they learnt about Fijian culture, traditions and heritage as well as Diwali, the Festival of Lights, hope and new beginnings.

Simione Tagicakibau, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Planned Care Pacific Health, who is of proud Fijian heritage, says that Fiji Day is a celebration of our history, culture and identity.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come together to learn about Fiji and celebrate alongside us and it was a great opportunity for staff to meet our new Chief Nurse Tanya Wilson, who also attended.

Personally, it means a lot to see events like this help build understanding and strengthen relationships across our diverse workforce," he says.

Nurse Consultant Sharon Deo agrees and adds that celebrations like this help foster a sense of belonging.
“When we take the time to learn about each other's cultures and traditions, we build stronger relationships, greater understanding and a more inclusive workplace for everyone," she says.

Nitesh Gounder, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Infection Prevention and Control/Laboratory Services, was delighted by the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by staff.

The celebration embraced diversity - the foundation of Counties Manukau - representing the many cultures within our community. Understanding, learning and appreciating each other is the glue that holds us together.

"It was amazing to see so many staff gathering to celebrate. The energy in the room was incredible, and it showed how much we value learning about and appreciating each other's cultures," said Shaku Prasad, Palliative Care Nurse Specialist.

Thank you to those who organised the event and all those who attended.Vinaka!

Great news! If you live in The Auckland region, the starting age for free bowel cancer screening is now 56.If you are ag...
08/10/2026

Great news! If you live in The Auckland region, the starting age for free bowel cancer screening is now 56.

If you are aged 56 or 57, you will receive a free bowel screening kit in the mail, or be contacted by a local provider, around the time of your next birthday. You will be sent a bowel screening kit every two years until you turn 75.

You can do the bowel screening test in the privacy of your own home.

The lower starting age of 56 for bowel screening also applies to Waikato, Tairāwhiti, Wairarapa, West Coast and South Canterbury and is expected to be rolled out in remaining areas of New Zealand in the first half of next year.

08/10/2026

Your garden should leave you with tomatoes, not pneumonia.

Protect yourself from Legionnaires' disease by wearing a mask when handling potting mix and compost. Dampen the mix before use, and wash your hands afterwards. 🌱

Around 350 staff attended the Allied Health, Scientific and Technical (AHST) awards event on 23 September, packing out t...
07/10/2026

Around 350 staff attended the Allied Health, Scientific and Technical (AHST) awards event on 23 September, packing out the lecture theatre, with the overflow watching online in KA café area, to honour the day and celebrate their colleagues.

"The annual AHST awards recognise the great work our staff do every day and colleagues can nominate those who they feel stand out," says Sanjoy Nand, Chief of Allied Health, Scientific and Technical.

The event was opened with a beautiful waiata performed by Te Kaahui Ora, Maaori Health team, bringing a meaningful and special touch to the celebration.

Counties Manukau Allied Health Educator, Rochelle Parsons, says the event was a fabulous celebration that received a lot of warm and positive feedback.

"This wonderful event was made possible because of a huge collective effort, especially the AHST Awards Committee, and the many other people behind the scenes who contributed their time and energy to ensuring everything ran smoothly on the day.”

Congratulations to all winners and runners up and thank you to all those involved in making the event so special.

Pictured below: Winners of the Supreme Award: The Ophthalmology Allied Health Clinical Team pictured with Dr Vanessa Thornton, Group Director Operations and Carmel Ellis, General Manager, Surgical, Anaesthesia & Perioperative Services, Counties Manukau.

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