Health NZ - Waitematā

29/07/2026

🥉 One of our amazing midwives is part of a Commonwealth bronze-winning team for New Zealand!

Our New Zealand women’s 3x3 basketball team claimed a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after defeating Jamaica 18-13. Among the team was Azure Anderson, a midwife at North Shore Hospital in Waitematā, who helps bring new lives into the world when she's not representing New Zealand on the international basketball stage.

We're incredibly proud of Azure's achievement and the dedication she brings both to her patients and to her sport.

Congratulations, Azure, and the whole team on bringing home bronze! 🖤💛🏀

Read more:

Led by Sharne Pupeke-Robati’s 8 points and 7 rebounds it was a gutsy bounce back for the Kiwi hoopers

28/07/2026

One of our Waitematā midwives, Azure Anderson, is making her Commonwealth Games debut for NZ, playing in the 3x3 Basketball team.

Thank you for your outstanding performance on both the sports and midwifery stage, Azure!

16/07/2026

13/07/2026

🩺 Bowel symptoms? Talk to your GP about a FIT.

From 1 July, Health New Zealand has introduced a new national FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) pathway to help assess and prioritise people with bowel symptoms. The programme is designed to fast-track bowel cancer care, get higher-risk people seen sooner, and reduce colonoscopy waitlists.

The FIT is a simple test you can do at home that checks for tiny traces of blood in your poo. It helps healthcare providers assess your bowel symptoms and determine whether further investigation is needed.

Importantly, this is NOT just for older people. If you have bowel symptoms, your GP may recommend a FIT regardless of your age. This is different from the National Bowel Screening Programme, which is for eligible people without symptoms.

✅ Simple and quick to do at home
✅ No special diet required
✅ Helps ensure you get the right care at the right time.

Learn more: http://spr.ly/6184BErZ7u

06/07/2026

Matariki celebrations are underway for our team at Auckland | Te Toka Tumai. Roger, Fred and Cy share their thoughts on what Matariki means to them.

Roger Costello (left in image) (Ngati Kuri, Ngati Kahu & Te Rarawa) – Project Manager: Matariki is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and look ahead to the future. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with whānau and community, acknowledge those who have passed, and set intentions for the year ahead. For me, it’s a reminder of the importance of connection, gratitude and shared purpose.

Fred Manuel (middle) (Ngāti Porou – Tūwhakairiora) – Māori Health Lead: Matariki is a time for reflection, connection and renewal. It’s an opportunity to remember those who have passed, spend time with whānau, and look ahead with purpose and optimism. It reminds me to be grateful for what we have and to think about how we can contribute to the wellbeing of others.

Cy Morgan (right in image) (He uri nō Ngā Puhi/Ngāti Māhanga) – Project Manager: Matariki is a special time to celebrate past, present and future. I love the opportunities to participate in karakia, waiata and all sorts of Matariki events at Te Toka Tumai. It’s a great time of year for reflection and reconnection.

24/06/2026

Scabies is a tiny mite that causes a very big itch! There have been reports of scabies around recently, so it's important to know the signs and how to treat it properly.

The main symptom to look out for is an itchy rash that mostly affects the arms, legs and torso. Have one already? See your healthcare provider so they can check for scabies or other conditions.

If scabies is confirmed, it can be easily treated with these steps:

✅ Treat it with a cream to kill the mites (pharmacies may offer subsidised advice and treatment)

✅ Treat everyone in your household at the same time

✅ Treat clothing and bedding in a hot wash or dryer; or by freezing or bagging

✅ Vacuum carpets, mats and sofas

✅ Remember to treat car seats too.

To make sure you get rid of the scabies mites completely, see more detailed info on how to treat them: http://spr.ly/6184BDepsw

21/06/2026

Not every sniffle needs a cancellation 🤧

Moderate illness, like a cold, runny nose, or mild fever, is usually not a reason to delay childhood immunisations. If you're unsure, give your vaccinator a call before cancelling. Staying on schedule helps keep children protected from preventable diseases 💙

09/06/2026

If you see or suspect illegal to***co sales, report it. Visit: www.healthnz.govt.nz/TellUs

05/06/2026

Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats are back for 2026! And the North Shore Final is happening today!

Through music, creativity and performance, Smokefreerockquest encourages young people to protect their breath, strengthen their wellbeing and perform at their best. Health New Zealand is proud to continue its 36-year sponsorship of this event, backing young talent across New Zealand.

Get your ticket to the regional final and learn more at: https://www.rqp.co.nz/rockquest/dates-tickets

05/06/2026

Helping children breathe: Starship pioneer receives knighthood. For Sir Paul Andrew Baker, a lifetime spent caring for children has always been guided by one simple goal - helping them breathe safely.

The former Starship paediatric anaesthetist received the news of his Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health far from home in London. He’s there with his wife
ahead of speaking to an airways workshop at Guy’s Hospital.

“We celebrated with family in London while the rest of our children and grandchildren celebrated in Auckland,” he says.

This moment has been many years in the making. It’s a journey that began in 1991, when Starship Children’s Hospital first opened its doors.

Over the next 30 years, Sir Paul helped shape paediatric anaesthesia in New Zealand, always focused on practical improvements: better equipment, safer oxygen use, and stronger recovery care.

“It was always about improving patient care in ways that made a real difference,” he says. “And it was incredibly rewarding to see those changes put into practice.”

But behind the clinical work is something more personal. A father of four and grandfather of seven, Sir Paul says being a parent helped him understand the fear families feel when a child is unwell.

“It gave me a deep appreciation of how parents experience those moments,” he reflects. “It helped me connect, not just with the children but with their whānau.”

Across thousands of cases, it’s the courage of children and their families that has stayed with him. One moment in particular stands out. He talks about a time when a baby was diagnosed before birth with a life-threatening airway condition. A team of 26 specialists came together to perform a rare and complex procedure, securing the baby’s airway while still connected to the placenta.

“That child is now a healthy young adult,” Sir Paul says. “It was a powerful reminder of what teamwork can achieve.”

Now, even having retired from Starship two years ago, his commitment hasn’t slowed.

He remains deeply optimistic about the future, pointing to advances in technology, education, and a nationwide network of airway specialists working together to improve patient safety.

Receiving a King’s Honour, he says, is not just a personal milestone. “I hope it shines a light on anaesthesia and airway management - areas that play such a vital role in patient care.” Congratulations 👏🎉🎉