Active+ Howick

13/10/2026

Today is Allied Health Professionals Day, a chance to recognise the dedicated healthcare professionals working alongside medicine, here in New Zealand and around the world, who are committed to delivering whole-person care.

Supporting health and wellbeing across a range of disciplines is at the heart of what we do. Most people come to us with more than one challenge to navigate, which is why our multidisciplinary teams look beyond a single condition or injury to understand the bigger picture. Often, it’s this collaborative approach that helps people achieve the best outcomes and get back to living their lives.

A special thank you to the more than 1,400 Active+ physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and counsellors, rehabilitation nurses, social workers, dietitians, and nutritionists whose expertise, compassion, and dedication help our clients reach their full potential every day. We appreciate everything you do and celebrate the incredible impact of your mahi. 👏💙

16/09/2026

This week, we’re celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori by bringing a little more te reo into our everyday mahi.

As a rehabilitation business, body related kupu are some of the words we use most often. They’re only small words, but giving a few a try is an easy way to bring te reo into conversations and help our clinics feel more welcoming and inclusive for everyone we provide services to.

Check out the tiles and see if you can try to incorporate some into your everyday language!

Kia kaha te reo Māori!

08/09/2026

Happy World Physio Day!

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Today is World Physiotherapy Day, and we’re proud to celebrate the vital role physiotherapy plays in the recovery and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Physiotherapy is at the heart of rehabilitation, helping kiritaki to regain strength, confidence, and independence - and get back to doing what they love.

Today, we're taking a moment to thank the incredible team of physiotherapists across our network for the expertise, dedication, and compassion they bring to their mahi. It’s their commitment that makes these outcomes possible for everyone across Aotearoa.

08/09/2026

Today is World Physiotherapy Day, and we’re proud to celebrate the vital role physiotherapy plays in the recovery and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Physiotherapy is at the heart of rehabilitation, helping kiritaki to regain strength, confidence, and independence - and get back to doing what they love.

Today, we're taking a moment to thank the incredible team of physiotherapists across our network for the expertise, dedication, and compassion they bring to their mahi. It’s their commitment that makes these outcomes possible for everyone across Aotearoa.

28/07/2026

Could a few simple changes help you stay safer at home?

We’re providing free home safety checks and handrails for eligible older adults through an ACC-funded programme across Northland, Whanganui & Rangitīkei, and Wairarapa & Kāpiti Coast

Our friendly team will visit your home to check for potential falls risks and provide personalised advice. You’ll also receive a free handrail installed by a registered builder to help make your home safer.

You may be eligible if you:
• Are aged 65+, or 55+ with a high risk of falls
• Have had a fall, are at risk of falling, and would benefit from a handrail at home
• Own your home, or are a tenant with landlord approval for a handrail installation and other basic safety equipment

You can self-refer, or ask your GP, health professional or another organisation to refer you.

To refer yourself or find out more:
[email protected]
09 630 4035

Active+ Northland
Active+ Whanganui
Active+ Wellington Wairarapa (services delivered by WSM Group)

13/07/2026

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09/07/2026

As the Matariki stars appear in the winter sky, it's a time to slow down, look back on the year, and reach out to those around us.

This year's theme, Matariki Herenga Waka, honours togetherness and the bonds that unite us as a community.

Wishing you all a safe and joyful Matariki.

Mānawatia a Matariki.

07/07/2026

We were proud to see our Cancer Rehab Physiotherapist from Active+ Mt Eden, Kirsten Rose, featured in a 1News story this week highlighting the vital role of cancer rehabilitation.

Cancer rehabilitation and guided exercise can make a real difference, helping people manage treatment and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

One international study found colon cancer patients who participated in rehab exercise after their treatment reduced the risk of recurrence by 28% and improved survival by 37%!

As highlighted in the story, access to cancer rehabilitation is still a challenge for many New Zealanders. We hope this growing awareness helps drive change so that rehabilitation becomes a standard part of cancer care, not something that's only available to a few, giving more people the support they need to recover, rebuild confidence, and return to the activities that matter most.

Thanks to Lou James (MNZM) and PINC & STEEL for their ongoing mahi championing the importance of cancer rehabilitation and helping bring this conversation to a national audience.

https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/05/cancer-specialists-call-for-rehab-to-become-standard-part-of-treatment/

Studies are highlighting the benefits of guided exercise to prevent recurrence and even death.

06/07/2026

Can you guess the most common mistake people make when trying to recover from persistent pain?

Pushing hard on a good day, then spending the next two days on the couch paying for it. It's called the boom-bust pattern, and it's one of the key reasons pain recovery stalls. Our latest article explains pacing: a practical, evidence-based approach to finding the activity level that actually builds progress.

Check out the article here: https://shorturl.at/Wsk1K

06/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CrRvFqNu2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Studies are highlighting the benefits of guided exercise to prevent recurrence and even death.

22/06/2026

Have you ever thought about what's actually behind your lower back pain? You might be surprised to learn that in most cases there isn’t one obvious cause that can be pinpointed.

Back pain is usually influenced by a mix of factors, and understanding that can be a game changer when it comes to recovery and getting back to feeling your best.

Check out the article here: https://shorturl.at/5PwB6

16/06/2026

Did you know that when lower back pain sets in, rest isn't always the best answer?

Staying gently active is often more beneficial, and the right stretches can meaningfully reduce pain and support a faster recovery. Our physiotherapists have put together six stretches commonly recommended in early self-management, with clear guidance on how and when to use them.

Check out the lower back pain stretches here: https://shorturl.at/WWoX8

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09/06/2026

08/06/2026

Amanda has been the face of Active+ Howick for more than 20 years. As the first person you see when you walk through the doors of the practice, she plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and positive experience for every client. In her role as Practice Manager, Amanda oversees all aspects of the practice’s administration, ensuring exceptional client care while coordinating with ACC, healthcare professionals, and clients.

Amanda thrives on challenges and is deeply passionate about both her work and the Active+ team. Outside of the clinic, she is a talented painter who enjoys expressing her creativity through art.

02/06/2026

Meet the team!

Cath graduated from AUT in 1992. Her career has mainly centred around private practice and treating orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions. In 1998 she completed a post-graduated diploma in Manipulative therapy at Otago University. Following this she undertook training in Lymphoedema management which meant starting to work with patients who had undergone treatment for cancer.

In 2016 Cath trained in the management of Oncology patients with Pinc and Steel New Zealand. In 2019 she had the opportunity to work in hospice and completed an internship in palliative care. She is also a qualified Bradcliff Breathing practitioner as well as a Restore scar specialist.

These days she is fortunate to divide her time between oncology rehab and palliative care - working across private practice and the hospice setting.
In 2024 she was awarded the Pinc and Steel Oncology Excellence Award for the Holistic Patient Needs category. Cath has completed her 200Hr Yoga Teacher training. She is passionate about yoga being for everyone not just bendy people!

Cath is available on Tuesdays treating oncology patients only. To book an appointment, please contact the clinic on 09 535 9160.

25/05/2026

Meet the team!

Dominique graduated from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa in 2002. She spent many years working in private practice managing patients with Musculoskeletal and Sports injuries, as well as treating Orthopaedic hospital patients. She immigrated to New Zealand in 2017 with her family and joined the Active+ Howick team.

Dominique has continued to develop her skills and is a qualified Bradcliff Breathing practitioner managing patients with breathing and hyperventilation disorders. She is also a certified PINC practitioner as well as a Restore scar specialist, and her passion lies in cancer rehabilitation.

Dominique always prides herself in being able to make her patients feel comfortable and being a supportive listener. In May 2023, Dominique took over ownership of Active+ Howick and she strives to continue running a holistic patient centred practice.

To make an appointment with Dominique, please call the clinic on 09 535 9160.

17/05/2026

Meet the team!

Elmarie graduated from AUT in 2005, receiving the Bank of New Zealand scholarship for academic achievement, community involvement and leadership.

Elmarie has extensive experience across multiple scopes of Physiotherapy. These include neurology, advanced vestibular rehabilitation, Watson headache management, musculoskeletal physiotherapy and paediatrics. Elmarie is also the Howick clinic concussion service lead and has provided clinical supervision to multiple Physiotherapists over the years. Elmarie can often be found supporting her patient’s recovery in a gym environment or in the pool through hydrotherapy.

We are proud to have Elmarie’s knowledge, compassion, and expertise as part of our team!

To book an appointment with Elmarie, please call the clinic on 09 535 9160.

10/05/2026

Meet the team!

Ella is a Physiotherapist who graduated from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2024. She has experience across a range of clinical settings and has continued to build her skills with further training, including dry needling.

With a background in competitive figure skating and a passion for staying active, Ella has a special interest in sporting lower limb injuries. She loves helping athletes and active individuals recover from injury, prevent setbacks, and get back to doing what they love.

Ella looks forward to helping you move and perform at your best!

Ella is available Monday through to Fridays. To book an appointment, call 09 535 9160 or book online at: https://nzappts.gensolve.com/active_howick/clinician/details/ella_smith

05/05/2026

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare is the time it takes for research to translate into everyday practice. We are super proud to be part of a partnership turning evidence into action, now.

We’re incredibly excited to see our first patients starting this week.

The CHALLENGE RCT is one of the most significant breakthroughs in bowel cancer survival in years.

Earlier this year, we had the privilege of meeting Kerry Courneya, whose amazing work underpins this programme. As he has said, this is about shifting exercise from a “nice to have” to a recognised part of treatment.

Not just improving how people feel.
Not just improving function.
But influencing survival.

And importantly, this isn’t about telling people to “move more.”
It requires the same thinking as any other treatment - structured, prescribed, supported, and delivered by trained professionals.

Through CHALLENGE: Movement for Life, we we are now delivering this in practice. Turning world-leading evidence into real-world care through the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (PINC & STEEL)’s network of cancer rehab physiotherapists, fully funded by Bowel Cancer New Zealand

📸 Pictured with Peter Huskinson CEO Bowel Cancer NZ, Lou James CEO Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (PINC & STEEL) and our first CHALLENGE providers in Auckland. Active+ Mt Eden Active+ Howick Physio Mechanics

06/03/2026

The Auckland Southern Cross Round The Bays is happening this weekend!

If you’re a runner, it’s worth taking the time to set yourself up well for race day. A little extra preparation now can go a long way toward helping you feel strong and reducing the chance of unwanted niggles on the day.

Check out this article where Michael Davis, our Head of Service Delivery MSK, shares practical expert tips on warmups, strength training, and proper technique to help you stay injury free.

This weekend, you’ll also find some of our physios in the Southern Cross Recovery Zone at the finish line providing free massages. Pop in to say hello, for massages, stretching classes, and tips for your post-race recovery!

Read the full article: https://shorturl.at/MzO35