Health NZ - Te Toka Tumai Auckland

18/08/2026

New funded pharmacy services are now available for some common health conditions.

Pharmacists have always been able to provide treatment. What’s changed is that some services and treatments are now funded, making it easier and quicker for people to access care.

Instead of paying for the medicine yourself, you may receive funded treatment if you’re eligible, and may pay a small consultation fee. For many people, this means lower overall cost, and faster access.

Conditions and treatment now funded at participating pharmacies may include:
- Scabies treatment
- Oral rehydration treatment for children
- Headlice treatment for children/families
- Access to pain relief for children
- Conjunctivitis treatment
- Treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infection
- Access to emergency contraception.

Visit healthpoint.co.nz to find your local pharmacy and give them a call to find out what services they offer.

Find out more about the extended pharmacy services: healthnz.govt.nz/news-and-updates/extended-pharmacy-services

18/08/2026

Need healthcare but not sure where to start?

If it's an emergency, the Emergency Department (ED) is the right place. But for many everyday health concerns, there may be other options that can help you sooner.

💻 Online GP (now FREE for under 14s)
📞 Healthline: 0800 611 116. There is a callback service if you don't want to wait on hold.
🏥 Urgent Care and After Hours clinics.
💊 Your local pharmacy. Under the Extended Pharmacy Service, some treatments are now free or lower cost. Call your local to find out.

ED teams prioritise the most seriously unwell patients first, so if your situation isn't an emergency, you may face a long wait.

Find the right care for your needs at healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp

17/08/2026

😷 Feeling unwell or hurt and can't see your usual doctor?

The Emergency Department (ED) isn’t always the best place for every situation, but it’s exactly where to go in an emergency.

Swipe through to find the right care for you.

Visit healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp to find the right healthcare for your specific needs.

12/08/2026

Feeling unwell or hurt and can't see your usual doctor?

The Emergency Department (ED) isn’t always the best place for every situation, but it’s exactly where to go in an emergency.

Swipe through to find the right care for you.

Visit healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp to find the right healthcare for your specific needs.

04/08/2026

Kia mataora tātou i te 'Epetoma o te Reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani.
Happy Cook Islands Māori Language Week!

The theme for this year is:
Me kite koe i te tuatua i to'ou reo tupuna, e turanga rangatira tena nō'ou no te uki amuri atu.
With our language as our foundation, we will embrace the future.

Meet Teina, Manager of Capability and Performance for Education and Pathways in the National Pacific Workforce Development Team within the Pacific Health Group here at Health NZ.

Teina tells us what she loves most about her role is helping to strengthen Pacific representation across our health workforce.

In this video she talks about why language weeks are important.

“For me, the theme this year is a reminder that our language connects us to our identity, our kōpū tangata, our 'enua, and the generations who came before us.

“It reminds me to ensure that my children embrace it too by hearing it being spoken, seeing it being valued, and feeing connected to it always.

“Not all of us were raised speaking our language fluently, and many of us are still learning. That should never be a barrier to participating, practising, and reconnecting with our reo.

“As someone who is still growing in my own reo journey, this week is especially meaningful to me.”

Here’s a phrase you can practice this week; “Manea ia ra koe i teia ra – you look beautiful today.”

30/07/2026

Meet Jaden, who at just 22 years old, has spent more time in hospital than most people ever will.
Born with Spina Bifida, Jaden has undergone many major operations throughout his life and recently had surgery number 34 at Auckland City Hospital.

“Living with a lifelong disability can be physically exhausting, emotionally challenging and incredibly isolating at times. However, I try not to let the difficult moments define what is possible for my life,” says Jaden.

Jaden is now looking forward to recovering so he can return to what he does best, wheelchair racing.
As an internationally ranked wheelchair racer, he is no stranger to pushing his limits, challenging expectations and breaking down barriers. His long-term goal is to represent New Zealand at the Paralympic Games.

“I was drawn to wheelchair racing because of the speed, freedom and independence it gave me. It showed me that my wheelchair was not something that had to hold me back. It could become something that helped me achieve incredible things.”

“A big thanks to the incredible surgeons, nurses and wider medical team who looked after me throughout my stay. It was so nice to see so many familiar faces, and their support and care meant a lot. I’m incredibly grateful to the amazing teams here at Auckland City Hospital,” says Jaden.

Read the full story here: https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/preview/a117f2e8a9f97c27/16a29d99fa087911

16/07/2026

08/07/2026

Take a tour inside our brand new primary birthing unit in central Auckland's Parnell.

Expanding choice for women about where and how they give birth, the new facility, Whānau Ngā Uri, provides a calm, home-like, midwifery-led environment, while remaining close to Auckland City Hospital for rapid transfer if specialist care is needed.

It includes three birthing suites – each equipped for water births – and a shared family space. It will be staffed by 10 Health New Zealand midwives, with two onsite at all times.

The service will deliver acute assessment and support births with both Health New Zealand and community midwives, alongside antenatal and postnatal care including vaccinations, anti-D, iron infusions, and primary assessment.

Women who give birth at Whānau Ngā Uri will have priority access to stay onsite for their three-day postnatal stay, which is funded by Health NZ and delivered by Birthcare.

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/6181BDeps9