Health NZ - Taranaki

04/08/2026

It's amazing how much vital work happens in the sky. Saving lives in amongst the clouds

04/08/2026

30/07/2026

August 1 to 7 is World Breast Feeding Week - WABA World Breastfeeding Week. This year’s theme focuses on “strengthening what works” to support breastfeeding. It celebrates the progress made around the world and encourages us to build on the people, communities and approaches that are already helping families to succeed.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, breastfeeding rates have also improved, with 55.7% of babies exclusively breastfed until at least four months of age in 2023/24 (compared to 46.1% a decade ago). However, not all whānau experience the same support or opportunities. Strengthening breastfeeding support is essential to ensure every parent has the opportunity to achieve their own feeding goals.

Breastfeeding delivers a hopeful future not only for children, but for societies. It reduces healthcare costs, boosts cognitive development, strengthens economies, and sets children up with healthy beginnings.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and would like support, please reach out to our Taranaki based Lactation Services:
Tiaki Ūkaipō/Tui Ora (Taranaki wide) [email protected]
(06) 759 4064
Ngāti Ruanui Breastfeeding support (South Taranaki Focus)
Tamarikiora [email protected]
(06) 278 1310 or 027 856 2357
Whanau Awhina Plunket [email protected]

29/07/2026

Another touch and go test has been undertaken on the new Taranaki Base Hospital helipad - this time by PHI helicopters who transport staff to and from the offshore oil and gas platforms here in Taranaki.

27/07/2026

He’s a walking red flag and love bombing is his love language 🦠

🚩 Doesn't understand personal space.
🚩 Shows up uninvited.
🚩 Gets attached way too quickly.

…but he hates to see an immunisation coming… imagine being rejected by an immune system 👀

Book your flu immunisation through your usual doctor, Hauora Māori or Pacific provider, pharmacy, or online at bookmyvaccine.nz

27/07/2026

💙 If you've spent time at Hāwera Hospital, chances are you've come across Sue. She's part of the cleaning team, but that's only part of her story.

She's also one of the hospital's chaplains and when she's not at work, she drives for the St John Health Shuttle, helping people across South Taranaki get to appointments and access the care they need. 🙏🚑

Along the way, she finds herself sharing some of life's hardest moments with others.

"It's a privilege to share those moments," says Sue.

"My faith has always been important to me, and I used to pray for people quietly in my head as I cleaned their rooms. Becoming a chaplain gave me permission to have those conversations out loud, but mostly, I just chat with people."

"It's all about caring for people. When you give, you get back tenfold."

That's Sue in a nutshell. No fuss, just genuine care for the people around her.

Whether she's helping behind the scenes, offering a listening ear, or supporting people through difficult times, Sue is one of those special people who helps make Hāwera Hospital the welcoming, caring place it is. 🏥 🫶

26/07/2026

Need to see a doctor? 👩‍⚕️

💻 Health NZ’s Online GP Care service makes it easier to access non-urgent healthcare from wherever you are. Book an appointment ahead or join a queue and see a registered NZ doctor by video call. Services are available 24/7 through a range of providers, and online doctors can prescribe medicines just like your regular GP.

Some people may be eligible for lower fees, including Community Services cardholders and children. All you need is an internet connection and a debit or credit card to get started.

Find an online provider and get the care you need, when you need it:

🔗 http://spr.ly/6185BEmjI3
💡 For accurate pricing, use the fee toggle to compare adult and child cost, and select "I have a CSC" if you have a Community Services Card.

🚨 For emergencies, always call 111.

24/07/2026

Today we're giving a shout-out to our security team and security guards across our Taranaki hospitals.

They're the crew quietly keeping an eye on things, helping out, and stepping up when situations get challenging.

Thank you for the early starts, late nights, quick thinking, and steady presence. We appreciate everything you do to keep our people, patients, and sites safe.

Happy International Security Guard Day 👏💙

23/07/2026

A new cyanobacteria alert is in place for Lake Ōpunake. Cyanobacteria can cause health issues such as skin rashes and breathing problems. If you or your whānau come into contact with affected water, please shower and change clothes as soon as possible.

A gentle reminder for dog owners: cyanobacteria is especially dangerous for dogs, so please keep them well away from the lake.

For more information, check out the post below from Taranaki Regional Council 👇

⚠️Cyanobacteria alert for Lake Ōpunake ⚠️

We have recently been made aware of and investigated a bloom of potentially toxic cyanobacteria in Lake Ōpunake.

👉 Cyanobacterial blooms can make lake water appear green, cloudy or discoloured, and may form visible green scums on the water surface or at the water's edge.

‼️People should avoid swimming and other activities involving contact with the lake water until further notice.

❗Cyanobacteria can cause health issues such as skin rashes and breathing problems. If you or your whānau come into contact with affected water, please shower and change clothes as soon as possible. If you experience symptoms after contact with the water, seek medical advice.

🐾 Dog owners should also take care, as dogs can become seriously ill if they ingest contaminated water or algae. Please contact your veterinarian if your dog becomes unwell after coming into contact with contaminated water or algae.

➡ We will continue to monitor the lake and work with Health NZ - Taranaki and South Taranaki District Council to keep the public informed.

💻 For more information, visit LAWA: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/taranaki-region/swimming/lake-opunake-at-boat-ramp/swimsite