Health NZ - Tairāwhiti

01/09/2026

Extra protection for our littlest: Free flu vaccines now available for under 5s

From today, all children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday can get a free influenza (flu) vaccine.

This change comes as flu continues to cause high rates of illness and hospitalisations in young children this season, with children under five experiencing some of the highest rates of flu-related hospital care.

The flu season started later than usual and is expected to continue, so it's not too late to get vaccinated. The current flu vaccine is also a good match for the flu virus circulating most widely this year.

✅ Free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, pregnant women, and people aged 65+
✅ Helps protect against serious illness
✅ Helps protect your family and community.

The flu vaccine is also free for many people with certain medical conditions.

Book at bookmyvaccine.nz or contact your GP, pharmacy, Hauora Māori provider, Pacific health provider, or local immunisation clinic. Many providers also offer walk-in appointments.

30/08/2026

Flu just won't give up this winter! 🦠

And it's not too late to get protected. 🛡️

Immunisation can still help reduce your risk of serious illness as we head into spring. If you've already had one type of flu this season, vaccination may still be worthwhile, as it helps protect against multiple flu strains. It could help you avoid a second round!

Good news - your local pharmacy may be able to vaccinate you, often without an appointment. Many pharmacies offer convenient walk-in flu vaccination services and can help check whether you're up-to-date with other recommended vaccinations.

Have a chat with your local pharmacist today and find your nearest pharmacy on healthpoint.co.nz.

26/08/2026

The flu vaccine does more than help protect against flu.

Research shows it may also help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. If you haven't had your flu vaccination yet, it's not too late. 💙

Getting vaccinated is easy. Talk to your usual GP clinic, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider, or local pharmacist. You can also book through bookmyvaccine.nz. Sorted!

20/08/2026

It's now FREE to book a video appointment with a NZ qualified Online GP for children under 14. Book via healthnz.govt.nz/OnlineGP and check out this video explanation about Online GP from one of our wonderful Community Paediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists.

19/08/2026

Tairāwhiti orderlies help support Te Ao Maori
As we celebrate Thank an Orderly Day this Thursday, August 20, one thing you may not know about the 35-strong orderly team at Gisborne Hospital is many are actively involved in kapa haka and have a strong knowledge of Te Ao Māori.

They regularly support the hospital through waiata and tikanga, particularly at staff farewells, special events and significant milestones, says Tairāwhiti Hospital Services Manager, Karren Baines.

“They also play an important role in welcoming guests and supporting the opening of new facilities and services,” says Karren. “Their contribution goes beyond their day-to-day role and reflects their commitment. During Cyclone Gabrielle, two of our orderlies went above and beyond by travelling up the Coast to deliver medication to a patient who was unable to reach the hospital due to the severe weather conditions. They carried out this task while many areas were still experiencing the impacts of the cyclone, demonstrating the dedication and commitment our team has to supporting the community.”

Working rostered shifts 24/7, our longest-serving orderly is Waide Johnson, who has been with the team for more than 20 years while our newest team member is Lewis Barrett.

“Although new to the role, Lewis has already learnt so much on the job and brings a positive ‘we can do’ attitude to the team every day. He is a respectful and hardworking young man who has settled into the team very well.”

Karren says the personal qualities that make a good orderly including being reliable, compassionate, adaptable and patient.

“As orderlies interact with patients, whānau and clinical teams throughout the day, they need to have strong communication skills, professionalism, teamwork and a willingness to help others essential,” says Karren. “The role requires people who can stay calm under pressure, think on their feet and always put patient care first.”

Nga mihi nui orderly team!

19/08/2026

Need care, but it's not an emergency?

If your health concern isn't life-threatening, there may be options that can help you get advice or treatment sooner than waiting in the Emergency Department (ED).

✅ Your GP or practice nurse
✅ Online GP (free for children under 14, subsidised for adults with a Community Services Card)
✅ Urgent care clinics
✅ Your local pharmacist, Some treatments are now funded through Extended Pharmacy Services for eligible people, at participating pharmacies
✅ Ka Ora Telecare for after-hours care in rural areas

Not sure where to start? Call Healthline on 0800 611 116. It's free, available 24/7, and can help guide you to the right service.

Learn more about your healthcare options at healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp

In an emergency, always call 111 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

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

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.

11/08/2026

15/07/2026

Mental Health Minister, Matt Doocey, has officially opened Gisborne’s new Crisis Recovery Café.

Te Kāuta café will be delivered by Te Kupenga Net Trust, which was established in 1995 to deliver support to people in the Tairāwhiti region.

“From today, people will be able to go to the café and talk to people with their own experience of recovery. This is a safe place for people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges to go for support that will also better connect them with the community services they may need,” Mr Doocey says.

“Wraparound support makes a real difference. Having someone who can connect people with longer-term support can help them feel less overwhelmed.

“The feedback from people has been clear. Sitting in a brightly lit, busy emergency department is not the best environment to be in when experiencing mental distress. That’s why we are rolling out eight new Crisis Recovery Cafés across the country, offering an alternative, non-clinical space where people can go for support.”

Located at 116 Gladstone Rd near Bright St, the café will initially operate Monday to Friday, from 7am to 3pm. No referral to the cafe is needed, people in need can simply show up when they need support, the Minister said.

“It has been heartening to hear the positive feedback about the peer support roles. One story that has stayed with me was from a worker reflecting on her own experience. She told me peer support services are exactly what she wishes she had when she was struggling, someone who could say, ‘I see you, I hear you, I know what you’re going through.’

“That’s exactly why we are making better use of peer support workers in a range of settings, including emergency departments, eating disorder services, maternal mental health services and inpatient settings,” Mr Doocey said.