Health NZ - Waikato

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

It’s now easier to book an appointment for Online GP! Changes have been made to the online booking system that make it easier to compare appointment times, and pricing so you can choose the option that’s right for you.

You can find available appointments from all the Online GP providers in one place, making it simpler to access the care you need.

Online GP is available for everyone and is a great option when you can’t access your usual GP or urgent care clinic, aren’t currently enrolled with a doctor, or need care outside of your local area.

It's free for children 13 and under, and subsidised for teenagers between 14 - 17 years old and adults with a Community Services Card.

Make an appointment any time, day or night. Visit healthnz.govt.nz/OnlineGP

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.

28/08/2026

✅ Cyanobacteria health warning lifted for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake)

Good news for lake users. The cyanobacteria (toxic algae) health warning for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) has now been lifted after testing confirmed levels are below the health warning threshold.

Water quality can change quickly, so it's always a good idea to check the latest water quality information and health warnings before swimming or enjoying recreational activities.

You can check current conditions at:

LAWA: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/
Waikato Regional Council: https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/water/algal-blooms/
Health New Zealand: https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-alerts

27/08/2026

"It wasn't an emergency, but she needed care that night."

When Kloe's four-year-old daughter Ruby developed a recurring skin infection one evening, she found herself in a situation many parents know well. Ruby needed medical advice and treatment quickly, but not a trip to urgent care.

At 7pm, Kloe logged on to Health New Zealand's Online GP service. Within minutes, she was speaking with a nurse, sharing photos of Ruby's condition. Soon after, a doctor joined the call, assessed the issue, and arranged a prescription to be collected from their local pharmacy the next morning.

"This was the fourth very positive experience our family has had with the service," says Kloe. "I know this is free for us, but it's a service I would happily pay for time and time again."

The Online GP service gives people another way to access timely healthcare when they can't get in to see their usual GP, especially after hours, on weekends, or if they live in a rural area.

✅ Free for children under 14
✅ Subsidised for young people aged 14-17 and people with community services cards
✅ Available from anywhere in New Zealand
✅ Treatment for many common conditions without needing to leave home

Since launching in May 2025, more than 77,800 people have used the service, with over 103,600 consultations completed. Most patients receive the care they need online without needing to be referred elsewhere.

Learn more about Online GP and whether it's right for you: www.healthnz.govt.nz/onlinegp

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!

26/08/2026

If winter has you feeling a little flat, it might be time for a quick maintenance check… No mechanic needed 😉🚙

25/08/2026

A Waikato paediatric surgeon has returned from Samoa after helping deliver life-changing care to children who would otherwise wait years for treatment. Dr Stephen Adams, Head of Department Paediatric Surgery at Waikato Hospital, led a six-person clinical team as part of a Royal Australasian College of Surgeons global health mission, assessing more than 50 children and performing 26 operations in just one week.

“These are children who may have been waiting one, two or even three years for procedures,” Dr Adams says.

Among the cases was an 18-month-old boy who received surgery to correct a serious bowel condition. “It’s a really meaningful outcome and has the potential to completely change his quality of life.”

Working in a resource-limited environment brought challenges, but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and ongoing support. Dr Adams says the programme not only delivers vital surgeries, but helps build local capability so more children can be treated closer to home.

“There’s a real opportunity to make a difference for years to come.”

📷 Photography credit: Children First Foundation.

🌐 Check the comments for link to full story, and an interview with Dr Adams on Radio New Zealand.

24/08/2026

Cheers Leo 💙