Te Roopu Tautoko Ki Te Tonga

05/01/2026

• Why Immunisation Still Matters: Protecting Our Tamariki and Ourselves •

Childhood immunisations have long been one of the safest and most trusted ways to protect tamariki in Aotearoa. Before the Covid era brought confusion, immunisation fatigue, and a wave of misinformation, families understood that vaccines were essential in keeping horrible diseases like polio and a raft of others far from our shores. Vaccines don’t just stop sickness in the moment, they help strengthen our immune systems for life.

But when people begin to feel complacent, these old enemies can return. Polio may seem like something from the history books, yet it can come back if too many children go unvaccinated. We’re already seeing the consequences with measles, which is currently resurfacing in New Zealand. Measles is not just a rash; it is a painful, exhausting illness that can spread rapidly and cause serious complications.

Immunisation works by giving a tiny, harmless dose that teaches your body how to fight the real disease. It’s much safer than “letting kids catch it naturally,” a claim some people have started promoting. The truth is, no one can guarantee a child will recover safely, especially if they have hidden health issues.

Protecting your tamariki protects your whānau. And protecting your whānau protects your community. Immunisation keeps us all safer, together.
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To book tamariki immunisations or to check if yours are up to date contact Te Roopu | 03 477 4670 | clinic@teroopu.nz
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Image: Clients await immunisations at Te Roopu clinic.

21/12/2025

This past week the team at Te Roopu set up space to welcome our Kaumatua to celebrate Kirihimete. The kai cooker was filled with kai, the instruments were set up for carols and the tables were dressed for the season. Meri Kirihimete whānau!
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• Kaumatūa Group •
These gatherings are all about whanaungatanga and feeling at home. We bring kaumātua together for social time, cultural activities, and waiata that lift the wairua. There’s plenty of laughter, good korero, and a shared hot lunch at midday, because kai is best enjoyed with friends. Join us for connection, culture, and care in a welcoming space.

16/12/2025

• Immunising with Aroha: Te Roopu’s Whānau-Centred Care •
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Te Roopu Tautoko ki te Tonga, “The Support Group of the South”, provides health and wellbeing services guided by kaupapa Māori values. Our mission is simple: to support Dunedin and surrounding communities with care grounded in aroha and respect.

Childhood immunisation remains one of the most effective ways to protect tamariki from serious illness. We offer free immunisations delivered in a culturally safe, whānau-focused setting. Our team provides clear, trustworthy information so you can make the best decisions for your baby’s health, without pressure, and always with compassion.

Our clinic in central Dunedin provides a warm, welcoming space for everyone. You’ll never feel rushed or out of place and there’s always room for your circle of care. Parents and caregivers are welcome to bring their whānau and support people, creating an environment of comfort and connection. With Saturday clinics and evening outreach, we ensure flexible, accessible care that fits the needs of every whānau.

By protecting your tamariki today, you help them grow strong, stay healthy, and thrive for years to come. Te Roopu stands beside you, not above you, in every choice you make for the wellbeing of you and your whānau.
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Contact: clinic@tautoko.maori.nz | 03-477 4670 | 6 Wolseley St, Dunedin
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Image: We provide a welcoming, comfortable clinic space with room for your support network.

14/12/2025

• Join us for Fitness Boxing •
Fitness not fighting. Gain empowerment, friendship, and confidence. All you need to bring is your water bottle, everything else is provided. Sessions are free (koha is appreciated).

Mana Rangatahi – Mondays 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Mana Takatapui – Mondays 5pm – 5:45pm
Mana Wahine – Wednesdays 6pm – 7:30pm

Free child minding on site.

04/12/2025

Tēnā koutou katoa, there is now a confirmed case of Measles in Dunedin.

🤱🏽Our Pēpi and Tamariki Immunisation clinic is open on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.
⌚️Walk in clinic or if you prefer, call us to book a time.
❓If you are unsure whether you or your whānau's immunisations are up to date, give us a call and we can check for you.
📞Contact us on (03) 477 4670 or email clinic@teroopu.nz

Five new measles cases have been confirmed today – one in Dunedin, three in Auckland and one in Waikato. The number of known measles cases nationally since 8 October is now 27.

📍 Check the Locations of Interest page and follow public health advice: http://spr.ly/61897v6H1
🛑 Measles spreads *very easily*. If you're feeling unwell, stay home and call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
💙 Immunisation is your best protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect 99% of people.
🔵 Booking options for getting a vaccine can be found on this page: info.health.nz/immunisations/booking-a-vaccine

✅ No appointment? No problem! Many clinics and some pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations.

🔍 Symptoms to watch for: high fever / cough, runny nose, sore red eyes / rash starting on the face, spreading down the body.

📞 Suspect measles? If you plan to visit a doctor's clinic, or urgent care, please make sure you call ahead before visiting. This enables the clinic to prepare and take the right precautions to protect others from catching measles.

More info: http://spr.ly/61887v6HE

02/12/2025

🍃 Kia ora. Are you fully immunised against measles? If you're unsure or have questions about how to get immunised, call us for a korero. 🍃
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People born between 1969 and 2004 in Aotearoa, New Zealand may not have been fully immunised against measles. During this period, the vaccination guidelines or coverage may not have ensured a two-dose vaccination for everyone. Getting the two-dose MMR vaccine is safe and free for most people to ensure full protection against this serious and highly contagious disease.

02/12/2025

🍃 O tatou hoa at WellSouth are running a free rongoā clinic at Araiteuru Marae this Saturday, 6th December. The clinic is open to all Māori, and to anyone working in primary health care who is interested to know more about rongoā Māori.

They'll have eight tables running in the wharenui from 10:30-2:30pm. There's no need to RSVP or book, just turn up on the day. 🍃
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Rongoā/Rokoā is a tikanga Māori healing practice that includes using native plant-based remedies, physical therapies like massage, and spiritual healing. It is a holistic system that was traditionally passed down orally and involves a deep connection to the natural environment.

25/11/2025

🍃 Affordable, Inclusive Healthcare for Our Community 🍃

Dunedin Community Health is an organisation dedicated to breaking down the financial barriers to healthcare and they facilitate truly low-cost GP and nurse consultations and a host of other healthcare services within the Te Roopu complex. Their clinic operates in a warm, whānau-friendly space with room to bring your whānau or support network.

Pricing has been thoughtfully structured to be as affordable as possible:
Adults: $15
Young people (14–17 years): $12
Children under 14: Free

The model is designed to support those with limited resources who may not be able to afford standard general practice fees.
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🍃 Share this korero with your hapori 🍃

19/11/2025

A subtle but important change we've made recently, which is certainly news-worthy is the fact that we have simplified our web address and 'teroopu.nz' will now take you there 🥳

www.teroopu.nz

We'll also be updating and editing the site over the next little while to better reflect our services and to better serve you, our tāngata.

We best get on with the mahi then 💪😊

12/11/2025

Protect your babies, as we have for generations.

🌿 Our Saturday clinics for Tamariki Immunisations begin this Saturday from 10am until 2pm. Walk-ins welcome. 6 Wolseley St, Dunedin.

Bring your whánau and hoa tautoko and help protect your pépi against childhood disease 🌿

🔸 share this korero with your online hapori 🔸

12/11/2025

🌿Whānau Hauora Day is almost here! 🌿

Join WellSouth and Araiteuru Marae for a fun whānau hauora health day!

WellSouth will be on-site with hauora professionals offering FREE health checks, support, and friendly kōrero.

Not long to go now, whānau - and we can’t wait to see you there! 💚

We’ve got a fantastic line-up for the day, including:

✨Local stallholders & delicious food trucks

🎨Make your own artwork & mindfulness activities

🐝Learn all about bees

💎Crystals & handmade crafts

💆‍♀️Acupuncture, mirimiri & sensory products

💉Health checks, blood pressure, diabetes, and HPV screening

🧠Mental health support and wellbeing resources

🎯Fun games, prizes, and face painting for the tamariki!

🔥Pre-order your hāngi here! https://forms.gle/dPykawHb9NoesSsaA (Don’t miss out — they’ll go fast!)

Spot prizes and much more - it’s going to be an awesome day for the whole whānau - full of fun, connection, kai and hauora 💫

📅22 November

📍Araiteuru Marae - 24 Shetland Stm Māori Hill, Dunedin

🕙10am-2pm

Head to the Facebook Event Page for more information and updates: https://www.facebook.com/share/14NzfDvN1Q5/

Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities Te Roopu Tautoko Ki Te Tonga