HRS Occupational Health & Wellness

10/04/2026

Just a little end of the week FYI….

Severe weather is forecast and now is the time to prepare.

Red and orange weather warnings are in place ahead of Cyclone Vaianu, a category 2 storm expected to affect the North Island on Sunday. It’s forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation, with a potential threat to life.

Workers should speak up if they feel unsafe. You have the right to stop or refuse work if it can’t be done safely.

Workplaces should secure outdoor equipment and consider postponing non‑essential work. Be prepared for power or communication outages and review risks as conditions change.

Check our guidance: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/natural-events-and-emergencies/working-in-extreme-outdoor-conditions/

Follow advice from local civil defence and MetService New Zealand.

26/03/2026

I can confirm I am not the most philosophical of gals… however as March nears an end it marks a whole 12 months of operating as HRS and working with my first businesses. It also conicides with being asked to share a reflective piece for the Fonterra Health and Wellbeing team as they reach their milestone of 10 years as a national team, and despite my youth I happened to be there right from the start… 😉

The role of Occupational Health has morphed so much in those 10 years. It’s moved from being what felt like pure compliance and risk management to being a true position of privilege. From helping teams, businesses, individuals thrive or helping navigate just being a human who needs to ride the bumps to show up. It’s soo much more than just ticking the annual checklist and I am so here for that journey.

A giant thanks to those who have already trusted me with their teams health, wellness & workplace journeys. I truely hope I can make a small positive difference from a humble office here in Hawera!

Here’s to the next 12 months!

13/03/2026

Thank god I took my ute and not the beetle to a worksite today! The most iconic scenery out the back of Papaiti not to mention working with absolutely awesome forestry crew! Sure you get to meet some fab people doing fab things in my travels!

09/03/2026

WorkSafe has issued a report card showing the horticulture industry could do better when it comes to managing hazardous substances and machinery safety, particularly around power take-off (PTO) shafts on tractors.

22/02/2026

Currently working on my Beyond the Health Check info evening.... want to know a bit more about what this could all be about? RSVP to sarah@hrsoccupationalhealthandwellness.co.nz and come join the convo

16/02/2026

Need a wee reminder on respirator use? This is a fab wee reminder.

Are you and your staff up to date with your fit testing??? If not we are able to help!!!

09/02/2026

While it sure has been a fair while since I wore scrubs and handled a vaccination... there might be some similarities...

04/02/2026

Rural Support Taranaki has joined forces to hold yet another event to aid in strengthening our rural communities. Check out the latest event to add some more tools to the toolbox in supporting not only family but your employees and colleagues....

29/01/2026

UPDATE (2 February)- The temporary water restrictions for Hāwera, Okaiawa, Ōhawe, Normanby and the Kapuni area are now LIFTED. The technical issues at the water treatment plant have been fixed. Thanks for your efforts to conserve water use.

Kia ora everyone,

Due to a technical issue at the Kapuni Water Treatment Plant, water supply is currently limited. As a result, we are asking all residents on council water supply in Hāwera, Okaiawa, Ōhawe, Normanby and the Kapuni area to conserve water immediately.

The issue means the plant is temporarily unable to meet usual levels of demand at this time.

Please avoid all non-essential water use, such as car washing, garden watering or hosing, and similar activities, until further notice.

Reducing water use now will help ensure supply is available for essential needs across our community.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

22/01/2026

Curious how HRS can boost your workplace, your team, and your industry? Join us for after work nibbles and pick up some quick, practical tips on adding real value to your health, safety and wellness programs

RSVP to sarah@hrsoccupationalwellness.co.nz

13/01/2026

07/01/2026

Annndd... we are back for 2026!

Are you a small business and you're not sure what health monitoring means to you- here's a WorkSafe New Zealand quick read and as always- I am available to chat through how a health monitoring program could benefit your staff and your business!

Your workers’ health is important. Monitoring can be used to effectively manage health risks to your workers that arise from your work.