The Doctors NZ

11/12/2025

🆓Free support is available to help you make healthy lifestyle changes

Our Health Coaches are an integral part of our clinical team. Working alongside our doctors and nurses, they provide physical and mental wellbeing support and tools. This includes making lifestyle changes to manage long-term health conditions like disabilities.

🆓Free support is available for enrolled patients, without long waits and often on the same day. To book, please talk to your GP or ask at Reception

10/12/2025

As we head into the warmer months, it’s important to enjoy the sun and surf safely. Protect your skin, stay hydrated, and make the most of our beautiful beaches safely!

09/12/2025

Helpful Tips for preventing or improving type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes can be prevented or improved by making lifestyle changes including:

*Healthy eating: Eat a balanced diet. Consider how much and when you eat, being mindful of carb, fibre, fat and salt intake. Find healthy and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes.
*Being active: Regular physical activity helps your cells use insulin and lowers your blood sugar
*Getting enough sleep: Poor sleep can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

All of these are important to your long-term health. If you’re struggling with your eating, exercise or sleep habits, please seek support and advice from our expert clinical team. We’re here to support your health and well-being.

08/12/2025

On the move this Christmas and need a doctor? Get a same-day online consultation with Doctors Online from the comfort of your home or wherever you are on your summer break takes you (excludes weekends and public holidays). Book an appointment at https://www.thedoctorsonline.co.nz/

06/12/2025

Know your risk: Diabetes

Signs and symptoms of diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes depend on how high your blood sugar is. It’s important to remember that some people don’t experience symptoms, especially for pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Common symptoms include:

Unexplained weight loss
Frequent urination
Extreme hunger
Irritability
Excessive thirst
Extreme tiredness
Blurred vision
Slow healing cuts and bruises

If you notice any of the above symptoms in you or a family member, it’s important to talk to a GP 👩‍⚕️for testing, diagnosis and treatment.

05/12/2025

The Holidays are on the way!

Please plan ahead for repeat prescriptions and routine appointments, as demand often increases at this time of year!

Holiday hours🎅🕎:

22 - 24 Dec: Open
25 Dec - 4 Jan: Closed
5 Jan 2026: Normal hours resume

Repeat prescriptions💊:

If you need repeat medications over the holidays, please order your repeat scripts by 19 December 2025, either by calling us or via The Doctors app. This helps us process your prescription in time. Don’t forget to tell us which pharmacy you’d like your script sent to.

Please note: Prescription requests will not be available via The Doctors App while we are closed over the Christmas period.

Need care while we're closed?

We recommend The Doctors Online (open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, except public holidays) for non-acute needs — see FAQs for suitability and fees.

Children under 14 free (with CSC)
Adults from $33 (with CSC)

For urgent / after hours care, please visit your nearest after-hours facility. For general health advice, call 📞Healthline on 0800 611 116. In an emergency, call 📞111.

04/12/2025

Don’t let hayfever sniffles get in the way of your summer fun! Have a chat with us if you need support managing it. Find your nearest medical centre: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/find-medical-centre

03/12/2025

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is when the level of glucose in your blood is too high.

If it’s not controlled, it can damage the organs in your body. The amount of glucose in your body is controlled by hormones - primarily insulin. With diabetes, your body is unable to produce insulin, or it doesn’t respond properly to the insulin it produces.

Types of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes:
This is an auto-immune condition where the body attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin, so not enough is produced. Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood and can appear suddenly, often after a viral infection. Type 1 diabetes isn’t lifestyle related.

Type 2 diabetes:
When your body can’t use insulin effectively. The insulin-making cells in your pancreas produce insulin, but the insulin isn’t working well. About 90% of people with diabetes have type 2, and it's one of the fastest growing preventable health conditions in New Zealand.

Gestational diabetes:
When a pregnant woman who was not known to have diabetes before pregnancy develops high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. About 4-8% of pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. If left untreated it can lead to problems for both mum and baby. Usually, it goes away after giving birth but may recur in future pregnancies.

Pre-diabetes:
Pre-diabetes is when your blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. People with pre-diabetes can make lifestyle changes to reverse diagnosis.

Treatment options depend on your diabetes diagnosis. Common treatment plans include oral medication or insulin medication and regularly monitoring blood sugar levels. While it may feel overwhelming when first diagnosed, remember there’s plenty of support available, and you’re not alone.

01/12/2025

Have you tried The Doctors App?

It’s an easy way for our registered patients to:

✅View lab test results

✅ Request repeat prescriptions

✅Book appointments

Available on your phone, tablet, or computer – making healthcare simple and easy!

Check participating practices and download it today: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/the-doctors-app

01/12/2025

🆓Measles Outbreak - FREE vaccines

Measles is highly infectious. This year in Aotearoa New Zealand we have already had cases of measles.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is now FREE 🆓in New Zealand for adults and children. Health NZ has agreed to fund MMR vaccine doses during measles outbreaks for non-immune adults who are not typically eligible for funded healthcare.

After one dose of the vaccine, around 95% of people are fully protected, and after 2 doses, 99% of people are fully protected.

The MMR vaccine is the best form of protection against measles.
Book your free MMR vaccine today at one of our medical centres! If you or your whānau feel unwell, please stay home and call us before visiting.

Learn more: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles

26/11/2025

What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

You might have seen a nurse practitioner at your local clinic – but what exactly do they do?

Nurse Practitioners are highly trained healthcare professionals who can:

✅ Diagnose and treat health conditions
✅ Prescribe medications
✅ Order and interpret tests
✅ Manage ongoing care for a wide range of health needs

They work closely alongside doctors, nurses and the wider healthcare team to provide expert patient centered care.

To find out more click here - https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/healthcare-team/nurse-practitioners

25/11/2025

Moving soon? Stay within the same network!

With 65 medical centres across New Zealand, there’s a good chance we’re already in your new neighborhood!

If you're relocating, speak to our team before you go — we can help you transfer your care to one of our other medical centres, making the move easier for you and your family.

📍 Find your nearest medical centre here: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/find-medical-centre

20/11/2025

If you need to see a GP sooner than your regular clinic can offer, or you’d prefer the convenience of online GP services, we recommend The Doctors Online.
- Free online consults for children under 14 (with CSC)
- Adults from $33 (with CSC)

See FAQs for suitability and fees at https://www.thedoctorsonline.co.nz

17/11/2025

Measles symptoms usually develop 7 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore and watery pink eyes, followed by a blotchy rash.

If you or your whānau feel unwell, you can call Healthline for advice and information about what to do next. Please don’t visit the practice if you feel unwell – call your practice before coming in.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is now free for adults from 1 October 2025. Book your free MMR vaccine today with one of our medical centres!

12/11/2025

Are your vaccinations up to date?

As the flu and COVID-19 continue to circulate, it’s important to check that your vaccinations are up to date.

Vaccination remains a key defense in reducing severe illness and protecting our communities. Whether it's your annual flu shot or the latest COVID-19 booster, staying current helps keep you and those around safe.

For more information contact your local centre or visit the health NZ website for more: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/covid-19-vaccines

05/11/2025

Measles is highly infectious. This year in Aotearoa New Zealand we have already had cases of measles. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is now free for adults as of 1 October 2025! After one dose of the vaccine, around 95% of people are fully protected, and after 2 doses, 99% of people are fully protected.

Book your free MMR vaccine today at one of our medical centres!

If you or your whānau feel unwell, you can call Healthline for advice and information about what to do next. Please don’t visit the practice if you feel unwell – call your practice before coming in.

Learn more: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles

04/11/2025

November is Diabetes Action Month – a timely reminder to seek medical advice if you have concerns or have had a recent diagnosis of diabetes. It’s reasonably common in New Zealand with over 323,700 people living with it. Young people can get diabetes too – know what to look for. Get more information from the experts: https://www.diabetesactionmonth.org.nz/

03/11/2025

1.8 billion people around the world are disabled – representing 17% of the global population. Purple Tuesday is a reminder to work towards accessibility everyday, everywhere for everyone.Learn more: https://purpletuesday.co/

14/10/2025

🏠 Moving soon? You may not need to change healthcare providers! With over 65 medical centres nationwide, we can help you transfer to one of our other practices.

Speak to our team before you go to find out more.

View our full list of medical centres here: https://thedoctors.co.nz/

08/10/2025

🌟Planning ahead for the holidays🌟

Our practice will be closed on Monday 27 October for Labour Day.

Over Christmas and New Year, we’ll close on Thursday 25 December and re-open on Monday 5 January 2026.

If you need repeat medications during these periods, please order your prescriptions in advance so we have enough time to process them before the holidays.

06/10/2025

Prostate checks are a simple way to look after long-term health, sexual function, and quality of life.

💠 When to start the conversation?
- If you’re 50+ (and have a prostate), have a chat with your GP about screening.
- If you have a family history (dad/brother diagnosed before 65) or you’re Māori or Pacific, talk to your GP earlier — from 40–45.
- Screening isn’t usually recommended over 70, but your GP can advise based on your health.
- Noticed changes (peeing more often, pain, blood, etc.)? Don’t wait — book in.

💠 What to expect?
- Most people start with a PSA blood test. A higher result doesn’t always mean cancer, but it may mean further checks.
- Depending on results, your GP might suggest a digital re**al exam, repeat PSA, or a specialist referral.
- We’ll talk you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Learn more:

Men should be proactive in taking responsibility for their health & wellbeing, and getting tested regularly. More options are available if prostate cancer is detected before it causes symptoms (not common in the early stages). Not all doctors are proactive in promoting prostate cancer testing so men...

01/10/2025

Regular cervical screening picks up early HPV changes and can prevent most cervical cancers.

▪ Who’s it for?
If you’re 25–69 and have a cervix, you’re due every 5 years — even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine. First timer? Book your first test at 25.
If you have unusual bleeding, pain, or discharge, please see your GP now — don’t wait.

▪ How it works
You can do a quick vaginal swab yourself in a private space at our clinic. Many people find it faster and more comfortable than a smear. It checks for HPV, and results go straight to your GP. If HPV is found, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

To book a smear, please call us.

Learn more:

Cervical screening every 5 years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Find out how to get cervical screening.

29/09/2025

There are a variety of contraception or birth control methods that prevent pregnancy, each with pros and cons. 👍👎

If you're considering contraception, your chosen method will come down to personal preference, and how your body feels. Here we compare some of the most common contraceptive options available. 💊

We recommend talking through the available options with a GP or Nurse Practitioner. If one method is giving you negative side effects impacting your life, please come back and see us, so that we can look at another option for you.

Some contraceptives may also be subsidised - ask your GP or NP to find out more.

To book an appointment, please use The Doctors App or call us.

28/09/2025

A reminder that we offer confidential, supportive sexual & reproductive healthcare.

We can help with:
- Contraception (pills, IUDs, implants, emergency contraception)
- Pregnancy testing & options counselling
- STI & HIV testing/treatment (incl. access to PrEP)
- Cervical screening — self-test swab or clinician smear
- HPV vaccination (ages 9–26)
- Prostate checks
- Support for sexual concerns
- Reproductive health care: preconception, fertility, menopause

To book an appointment, please use The Doctors App or call us.