Health NZ - Taranaki

13/11/2025

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

Do you know a health volunteer who deserves an award? Nominate them today!

This is an amazing way to celebrate the incredible volunteers who play a huge part in supporting our health system!

To nominate an individual or group, complete the nomination form and email it to VolunteerAwards@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

You can find the form at the bottom of this page: http://spr.ly/61887Vz8r

Applications close on Sunday, 23 November at 5pm.

11/11/2025

Our friends Tui Ora are hosting a range of drop-in vaccination clinics across Taranaki - starting at Marfell Kindy this Wednesday (12 November).

Over the next fortnight, they will be events in Urenui, New Plymouth, Waitara, Mōkau and Ōpunakē. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about your vaccination status and ask their friendly nurses any pātai you may have.

To find out more visit 👉 http://spr.ly/61837TvgN

10/11/2025

"When the Christchurch earthquakes hit, my life took such a shake that I rethought everything. I realised I needed to do something that mattered, so I went back to study nursing at 39 and graduated at 42.

To make things interesting, I’d just started my new grad nursing job when I was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer, right at the start of my new career. In a strange way, it felt like a gift from the healthcare universe...some lived experience I didn’t know I needed.

Being a patient made me a better nurse. I know what it’s like... sleeping in a ward, getting cannulated, going under anaesthetic, waiting for results. You can’t learn that in a lecture theatre. It changed how I care. I know what small kindness means when you’re lying in that bed.

When treatment ended, I moved into District Nursing. It was such a different world, and I loved it. Out in the community, you see the whole person. They invite you into their homes... their world... and that is a privilege. You see the photos on their walls, their pets, the things that really matter to them. You’re also out there in an autonomous role, therefore it can feel more vulnerable than working from a hospital. Thankfully, we have an incredibly supportive boss who puts our wellbeing first, and a team that really looks out for each other.

I guess after what I’ve experienced, District Nursing just feels right... helping people in the community whose lives may have been shaken up, just like mine was."

Amanda Richardson - Continence CNS / District Nurse - Taranaki Base Hospital

10/11/2025

Cutting-edge X-ray technology now in Stratford

The Stratford community in Taranaki will benefit from improved access to diagnostic services with the installation of a new state-of-the-art digital X-ray system at the Stratford Health Centre, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This means patients no longer need to travel to Taranaki Base Hospital for a wide range of imaging services,” Mr Brown says.

“The ceiling-mounted unit will deliver faster image processing and greater accuracy, improving the quality and efficiency of radiology services for Stratford patients.

“Its advanced automatic positioning technology and lightweight design make it easier for clinicians to use around patients and their injuries, supporting a safer and more comfortable experience.”

This major upgrade completes the rollout of new digital X-ray machines across Taranaki’s satellite health centres, following earlier installations in Hāwera and Waitara.

“This is another important step in strengthening local health services and ensuring people can get the care they need closer to home.”

Radiology capability in the region will be further expanded when the New East Wing Building (NEWB) radiology department opens at Taranaki Base Hospital in 2026.

“When the department moves into the NEWB, it will shift into a purpose-built suite equipped with some of the most advanced imaging technology in the country.

“The new department will include a second CT machine, a fluoroscopy machine, a new MRI, SPECT CT, cone beam CT, ultrasound, and enhanced X-ray capabilities – significantly boosting diagnostic capacity.

“We’re focused on making sure all New Zealanders, including those Stratford and the wider Taranaki region, can access timely, quality healthcare when they need it.

“Upgrades like this new digital X-ray system are essential to achieving that goal, improving outcomes for patients and ensuring more people receive diagnostic services they need, closer to home.”

07/11/2025

🏥 A proud and exciting day for Taranaki! 🎉🏥🌿

This morning, Te Hōpua Whakahauora – the new Taranaki Cancer Centre - was officially opened at Taranaki Base Hospital by Minister of Health Simeon Brown, marking a major milestone for cancer care in our region. 💙

“Patients across Taranaki now have access to world-class cancer care closer to home,” said Minister Brown. “This purpose-built facility delivers modern, patient-focused treatment designed to meet the region’s needs now and into the future.”

🙌 A special shout-out to the amazing kaimahi involved, Energy Works, Toi Foundation and the unwavering Taranaki Health Foundation for their support.

🔗 View the full media release:
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/life-changing-cancer-care-closer-home-taranaki

06/11/2025

"I’ve spent quite a lot of time in rooms where someone has just passed. At first, it frightened me… but over time, I’ve learned to be at peace with it. I’ve been through it with my father, with my mother-in-law. Now I’m comfortable — they often call me to help in those situations. It’s really just about offering respect… for the person, for their life, for the families they leave behind.

I came to New Zealand from Fiji with my husband and children after our names came up in the visa ballot. We wanted a better future for our kids. We already had a cleaning business, but working in the hospital felt different — it felt like purpose, a place where I could help in a different way. So my husband and I both now clean here at the hospital.

I clean everywhere — ICU, ED, maternity — wherever I’m needed. Maternity is my favourite. You see new life start, families smiling, and I help translate for new parents who speak Hindi — it’s a lovely way to help out.

I do this because I like to be of service, and I like keeping busy — I can’t sit still. My husband says I never stop moving, haha. There’ll be plenty of time to be still later in life.”

Renuka — Cleaner, Taranaki Base Hospital

06/11/2025

05/11/2025

Now is the perfect time to check your immunisation status and book your MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is free for:
- Everyone aged under 18 (regardless of immigration status)
- Adults over 18 eligible for funded healthcare
- Some non-eligible adults during outbreaks in affected regions

How to book 📅

For ages 13 and over, vaccinations can be booked online or over the phone.

- Book a vaccine online: bookmyvaccine.health.nz
- Book over the phone: 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).

For those aged 13 and under, contact your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider to book an appointment.

Children over 3 years old can get an MMR vaccine at lots of pharmacies. You can search for one near you on Healthpoint: www.healthpoint.co.nz/immunisation


You can also book through your GP, nurse, or Hauora Māori or Pacific healthcare provider.

Need help? Call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 (Mon–Fri 8:30am–9pm, weekends 8:30am–2pm) for support). Interpreters, Māori kaimahi or disability advisors are available.

05/11/2025

Now is the perfect time to check your immunisation status and book your MMR vaccine. Visit bookmyvaccine.health.nz to book online.

You can also book through your GP, nurse, or Hauora Māori or Pacific healthcare provider.

Need help? Call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 (between 8.30am and 9pm Mon-Fri, or 9am - 2pm Sat and Sun, except public holidays).

The MMR vaccine is free for:

✅ Everyone aged under 18 (regardless of immigration status)
✅ Adults over 18 eligible for funded healthcare
✅ Some non-eligible adults during outbreaks in affected regions

Children over 3 years old can get an MMR vaccine at lots of pharmacies. You can search for one near you on Healthpoint: healthpoint.co.nz/immunisation