Papamoa Pines Medical Centres

04/02/2026

In the Cook Islands, 500 cases of dengue have been reported since last May.

03/02/2026

More good news - this week we also welcomed Dr Thomas Cameron-Dunn back to Papamoa Pines. Tom has been abroad travelling and working for the last year and has returned to us to complete his formal GP training as our GP registrar - thrilled to have him back !!

03/02/2026

We are delighted to welcome Dr Maarten Seesing to Papamoa Pines . Maarten completed his medical training in the Netherlands and holds a PhD in surgery as well as being a qualified GP.
He has just arrived in New Zealand with his young family and will be seeing patients from next week

02/02/2026

The drug costs about $460 a month for patients in New Zealand.

29/01/2026

Please note that changes are subject to agreement with your GP at an appropriate appointment

Who's eligible and what are the potential risks and benefits for patients and prescribers?

29/01/2026

📢 Measles case confirmed in Tauranga today

We have confirmed a new measles case in Tauranga, likely linked to overseas travel. It is not connected to the recent national outbreak.

Our public health team is supporting the person and their close contacts as they isolate.

Current locations of interest (will be updated if more are identified):
📍 The General Cafe, Mt Maunganui
📍 PAK'nSAVE Cameron Road, Tauranga

View locations of interest: http://spr.ly/6188h8W1p

Symptoms to look for:
🤒 High fever
🤧 Cough, runny nose, sore red eyes
🔴 Rash starting on the face and spreading down the body

If you have symptoms, please phone your GP before visiting the clinic.

Check your MMR vaccination status.

Two doses protect you best. The MMR vaccine is free for all children and young people under 18 and for adults eligible for publicly funded healthcare.

This case is a reminder of New Zealand’s ongoing risk of further measles outbreaks, especially with overseas travel and low immunisation rates. Please check that you and your whānau are protected. 💙

27/01/2026

111 calls from mobile phones - IMPORTANT

3G is shutting down In NZ
You may have heard 3G is shutting down across New Zealand. 3G technology has served us well, but it’s coming to the end of its life. That’s why, on 31 March 2026, all 3G networks will be switched off.

This change will allow for investment in faster 4G and 5G for a better-connected future.

Importantly - mobile phones that are not 4G compatible will not be able to make 111 calls after 31 March 2026 It’s also worth checking in on whānau and friends who aren’t so tech savvy – especially those with older or imported devices.


How to help whānau and friends check their devices - spark customers......The easiest way is to use our SMS service (you can double-check your own device too):

Text ‘3G’ to 550 from their mobile (free of charge, even for other NZ mobile providers).

This will outline the steps needed to stay connected. If their device can’t text (e.g. security cameras or medical devices that use a mobile network), use the IMEI checker on the Spark website to see if it can connect to 4G.

27/01/2026

From February some changes are commencing regarding repeat medication
Please be advised that the swap to annual medication can only be approved following an appointment with your GP - the nurses are not able to implement this decision by phone

27/01/2026

23/01/2026

Kia Ora,
We wish to take a moment to acknowledge the recent severe weather events in our community and the profound sorrow that is enveloping us at this time
Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of those who are directly affected by the awful landslide at Mt Maunganui beachside holiday park at the foot of Mauao.
We also want to acknowledge and thank the emergency responders and volunteers who have been supporting our incredible community at this time
We cannot imagine how torturous it is to wait for news of a trapped family member - as a nation we hold our breaths as we wait with gratitude to all those who are helping to return loved ones home to their families

23/12/2025

🎥 Santa Cam Preview

One of the most popular features of NORAD Tracks Santa is the Santa Cam. Beginning on December 24, NORAD will release video clips from around the world showing Santa as he passes key locations. These clips are produced using a combination of animation, satellite-based positioning, and NORAD’s global tracking data.

Santa Cam videos are released throughout the day to help families follow Santa’s journey in a fun and educational way. They also support geography learning, since each clip highlights a unique region of the world.

Santa Cam releases begin the morning of December 24. Follow along at www.noradsanta.org/en/

22/12/2025

Merry Christmas from everyone at Papamoa Pines
Have a fabulous holiday - be safe ❤️