Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance

02/12/2025

🎉Celebrating a smokefree whānau 🎉

Mum Bernie and daughter Chanelle quit together! Chanelle accepted a referral from a Te Manu Toroa kaimahi to Hāpainga Stop Smoking Service.
Her motivation: “I am my mum's caregiver and I don't want my daughter to have to be mine.”
When Bernie saw the support we could provide, she joined too. A huge step for her health, living with COPD. Now the two of them are smokefree and have joined a walking group with Sport BOP.

Here’s to a healthier future 🥳
For free quit support contact us on 0800427246

26/11/2025

What are you doing on the 9th, 10th and 11th of December? If you are in the Whakatāne area, then you could be a lifesaver! To book an appointment, click the link below or book via the app.

https://www.nzblood.co.nz/booking

24/11/2025

🎄Before the whānau gathers, make sure everyone’s immunisations are up to date - it’s an easy way to show care.

❓Not sure if you or your tamariki are covered? Talk to your GP first or visit info.health.nz/measles-immunity or call 0800 28 29 26 for support.

🤧If you’re feeling unwell, rest up at home and join in once you’re better.

👶Keep pēpi protected and strong - stay on top of their immunisations.

17/11/2025

Asbestos exposure is Aotearoa’s number one workplace killer.

Around 220 people die each year from preventable asbestos-related disease. The airborne fibres are so small they’re invisible to the naked eye, and can cause harm when breathed in. There are no safe levels of exposure.

The dangers are widely known, so there are no excuses.

Learn how to protect yourself and others at https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/asbestos/asbestos-awareness-week/

16/11/2025

🎤 Disposing of recalled coloured sand products

What's happening?

📌 The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has issued a public recall for rainbow sand from Educational Colours and coloured sand from Creatistics, after tests found tremolite (a naturally occurring asbestos).

📌 They have advised anyone wishing to dispose of the recalled coloured sand products should contact their local council.

What do I do if I need to dispose of the recalled sand?

📌 From today, you can drop off these products at both the Whakatāne and Murupara Resource Recovery Centres (♻ aka 'dumps' ♻). Each site has a dedicated drop-off spot, which is a clearly marked wheelie bin for this material.

How do I dispose of the products safely?

📌 Households and schools: Please check in with the weighbridge at Whakatāne, or with staff at Murupara, and they will direct you to the drop-off point.

📌 Retailers: Please arrange disposal through a licensed asbestos removal specialist. You can find registered providers on the WorkSafe website.

📌 Before dropping anything off: Double bag the material in sealed plastic bags, or wrap it in plastic and tape it securely. WorkSafe provides further guidance on how to handle asbestos safely.

We will continue to update you if advice changes. For any further information, questions, or health advice, please see the below websites:

🔗 www.worksafe.govt.nz/tools-registers-resources/registers/asbestos-licence-holder-register-old/

🔗 www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/asbestos/

🔗 https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/healthy-homes-environments/hazardous-substances/asbestos/asbestos-in-sand

🔗www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/recall-of-ec-rainbow-sand-and-creatistics-coloured-sand-1-3kg-due-to-potential-asbestos-contamination

16/11/2025

💛 ACC Whānau Navigation — Free Support for Whānau
From Ōpōtiki and down the cape✔️

Navigating the ACC system can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on healing and looking after your whānau. Our ACC Whānau Navigation team at KŌ Kollective Trust is here to help, at no cost to you.

We can support you to:
• Understand your ACC entitlements
• Lodge, progress, or review a claim
• Access treatment options
• Receive advocacy and navigation support

Whether it’s an injury, mental health claim, or long-term recovery plan, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our kaimahi are here to walk alongside you and your whānau every step of the way.

📍 44A Goring Street, Ōpōtiki
📞 Call us on 0800 628 222
📱 Contact Shaniah: 027 341 0326

“Ko toiora te whāinga taioerore, mō ngā whānau, me te aporei whānui.”

12/11/2025

Building the future of health

30/10/2025

30/10/2025

“I did it for my daughter.”

After hearing her Hāpainga stop smoking kaiārahi share her own quit journey, young mum Sariah Tuanau realised change was possible — and she’s never looked back.

“Before I quit, I felt stuck and tired all the time. Now I have more energy, I’m more present with my daughter, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I wanted to be a healthy example for her — and I’ve done it.” 💛

If you’re thinking about quitting, take it one day at a time. You’re stronger than you think — and Hapainga Stop Smoking Service is here to help.

Call us today for free, friendly support on your quit smoking journey 0800427246

28/10/2025

Community Hauora Event in Opotiki - Tomorrow!

In association with NPHS, Plunket, EBPHA, Whakatohea and Opotiki GP Practices, we are hosting an immunisation drop-in day at Plunket Ōpōtiki, 26 Elliot St, Thursday 30th October 9am – 3pm.

If enough of our whānau are fully immunised, we can prevent nasty diseases like Measles or Whooping Cough from ever returning. For whanau with patai, questions or concerns, Nurses and immunisers will be available to chat. Everyone is welcome.

22/10/2025

Health worker strikes are planned for 23 October - 7am, 24 October. Please help keep emergency departments for emergencies only.

Find the right care for you and your family:
👨🏽‍⚕️ Your usual GP or nurse - Many offer same-day appointments for urgent issues
👩🏽‍⚕️ Pharmacy - Great for coughs, colds, minor infections, emergency contraception, immunisations and more
📱 Self-care advice - Visit info.health.nz for trusted tips on managing symptoms at home
☎️ Healthline - Free 24/7 advice from qualified nurses and paramedics: 0800 611 116
🏥 After-hours or urgent care clinic - For non-life-threatening issues like cuts, sprains or minor injuries
☎️ Ka Ora - Rural Telecare - After-hours help from a doctor or nurse: 0800 252 672
📱 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 any time, for free mental health support and advice from trained counsellors
🚑 Emergency? Call 111 - For chest pain, breathing problems, choking, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, severe allergy/anaphylaxis, severe burns, or severe pain
👉🏽 Find the right healthcare: https://info.health.nz/services-support/find-the-right-healthcare-for-you-and-your-whanau
👉🏽 Strike info: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/employment-relations/industrial-action