Health NZ - Taranaki

12/06/2026

Thoughts? Anyway, this is your reminder to check your balls, if you have them. It matters.

Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, but it's highly curable when found early. Get to know what's normal for you and check regularly.

Look for:
✅ A lump
✅ Changes in size or feel
✅ Pain or a heavy feeling

If something's not right, see a healthcare provider.

11/06/2026

Mobile Surgical has now delivered care to more than 2,000 patients in Hāwera, marking a significant milestone for healthcare access in the region.
The fully self-contained mobile surgical unit has been visiting Taranaki since 2002, bringing specialist care closer to home and reducing the need for patients and their whānau to travel outside the region.
The mobile surgical unit provides a range of minor surgical procedures, with a strong focus on paediatric dental care, alongside endoscopy services - two areas where timely access is critical for early diagnosis and intervention.
Endoscopy procedures are essential for diagnosing and monitoring gastrointestinal conditions, critical for one of its patients this week – Cindy Lewis from Stratford.
“I have to have five yearly checks as there is a history of bowel cancer in the family. It was an amazing experience on the bus – it was quick, no waiting, and the staff were really friendly. It is my third time having a colonoscopy and having that reassurance is so important to me.,” says Cindy.
Reaching 2,000 patients in Hāwera represents more than just a number - it reflects thousands of appointments that didn’t require long travel, time away from home, or extended waits. That makes a meaningful difference for people and their whānau. Providing healthcare closer to home for those who might otherwise struggle to access it is at the heart of everything we do.

09/06/2026

08/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to one of our own!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Dr Graham Fulton — our Scottish colleague and valued member of the South Taranaki Rural GP Practice, on achieving Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

Fellowship is one of the highest achievements in general practice and reflects years of training, learning, and delivering high quality care.

Graham joins three fellows across South Taranaki Rural Health who have achieved Fellowship, reflecting the strength and depth of general practice expertise within our district.

Graham has been with the practice for three years, after moving to New Zealand with his family more than a decade ago. From Scotland to South Taranaki, his dedication, skill, and calm professionalism have made an impact on the local community.

Reflecting on what he enjoys most about his work and general practice, Graham says:

“I enjoy the patient mix in rural communities — the down-to-earth people and the complex and challenging medicine that comes with caring for an older, high needs population. Being a GP is challenging, like all medical specialities. It requires the need to think on your toes and synthesise information quickly. However, it also gives you the opportunity to develop relationships with patients and their whānau and, in that sense, it’s a very privileged position”.

Congratulations, Graham — our South Taranaki community is grateful to have you. 👏🎓🌿

05/06/2026

Passionate about kai and food resilience in Taranaki? Join us for the fourth community wānanga of the BIG Kai Redesign!

Whether you represent a community organisation or are simply passionate about kai and how our food system works together to support our communities, we welcome you.

Attendance is free, simply scan the QR code or click the link in the comments below to register. Can't attend the event? We’d still love to hear from you. You can share your thoughts in our quick 4-minute survey below 👇

Nau mai, haere mai - let's unite to build a vibrant future for our community.

04/06/2026

A big thank you to the boys from New Plymouth Boys High School for their annual "Do something for Nothing" volunteering day. A group of boys came to Taranaki Base Hospital to do some maintenance on the Renal Unit | Te Huhi Raupō garden on Wednesday afternoon, saving approximately $5,000 in maintenance costs, and ensuring our dialysis patients continue to enjoy the stunning view during treatment.
Meanwhile, another group of NPBHS students had a bake sale to raise money for the Taranaki Cancer Centre | Te Hōpua Whakahauroa. We are very grateful to New Plymouth Boys High School for their continued support.

04/06/2026

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, you can help make a real difference 💚

One of the easiest ways to get involved is by ordering a free awareness pack and helping start conversations in your workplace, school, club, community group, or local business.

Each pack includes posters, brochures, and resources designed to help more people recognise the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and understand the importance of early detection.

Every poster displayed. Every resource shared. Every conversation started. It could help someone seek help sooner.

✨ It’s not too late to get involved this June. Order your free awareness pack today and help us reach more people across Aotearoa.
👉 Order your free awareness pack: https://bit.ly/3RKvhdL

04/06/2026

03/06/2026

Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats are back for 2026! Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is proud to continue its 36-year sponsorship with Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, backing these iconic events and young talent across New Zealand.

Supporting our young people to be smokefree and vapefree is important. Through music, creativity and performance, these events encourage young people/rangatahi to protect their breath/hā strengthen their wellbeing/wairua and perform at their best.

Protecting your breath means protecting your future - Hā ki roto, Hā ki waho.

Health NZ has partnered with Rockquest Promotions to create new Ambassador videos for 2026 featuring messages that encourage smokefree and vapefree lifestyles for young people/rangatahi.

Keen to support our local Taranaki talent this Saturday (6 June)? Check out the links in the comments below for more information👇

03/06/2026

We need your help! We are looking for volunteers to help direct people in the New East Wing Building once it is open. The new building is home to Emergency, Maternity, Neonatal, Radiology and ICU - and you can help people get to where they need to be.

You will be fully inducted and shown around the new building to make sure you can direct people to where they need to be. You will be able to volunteer for the hours that suit you.

If you would like to know more, either send us a message here, or email us at [email protected], and we will be in touch.