Tirohia te reo Māori

Unsure what health service you need or where to get it? Find out about what you and your whānau need to be prepared, and where and when to get help.

Being prepared

One of the most important things you and your family can do to look after your health is to register with a general practice in your area, so you have your own doctor.

The Healthpoint website provides up-to-date information about healthcare providers in your area. Finding services on Healthpoint – video guide

Self care

Make sure you have a medicine cabinet with pain killers, plasters, and antiseptic cream. You can buy all these from your local supermarket.

Health Navigator and Healthline are free resources you can use to get the information you need to take care of yourself and your whānau:

Health Navigator

The Health Navigator website provides one place for New Zealanders to find reliable and trustworthy self-care resources NZ health information | Health Navigator NZ

Healthline

Call Healthline 0800 611 116 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for free health advice. The Healthline team, that includes registered nurses, paramedics and health advisors, are specialists in assessing and advising over the phone on any health issue, no matter how small. Interpreters are available.

Other helplines that offer information & support

• 1737, Need to talk? - free call or text 24 hours, 7 days to connect with a mental health & addictions counsellor. Ph or text: 1737
• 0508 TAUTOKO (82 88 65) Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Alcohol Drug Helpline - 24 hours, 7 days. Ph 0800 787 797
• Lifeline - Ph 0800 543 354
• Depression Helpline - Ph 0800 111 757
• Youthline - free txt 234. Ph 0800 376 633
• Plunketline – 0800 933 922
• Family Violence Information Line - 0800 456 450

Pharmacy 

Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice on medication and minor health concerns. Pharmacies can sell “over the counter” medicines (no prescription is needed) and many pharmacies offer vaccinations. Find a pharmacist near you by visiting Healthpoint.

General practice

If you are unwell and it is not an emergency (when you should call 111), you should contact your general practice at any time of day. They will direct you to your nearest available medical care. Find a general practice in your area on Healthpoint.

You can also phone Healthline any time during the day or night on 0800 611 116 to talk to a health professional free of charge.

Urgent and after-hours care

Some general practices have extended opening hours. There are also Urgent Care Clinics across all districts. Find accident and urgent care clinics on Healthpoint.

Emergency Department (ED)

The Emergency Department at any hospital should be used in an emergency for critical or life-threatening situations. Find an emergency department on Healthpoint.

If you cannot travel to the Emergency Department yourself, you should dial 111 and ask for an “ambulance”.