The summer holidays are almost here so now is the time to remind New Zealanders of the healthcare options available to them over the festive period.

Some healthcare services are unavailable or operate for limited hours over Christmas and New Year, so it’s important to remember where you can go for help and support.

Hospital emergency departments and many urgent care clinics will remain open – so if it’s an emergency, always call 111 or go to ED if you are seriously unwell. 

If you need prescription medication over the summer break, contact your GP or healthcare provider early to stock up.

Visit healthpoint.co.nz for up-to-date information on your local GP and pharmacy opening hours.

If you need a doctor’s appointment while you are away on holiday, you can try your usual GP first, as many offer online and phone appointments. They may also have out-of-hours telehealth services too.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora National clinical director primary and community care Dr Sarah Clarke said in a recent press release, no matter where you are in the country, you can access care around the clock.

“If you are unsure what to do, then Healthline is available for free 24 hours a day on 0800 611 116,” said Clarke.

“Their clinicians can provide you with health advice and can also help you to find the services you need. 

“You can choose to speak with a Māori clinician if you’re calling between 8am and 8pm.

“When you call, you can use your mobile to share images and video – to help the team help you.”

Rural people and people holidaying in rural areas can access Ka Ora rural telecare after hours by calling 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672) or book online at kaora.co.nz.

“If you live rurally or you are visiting rurally, then you can access Ka Ora. They’re available from 5pm to 8am on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.”

“Ka Ora Telecare provides afterhours primary care services for our rural populations,” said Clarke.

If you are heading for the water, don’t forget to visit the “Can I Swim Here?” section of the Land Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at lawa.org.nz to view the latest information.

Keep sun smart this summer. You can access daily UVR level forecasts by downloading apps including the UVNZ app, NIWAWeather, and the Metservice app. For more information, head to sunsmart.org.nz.

Helpline services offer support, information and help for you, and your parents, family, whānau and friends

Helplines for Children and young people:

• thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free call or text 5626.
• What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18-year-olds).

Phone counselling is available every day of the week, 365 days of the year, 11am–11pm.

Online chat is available from 11am–10:30pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.

Help for whānau:

• EDANZ – Eating Disorders NZ . Freephone 0800 233 269, or email info@ed.org.nz.
• Parent Help – 0800 568 856 for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies.
• Family Services 211 Helpline – 0800 211 211 for help finding community-based health and social support services in your area.
• Yellow Brick Road – Supporting families towards mental wellbeing Mental health support for families - Yellow Brick Road

Specialist help:

• Alcohol and Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 or online chat.
• Are You OK – 0800 456 450 family violence helpline.
• Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655
• Speak to your midwife, doctor, well-child Tamariki Ora nurse or Plunket
• Plunket – 0800 933 922
• Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY).
• Seniorline – 0800 725 463 A free information service for older people.
• 0508MUSICHELPS – The Wellbeing Service is a 24/7 online, on the phone and in-person counselling service fully funded by the NZ Music Foundation and provided free of charge to those in the Kiwi music community who can’t access the help they need due to hardship and other circumstances. Call 0508 MUSICHELPS.
• Shine – 0508 744 633 confidential domestic abuse helpline.
• Quit Line – 0800 778 778 smoking cessation help.
• Vagus Line – 0800 56 76 666 (Mon, Wed, Fri 12 noon – 2pm). Promote family harmony among Chinese, enhance parenting skills, decrease conflict among family members (couple, parent-child, in-laws) and stop family violence.
• Women’s Refuge Crisisline – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) (for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family).
• Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584 (for migrant or refugee women living with family violence).
• Safe to Talk – 0800 044 334 or free text 4334 for help to do with sexual harm.

Available 24/7 and staffed by trained counsellors.

Mental Health Crisis team contact numbers, by District:

Northland

• Whangarei (09) 430 4101 ext 3537
• Kaipara (09) 439 3330 ext 65401
• Mid-North 0800 643 647
• Far-North (09) 408 9187
• After Hours 0800 223 371

Auckland/Waitemata/Counties Manukau

• North Shore (09) 486 8900
• Henderson (09) 822 8501
• Rodney (09) 427 0360
• Central Auckland 0800 800 717
• South Auckland (09) 261 3700
• After hours 0800 775 222
• 0508 927 654 or 0508 WARMLINE (8pm to midnight, seven nights).

Waikato

• Hamilton 0800 505 050
• Lakes 0800 166 167 ??

Bay of Plenty

• Tauranga 0800 800 508
• Whakatāne 0800 774 545

Eastern

• Gisborne 0800 243 500, or after 10pm call (06) 869 0512
• Napier, Hastings 0800 112 334

Central

• New Plymouth 0508 292 467
• Whanganui 0800 653 358
• Mid Central 0800 653 357
• Hutt Valley 0800 745 477
• Capital and Coast 0800 745 477

Wellington

• Wairarapa 0508 432 432
• 0800 200 207 (7pm–1am, Tuesday to Sunday).

Tasman

• Nelson 0800 776 364
• Marlborough 0800 948 497
• Golden Bay 0800 776 364

Canterbury

• Christchurch 0800 920 092
• Greymouth 0800 757 678
• Timaru 0800 277 997
• Canterbury/West Coast – Warmline 03 379 8415 / 0800 899 276 (1pm to midnight, seven nights)

Southern

• Dunedin, Milford Sound, South to Stewart Island - 0800 467 846
Press 1 for Southland
Press 2 for Otago