Health & Wellbeing

With New Zealand set to reach the peak of its Omicron outbreak in the coming weeks, the Government is dialing back some the restrictions currently in place – particularly as many of these were developed to protect an unvaccinated population. The focus now is to make life simpler and closer …

One topic has dominated our lives recently: COVID-19. We’ve gone from lock downs and social distancing to traffic light systems and self-isolation in a matter of months. The pandemic has affected us all in one or another and it’s safe to say that we will be living with this ‘new …

Everyone experiences grief differently and there is no right or wrong way to feel. While it can feel overwhelming at times, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Grief is often associated with losing a loved one (which is an incredibly tough thing to experience) yet loss can …

The use of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) has been widened during Omicron Phase 3 to test people who are symptomatic or a household contact. This is to ensure that New Zealand conserves its PCR tests for those who most need them – namely those who are unwell and therefore more …

By building stronger community connections that make it easier to find new friends, we can all play a part in reducing loneliness. It’s about giving everyone the opportunity to meet up in a natural way. It’s sad how often older people say they don’t want to be a burden or …

At 11.59pm Wednesday 24 February, New Zealand moved to Phase 3 of its Omicron response. This phase is all about helping New Zealanders to manage COVID-19 at home. This means we can keep hospital beds free for people who are vulnerable and need medical treatment while social services will focus …

Be it sugar, alcohol or even couch-potato-ing, Kiwis across the country are once again being asked to give up their favourite vice for one month to help raise awareness and funding for the country’s most deadly group of cancers. The inaugural ‘GIVE IT UP’ campaign was held last March to …

Thousands of COVID positive Aucklanders required to isolate under health guidelines will be eligible to receive a range of funded medicines delivered free to their home in a new initiative welcomed by health experts.

People who are 18 years and over, and have had their first two Pfizer shots at least 4 months ago, can now get their third ‘booster’ dose – either by attending a walk in clinic or by booking an appointment via the Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26. From 17 January, appointments for booster shots can be booked online at BookMyVaccine.nz.

A new Christmas food parcel distribution model designed to meet COVID restrictions is also helping to preserve the dignity of whanau, according to organisers.