Network updates

New online course promotes supportive teams and interprofessional practice

A new free online course from Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand is available to help health professionals better support new staff, graduates and students as they join the workforce and settle into their roles. Tuakana-Teina: He Ara Kitea, He Ara Ora – Making the way clear, supporting new staff to thrive is suitable for both clinical and non-clinical staff. It explores tuakana-teina principles, interprofessional collaboration and practical ways to create positive workplace experiences.

BreastScreen Aotearoa recalls no longer required by general practice

General practices no longer need to undertake breast screening recalls for eligible patients. Invitations and recalls are now managed centrally through Te Puna. Please continue encouraging eligible patients to attend screening and refer patients with breast symptoms for diagnostic assessment.

Helping keep childhood immunisations on track this winter

Winter often sees childhood immunisation appointments postponed because tamariki have a mild illness or whānau are concerned about spending time in waiting rooms with other unwell people. Te Whatu ora Health New Zealand is reminding practices that a mild illness, such as a cough, cold or low-grade fever, is usually not a reason to delay immunisation. Read more and access the downloadable flyer here.

Public health advisory: HPAI H5N1 detected in Australia

Te Whatu ora Health New Zealand has issued a public health advisory following the detection of HPAI H5N1 in migratory wild birds in southern Australia. While the risk to New Zealand remains low, the advisory outlines testing criteria, notification requirements and key actions for healthcare professionals.

Join Te Whatu Ora Health NZ's webinar on information sharing and security awareness

Te Whatu Ora Health NZ will conduct two webinar sessions on information sharing and security awareness. Information sharing occurs every day across Aotearoa New Zealand's health system to support continuity of care, safe care, wellbeing, public health, service delivery, planning, and improvement. Because health information is sensitive, it must be shared lawfully, appropriately, and with safeguards that protect privacy, security, dignity, and trust. This webinar provides an overview of these key concepts involved in safe health information sharing.

Public health advisory: HIV in Fiji

Te Whatu Ora is alerting healthcare professionals to the continued rapid rise in HIV diagnoses in Fiji.

Reintroduction of registration fees for IMAC education courses from 1 July

From 1 July 2026, registration fees will be reintroduced for many IMAC vaccinator training courses. This is a return to IMAC's business-as-usual model, following the end of temporary funding from Te Whatu Ora that had enabled full fee subsidies.

Clinical supervision for Waikato practice nurses

Toni Muller, the team's triage clinician and experienced mental health nurse, is offering clinical supervision to practice nurses.

Waikato Primary Mental Health team service update