MEDIA RELEASE

TE TAIWHENUA O HERETAUNGA CALLS FOR URGENT SUPPORT AS GP WORKFORCE PRESSURES PROMPT TRANSITION OF ENROLLED WHĀNAU

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Chair Mike Paku is calling for urgent government support to sustain kaupapa Māori GP clinics, as workforce pressures continue to affect access to primary healthcare for whānau.

The call follows the difficult decision by the Hastings-based kaupapa Māori health and social services provider to begin transitioning 3,000 enrolled whānau from its GP practice, Hauora Heretaunga, due to an ongoing shortage of GPs.

“Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga has had to make the very difficult decision to transition half of our enrolled whānau to other GP providers,” Mr Paku said. “This decision has been made to protect the health and safety of our whānau, first and foremost, while also ensuring we can support the workload and wellbeing of our GPs, nurses, and support staff within Hauora Heretaunga.”

The organisation has begun identifying the 3,000 whānau who will be affected, with Mr Paku emphasising that the transition will be clinically led and tikanga-informed.

“Each whānau member’s health needs will be informed by best clinical practice. A tikanga Māori lens will guide the process, anchored in our organisational values of whanaungatanga (connected relationships), kaitiakitanga (care and compassion), whakamana (empowerment) and kotahitanga (a unified approach). Where possible, we will work to ensure whānau members transitioning to another GP practice are able to stay together.”

The need to reduce enrolled whānau numbers reflects the severe shortage of GPs being experienced across Aotearoa. Despite a concerted recruitment drive, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga has been unable to secure the staffing levels needed to sustain a safe clinical practice.

“Central Government and its agencies need to provide more funding, resources and support for Māori GP clinics, because we operate in a unique ecosystem. We are not-for-profit providers caring for a high proportion of whānau with acute and complex health needs.”

Mr Paku also acknowledged the care, support and understanding shown by the district’s medical community, including Te Whatu Ora, Hawke’s Bay Hospital Emergency Department, Health Hawke’s Bay PHO, Hato Hone St John, Hastings Health Centre and local GP clinics across the district.

“We are grateful to the our medical community, who have stepped up — not only by offering clinical advice, but also practical support to help ensure continuity of care for whānau. Their willingness to work alongside us reflects the shared commitment we all have to the health and wellbeing of whānau across our community.”

With that wider support in place, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga says its immediate priority remains supporting affected Hauora Heretaunga whānau and ensuring continuity of care throughout the transition.

“We know this will be unsettling for our whānau, and we do not take that lightly,” Mr Paku said. “Our commitment is to walk alongside every affected whānau member with clear communication, practical support and care throughout the transition. Above all, we will do everything we can to ensure whānau continue to receive the treatment they need, when they need it.”

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga says it will be making contact with all 6,000 whānau enrolled with Hauora Heretaunga over the next two weeks.

“We acknowledge this situation will be disruptive and distressing for many of our whānau, and for that we are deeply sorry. This decision has been made with their health, safety and wellbeing at the centre. We want to assure whānau that Te Taiwhenua will be there to awhi them every step of the way.”

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have heard that, because of an ongoing GP shortage, Hauora Heretaunga will need to transition some whānau to other local GP practices. We know this news may feel unsettling, and we want you to hear from us directly. The list is not finalised yet. We will contact every enrolled whānau over the next few weeks, and until we call you, your care with us carries on as normal.

What is happening?
Like many practices across Aotearoa, we are short of GPs and need to look after fewer patients so we can keep care safe. Around 3,000 whānau - about half of our enrolled patients - will transition to other nearby GP practices.

Why is this happening?
To keep care safe and sustainable for everyone, we need to look after fewer whānau for a while. Please know this is not about anything you have done. We simply do not have enough GPs to provide the level of care we want every whānau to receive.

Am I one of the 3,000?
The list is not yet finalised, so we cannot confirm this just yet. If you are one of the whānau affected, you will hear from us directly. We will text you first, then phone you to kōrero about what the transition looks like and to answer your pātai, and follow up with a letter to confirm. Until then, nothing changes and your care continues as normal.

How is it being decided who moves?
Our clinical team is considering each whānau carefully, including their health needs, how involved their care is, continuity of care, and how we can keep whānau together where possible. We are guided by our values of whanaungatanga (connected relationships), kaitiakitanga (care and compassion), whakamana (empowerment) and kotahitanga (a unified approach).

When will I know?
We aim to call all whānau over the next few weeks. If you have not heard from us within three weeks, please give us a ring on 06 871 5352.

What do I do in the meantime?
Please carry on as normal - keep booking appointments, renewing prescriptions and coming to see us. If you are one of the whānau who will transition, your care with us will continue right through until your new practice is confirmed and ready.

Can my whānau stay together?
That is a priority for us, although it will not always be possible. If you have whānau enrolled with us, we will do our best to place you together at the same new practice. When we phone, please talk with us about who needs to stay connected so we can factor that into the transition process.

Which practice will I move to?
We are working with other GP practices in the region to take on whānau who transition. Those practices are not confirmed yet. When we phone you, we will talk through the options, and we will not move you until your new practice is confirmed and ready to enrol you.

Will I be charged more at the new practice?
Fees can be different from one practice to another. The receiving practices will be able to discuss their fees with you. If cost is a worry for you, please tell us when we call and we will do our best to help.

What happens to my clinical records?
Your clinical records move with you. Once your new practice is confirmed and you enrol, we transfer your medical notes so your new GP has your full history. You do not need to do anything to make this happen.

What if I don't want to move?
We understand this may be difficult news to hear, especially if you have a strong relationship with our team. The decision about who moves is being made through a clinical process to keep care safe, but we will still take time to kōrero with you about your circumstances and concerns. When we phone, please tell us what matters most to you, and we will work through the transition with you as carefully as we can.

I'm worried. Who can I talk to?
Please ring us on 06 871 5352. We can talk through your questions, explain what will happen next, and connect you with the right person if you need more support.

If you need care and cannot get a timely appointment at Hauora Heretaunga, these options may help:
• Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Visit your local community pharmacy. Pharmacists can provide advice, treatment and support for a range of common health concerns.
• Book a Practice Plus online GP appointment. Appointments are available weekdays 9am–10pm, and weekends and public holidays 8am–8pm. Community Services Card holders pay $25.
• Visit Te Ara Waiora, a free walk-in service available Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm. Te Ara Waiora offers nurse-led services and support for a range of common health concerns. You can also phone 0800 483 272 for advice.
• For an emergency, chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis, collapse, or anything else that feels serious - call 111 straight away or go to the Hastings Hospital Emergency Department.

Supporting whānau through a GP shortage 

Like many practices across Aotearoa, Hauora Heretaunga is currently short of GPs. This means it may take longer to get a routine appointment with us for a while.

If you need care and cannot get a timely appointment with us, please use these options:

• Healthline — free phone health advice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 611 116

• Urgent or life-threatening care — call 111 or go to Hawke’s Bay Hospital Emergency Department

If your health need is urgent, please tell us when you contact the practice so we can help. We are recruiting more GPs and doing everything we can to see you safely. Thank you for your understanding and manaaki during this time. 

Practice Plus Virtual Consult 

Practice Plus is available for afterhours care after 6pm Monday to Friday and all-day Saturday and Sunday. Costs for after hours care remain the same as at Hauora Heretaunga for those patients with a Community Services Card. 

There is no need for patients to download an app or change their enrolled GP, to access this service. Practice Plus can be accessed through a practice’s website or via the 'practice plus' button below.
During times when you are unable to see a GP, we encourage you to use Practice Plus.

PRACTICE PLUS

Hauora Heretaunga 

Hauora Heretaunga is currently closed for enrolments.

Hauora Heretaunga offers high-quality, low-cost medical and dental care for whānau, with an on-site pharmacy for your convenience.

Eligible enrolled whānau can see a GP FREE from the age of 14 - 24 years old. 

At Hauora Heretaunga, we’re always looking for ways to make it easier for whānau to get the care and support you need - when you need it.

Please be aware your care may attract extra costs to cover dressings , extended consults, paperwork and home visits.

 Follow Up appointments with GP or Nurse are $10.00

---

 Weekday Hours

Hauora Heretaunga is open Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5pm.

On call doctor is available from 6pm-8pm

Our closing hours have changed to 5pm and the on call doctor will be available from 5pm-8pm

Please phone us, 06 871 5352 or 0800 TAIWHENUA, to make an appointment.

 

Weekends

Weekend services are available via Practice Plus 

You can access services by going to Practice Plus website at www.practiceplus.nz  or phoning 0800 7722 7587.

If you have a medical emergency, please call 111.

 

 

 Āwhinatia - Your Care

We offer whānau a wide range of health care, including:

• Respiratory clinic

• Sexual health

• Quit-smoking support

• Mental Wellbeing

• Counselling

• Travel vaccines

• Heart-health assessments

• Cervical checks

• Contraception

• Diabetes care

• Iron infusions

 

Ngā Rongoā - Ordering Repeat Prescriptions

It is important to let us know when you are close to finishing your regular medication. You can re-order by

• Using MyIndici
• Calling us

Your doctor will review your medication order and send the script to your requested pharmacy. There is a cost for the doctors time to do this. There are extra charges if your medicine is required within two days of ordering.

Please note

It takes 24 hours for us to arrange a repeat prescription, and a charge of $20 will apply.

 

Ngā Kitenga - Test Results 

When you have a test done, such as a blood test or x-ray, the results will be sent to your doctor. We will send you a letter or text, or phone you about the results.

If urgent follow-up is needed, we will contact you immediately.

If you require a chaperone or language support service, please let our Reception staff know.

 

Manaakitanga - Planned Care

We encourage you to book your appointment early to avoid disappointment and to allow us time to plan. We ask that you keep your appointments or promptly let us know if you are unable to attend an appointment.

We aim to work with you to achieve your health goals. We will support you to monitor your health and encourage you to be actively involved in keeping up with tests and check ups to ensure that you stay well. 

 

Tiaki Tāngata - Unplanned Care

We can't always plan for sickness. If you become unwell phone. text or email us during business hours and a doctor or nurse will call you. 

We may ask:

• Your name 
• Phone number
• Reason for call. We understand this may be personal in nature. We want to ensure that we put you in touch with the right person to give you the care that you need.
• All our staff undergo privacy training and will treat your records confidentially. 

 

Ngā Tākuta | Doctors 

• Dr Arianna Sundick

• Dr Lorna Ellwood

• Dr Pete McGeoch

• Dr Jason Procter

Ngā Nēhi | Nurses

• Roger Parr (Nurse Prescriber)

• Sonia Pedersen (Nurse Prescriber)

• Everlyn Rapaea (Nurse Prescriber)

• Louise Burns

• Alana Taylor

• Chhaya Taneja

• Gwen Procter ( until late July )

• Michaela Wilson

 

Tūtohu Haumanu | Clinical Pharmacist

• Martin Munyaradzi BPharm, PGDipClinPharm

 

Whānau Manaaki | Health Care Assistant

• Mere Wepa  

• Vanessa Puia

Health Improvement Practitioner

 • Teresa White

Akomanga Hauora | Health Coach

 •  Anthony Hester

 

Kaiwhakarite | Administrator

•  Anastasis Tuiala

•  Deanna Naera

•  Mereana Tipu

•  Nichola Rees

•  Claire Smith

•  Jaxx Te Whaiti

•  Emma Edmonds