Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga says its hauora services remain open and continue to provide vital primary health care to whānau, despite mounting pressure across the health sector.

The reassurance comes as Aotearoa faces a nationwide shortage of GPs, driven by an aging workforce, retirements, and long-standing funding pressures.

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Chief Executive Waylyn Tahuri-Whaipakanga said the organisation was not immune to those pressures and was now preparing for the departure of several GPs.

“Hauora Heretaunga is about to lose a number of GPs at a time when the nation is already struggling to recruit,” she said. “However, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is actively recruiting for GPs both nationally and abroad, while also working with the PHO to find solutions.”

That work is being backed by Health Hawke’s Bay, with Chief Executive Irihāpeti Mahuika confirming the organisation’s ongoing support for Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga’s health practice.

“Health Hawke's Bay is the primary care organisation for the Hawke's Bay and have a role in supporting general practices, she said. “They are actively working to ensure our whānau are supported through this time.”

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga said it would continue to monitor patient vulnerability closely and keep whānau updated across multiple platforms.

To help manage demand and protect access to care, whānau are asked to:

·      Expect longer wait times for consultations

·      Plan prescription repeats well in advance

·      Use virtual consultations for non-urgent needs where appropriate

·      Seek care through the ED for urgent needs

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga thanked whānau for their understanding and patience as it responds to the current pressures. The organisation said its hauora practice remains a vital part of its mission, Mauri Ora ki te Mana Māori – Healthy families, Vibrant Communities, and that maintaining those services for whānau remains a top priority.