Only weeks after rainfall records were shattered in Auckland, causing widespread flooding across the region, a second such, further devastating weather event battered regions of Aotearoa in the form of Cyclone Gabrielle. The evening of Sunday 12th February, and the weeks ensuing has resulted in Cyclone Gabrielle becoming the deadliest weather system to hit Aotearoa New Zealand in 40 years. News coverage alone demonstrated how severe this weather event was for Aotearoa’s own. But the scenes of the destruction from the worst-hit regions have been truly heartbreaking. On the ground amongst this all as it happened was our own Dr Jeremy Webber, Clinical Director Rural Health, who was situated in Havelock North with his family as the storm hit.

Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network is a membership organization that represents the interests of the interprofessional teams that provide health and wellbeing services across rural Aotearoa New Zealand. We have over 1800 members across the 194 rural general practices, 24 rural hospitals, community based midwifery and allied health services, and numerous rural community and agribusiness organisations. Our members are organised into nine Chapters of special interest, who have worked together to ensure a rural lens is cast across the development of the Women’s Health Strategy.

Te Whatu Ora will fully fund the cost of standard casual consultations in general practice, after hours, accident and medical and urgent care for people whose primary residence is in Te Tai Tokerau - Northland, Te Matau a Māui - Hawkes Bay, and Tairawhiti - Gisborne regions, and who seek casual consultations elsewhere in the country.

Attached is the information about the Text 2 Call service that is now available to all primary care frontline workforce in Hawkes Bay, Tairawhiti and Northland at this stage.

BNZ is one of our corporate sponsors and wants our members to be aware of their Healthcare Capital Loans for healthcare sector professionals.

If you’ve been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, we’re here to help. This information will be updated regularly.