Getting your flu jab
Getting a yearly flu vaccine is a great defence against catching the flu virus and it is FREE if you’re 65 or older.
As you get older, your immune system gets weaker. This means you're at higher risk of catching flu and developing complications such as pneumonia even if you feel fit and healthy.
The flu isn’t just a common cold. It can be serious and make people very sick. In severe cases it can mean a hospital stay – particularly if you’re over 65 or have an ongoing medical condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.
You can get your free flu vaccine at your healthcare provider or many local pharmacies. To book visit BookMyVaccine.nz or call 0800 28 29 26 Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm. Interpreters are available and you can also speak to a Māori or disability advisor.
The flu vaccine changes each year to help protect you against what flu strain is expected to be most prevalent. Although having the vaccine doesn’t guarantee you won’t catch the flu, it reduces your risk of serious illness if you do catch it. You can’t catch the flu from the vaccine.
You can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other immunisations. Ask your healthcare provider if you are due for any other vaccines including the COVID-19 booster, tetanus and whooping cough booster, or the shingles vaccine.
Being up to date with all your immunisations gives you the best possible protection from severe illness and can reduce the chance of you spreading illness to family members who are at risk of becoming seriously ill.
Whooping cough (pertussis) boosters are available
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Whooping cough (pertussis) can be very serious, especially for babies under 12 months old and older people. The best protection against whooping cough is immunisation.
The whooping cough vaccine is FREE for pregnant people, children under the age of 18, and booster doses are available at 45 and 65 years old (unless you already had a booster for pertussis or tetanus recently). Please speak with your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or GP if you are eligible.
Book in advance at Book a vaccine or call 0800 28 29 26.
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Night-time roadworks on SH16
From 23 November to 17 December, stop/go traffic management will be in several locations on SH16 between Mabbett Lane and Restall Road (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am).
Works will include chipsealing and stormwater improvements. There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. Click to find out more.
NZCCM Massage and English Programmes
The New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine (NZCCM) offers industry-focused Massage and English programmes that prepare students for professional practice.
Students gain strong Anatomy and Physiology knowledge, hands-on experience in the student clinic, and pathways into health and wellbeing careers. NZCCM actively incorporates tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori, partnering with local marae for cultural learning and community treatments.
As Auckland’s only provider of Massage diplomas, NZCCM is enrolling now for February 2026 Programmes include the Level 5 Wellness and Relaxation Massage Diploma and the Level 6 Remedial Massage Diploma, both NZQA-approved with intensive block courses. NZCCM also offers NZCEL Level 4 for academic English preparation.
Open Days will be held on 12 December and 23 January.
Contact: 09 580 2376 or auck@chinesemedicine.ac.nz
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
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