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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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.8% Yes
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33.5% Maybe?
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24.7% No
Tips and advice to stay street smart this summer
Summer is finally here!
Time for BBQs, holidays, Christmas, travelling and events galore.
We've put together a whole range of tips and advice so you can put your feet up and relax this summer, knowing that it's all good in your hood.
Our first piece of advice to make your neighbourhood safer this summer, is to get to know the people who live around you! People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
Shop Safe - Preventing Fraud & Scams
You might find yourself making more purchases than usual at this time of year, and many of those might be online, so here's a set of tips and advice to make sure you stay safe and secure whilst doing your Christmas shopping this year. And remember to think about the security of your online shopping when it gets delivered!
Heading away this summer?
It's a busy time of year on new Zealand roads and everyone wants to get from A to B safely. It's also important that your home stays safe while you're away enjoying your 'home away from home'. We have put together a set of tips and advice to help make that happen!
Keeping your car, home and belongings safe
From recording valuable possessions to securing locks, keeping valuables hidden and informing trusted neighbours that you will be away, there are many things you can do to keep your car, home, and belongings safe. Here's a bunch of handy tips!
Party planning checklist and fire-wise tips
Whether it’s a small backyard gathering, or a big celebration for a special occasion, a little extra planning and consideration will go a long way in keeping you, your guests, and your neighbours happy. We also have some tips to make sure you and your families stay fire-wise during summer.
Get to know your neighbours - look out, reach out, help out
The most important action you can take to make your community safer is get to know the people who live around you. People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
It is also important to know who to contact in an emergency and when to use the non-emergency contact for NZ Police. Learn more about Neighbourhood Support, get tips on getting to know your neighbours and the best way to contact the police below.
Strong communities start with small hellos
In terms of crime prevention, your neighbours are the best and cheapest security system you can have. You don't have to love your neighbour, but at least get their number just in case!
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Have a happy, safe and connected summer!
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