Ngāi Tamawhariua Rūnanga Opens Free Health Services to All

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua is reminding Western Bay of Plenty whānau that its health and social services — including a free doctor clinic held every Tuesday evening — are open to absolutely everyone, regardless of ethnicity or background. The rūnanga, based at 111 Main Road in Katikati, covers a catchment stretching from Waihi Beach through to Whakamārama.

Operations manager Valarie Uilou says a common misconception is that the organisation only serves Māori. "I think some people see our Māori name and think: 'Oh, that's for Māori people' — but pretty much anyone, no matter what age, whatever, they can walk in the door here 100%," she said. The rūnanga is open 8am–4.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, and 8am–7pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Uilou highlighted that working whānau are often among those most in need of accessible local support. The difficulty of taking time off work, travelling into Tauranga, and navigating traffic and appointment delays makes rural healthcare challenging. Where the rūnanga cannot provide a service on-site, staff will work to connect people with the most suitable local providers.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).