How can I get support if my tamariki is unwell?
If your tamariki, you or your whānau are unwell, these are the best ways to get support.
Call your family doctor
Call your family doctor - for advice or information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call Healthline free on 0800 611 116
- if you don't have a family doctor
- if your child or you are feeling unwell but you're not sure if you need to see a doctor
- for advice about what's happening for your child or you and next steps
- if you want some advice about a family member or a friend who's sick (if you are with them)
- if you want advice on finding services near you - you can also check www.healthpoint.co.nz.
Call 111 in an emergency
In an emergency dial 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries).
A medical emergency includes difficulty breathing, choking, severe bleeding or bleeding that won't stop, chest pain or tightness, sudden weakness or difficulty talking, fainting or unconsciousness.
COVID-19 Healthlines
The Healthline service has operated in Aotearoa for more than 20 years.
There are now some extra COVID-19 Healthlines.
The COVID Healthline
The COVID Healthline is supporting people with information and advice about COVID, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People can call 0800 358 5453 or for international SIMs +64 9 358 5453.
The COVID Vaccination Healthline
The COVID Vaccination Healthline provides vaccination information and helps people who are unable to book their vaccination appointment online. The team are available 8am - 8pm 7 days a week on 0800 28 29 26.
Good things to know about Healthline
The Healthline team are specialists in assessing and advising over the phone.
They can arrange to talk with you in your language - when your call is answered, say you'd like an interpreter and the language you'd like to speak in.
They can also engage with the NZ Relay Services and support you if you are deaf, hearing impaired, deafblind or speech impaired. Note that NZ Relay Services are only available for limited hours.
Phone calls are free - including from a mobile phone.
You can call anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Does it cost anything to call Healthline?
No. Phone calls are free from within New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
What about general advice when my child is not sick?
If you have questions about issues such as parenting, crying, sleeping, your child's growth, development, behaviour, immunisation, breastfeeding, nutrition, oral health, safety or want to know more about the Well Child Tamariki Ora programme, ring PlunketLine on 0800 933 922. This service is also available 24 hours and is free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
Other free telehealth services
The national telehealth services are an integrated range of free, professional health and mental health and addictions services. People can get information, advice and support from trained health professionals across phone, text, and online channels.
See the HealthEd website for links to national telehealth services and a National Telehealth Service wallet card.
