Cyclone Gabrielle health advice and information

Hauora and wellbeing support for people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle

It is normal to have ups and downs or feel knocked off balance sometimes, especially after a significant event. You do not have to go it alone with free health and wellbeing support available to help you get back on track.

Open all

Anyone affected by Cyclone Gabrielle can access the following services.

Free counselling

Up to 7 free in-person or online counselling sessions are available. You can access the counselling by:

  • asking your healthcare provider for more details
  • calling or texting 1737.

There can be a wait of 4 to 6 weeks for face-to-face counselling.

Rongoā

Traditional Māori healing is available through Māori hauora.

Free online general practice appointments

Practice Plus offers same day clinical consultations with a doctor or nurse. They are easy to book for people that:

  • cannot access their normal healthcare provider
  • are not enrolled with a practice
  • live in rural and isolated communities.

Practice Plus can also issue prescriptions and make referrals as needed.

Practice Plus (external link)

Online and over-the-phone GP appointments (internal link)

Whānau support

The following hauora open access clinics can provide support to whānau who need support to access online counselling or Practice Plus doctor or nurse consults:

  • Te Taiwhenua ō Heretaunga — Waipukurau and Flaxmere
  • Te Kupenga Hauora — Napier
  • Roopu a Iwi Trust — Maraenui
  • Kahungunu Executive — Wairoa

In addition, the Manu Taupua programme run by Health Hawke’s Bay is available for Māori, Pasifika and community card holders wishing to enrol in a general practice.

Free pharmacy service 

Your community pharmacy offers advice, treatment, and referral for minor health conditions, including treatment options and medication.  

Cyclone affected people will be able to access free pharmacist consultations for the following health conditions:

  • dehydration from gastrointestinal illnesses
  • eye inflammation and infections
  • scabies
  • headlice
  • pain and fever in children
  • eczema or dermatitis
  • minor skin infections
  • uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

Cyclone affected or displaced people resident in Wairoa get free access to:

  • 2 or more general practice and nurse consultations through the Wairoa Queen St practice &mdash dependant on need
  • all the services available to cyclone affected people in Hawke's Bay.
     

Protect your health during and after a flood

Flood water can carry bugs that cause disease from the ground, septic tanks and sewerage systems. These bugs can make your whānau sick.

Find out how to protect yourself during a flood, and afterwards when cleaning up. There is also information on:

  • food safety
  • water safety
  • how to manage silt and dust.

Floods and health (internal link)

Some people may burn waste after an emergency. Find out how fires and smoke may affect your health.

Fires and smoke (internal link)

Flooding may lead to a temporary increase in the number of pests in the region, such as mosquitoes. Residents are advised to use insect repellent to help avoid being bitten and to tip water from containers around their properties.

Pests and insects (internal link)

It is understandable to feel sad, distressed, worried, confused, anxious or angry, even if you’ve not been impacted personally by the flooding. Remember it is ok to not feel ok.

Managing stress in an emergency (internal link)

Dust advice for schools and early childhood education centres

Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora is working with other agencies to assess the public health impacts of dust generated from airborne silt in Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti.

The silt testing programme's ongoing tests show contamination of the silt by heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides is likely to be very low.

Silt FAQs — Hawke's Bay Regional Council (external link)

However, airborne dust from any source, including dried out silt, is not healthy to breathe. The dust itself can irritate eyes and upper airways, and worsen sysmptoms for those with heart or lung conditions. This is particularly important for pēpi and tamariki, who can be more vulnerable to health impacts from air pollution.

Until more is known from air quality monitoring in affected regions, it is important to take precautions during times when dust is a significant issue.

When to take precautions

If dust levels are high and you can see, smell or taste dust in the air, or visibility is reduced, it is a good idea to take precautions.

Tamariki health

Make sure tamariki with respiratory or other pre-existing health conditions follow their treatment plan. Talk with your school's public health nurse if you need any support with this.

How to reduce exposure of tamariki when dust levels are high

  • If possible, keep tamariki indoors and close windows and doors.
  • Stay in air-conditioned rooms. Make sure air conditioners are set to recirculate indoor air and that filters, HEPA filters are recommended, are kept clean.
  • Try to keep outside time to a minimum and avoid vigorous exercise.
  • Watch for symptoms like coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Keep tamariki inside if they show symptoms. Call 111 for an ambulance if anyone has trouble breathing.
  • If all tamariki are not being kept inside, try to provide an indoor area where they can choose to stay inside. For example, if they have asthma or other health conditions, are sensitive to dust, or are worried about the dust.
  • Wear sunglasses outside to reduce the amount of dust getting in eyes, as well providing sun protection.

How to keep indoor air clean

  • Check seals around doors and windows.
  • Check air conditioners — Your air conditioning technician should be able to provide advice.
  • Regularly clean inside areas to remove dust. Use wet methods such as mops and damp cloths. Avoid dry sweeping and dusting as it can kick dust up into the air.
  • Vacuuming can increase dust levels so try to use vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter.
  • On days when dust levels are low, open doors and windows to air out buildings.

If exposure to dust cannot be avoided

Wear a mask if dust exposure cannot be avoided. Tamariki can wear a dust mask if they are over 2 and are able to tell you if the mask is uncomfortable.

Proper face-fitting masks like P2 and N95 provide the best personal protection. However, even surgical masks will still offer some protection from dust.

Make sure masks fit correctly. The mask should fully cover the nose and mouth without gaps around the nose cheeks and chin. Straps should go above and below the ears.

Replace masks as often as suggested by the manufacturer.

Dust supression support

If you need some assistance, reach out. Local companies specialising in dust suppression include:

Most contracting companies will also have water carts available to assist in water application across large areas while undergoing earthworks.

Working through Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Hawke's Bay Public Health can provide guidance and advice for landowners to manage silt on their property and reduce dust. Contact the council by: