Te Whare o Rehua, Te Puna Ora o Mataatua’s newly established medical subsidiary is launching a new urgent after-hours service early next year.

Rehua Tūahiahi After-Hours Clinic will launch at Auckland Anniversary Weekend, with doors opening at 9am on Saturday, January 24.

Rehua Tūahiahi builds on the learnings from the after-hours service, Te Awe Tieke Hauora at Whakatāne Hospital, to continue quality weekend and public holiday after-hours services, while also extending the service to weekday evenings, 5pm to 8pm.

Located at Rehua Medical, 90 King Street in Whakatāne, it will operate as a walk-in clinic with no appointment necessary, for anyone in the community who requires urgent medical attention.

Te Awe Tieke Hauora at Whakatāne Hospital outpatients will cease operation on January 18.

Te Whare o Rehua chief executive Shelley Cunningham said after-hours clinics were crucial in reducing acute demand on A&E departments – meaning lower wait times and ensuring those who need urgent help are seen sooner.

“The name ‘Rehua’ represents the ability to heal and is a source of energy and innovation. ‘Tūahiahi’ represents an evening star. So, this fitting name of Rehua Tūahiahi is a new way of serving our whānau and wider community,” she said.

“Continuing to deliver support with manaaki (care) and oritetanga (equity), we are committed to factoring low-cost after-hours fees so whānau and the wider community are not further disadvantaged through financial burden.

“This was also the most important feedback we received at our After-Hours Community Workshop. We acknowledge that this service hasn’t been designed alone, but with valued feedback from whānau, community, clinicians and relationships.”

“The community told us that these services are especially important for communities facing systemic barriers to healthcare. They improve outcomes for high-needs and Māori communities, who have historically experienced poorer health due to limited access,” she says.

People are encouraged to continue making weekday appointments with their GP or medical centre and not wait until the evenings or weekend to seek medical care.

Te Whare o Rehua has worked in partnership with the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance (EBPHA), which holds responsibility for after-hours in the Eastern Bay, and the wider GP Practice Network for the service rollout.

EBPHA interim chief executive Katarina Gordon said in partnership with Te Whare o Rehua and across their network, they had a unified vision: to create a community and primary care system that enhanced equity in access and health outcomes for whānau.

“Through collaboration, shared learning, and collective leadership, we strive to strengthen the foundation for a healthier, more connected primary care system across Te Moana a Toi,” Ms Gordon said.

Rehua Tūahiahi After-Hours Clinic will host a whakatūwhera (celebratory karakia/blessing) prior to opening its after-hours doors to the community on January 24.

Rehua Tūahiahi after-hours clinic
■ Location: Rehua Medical, 90 King Street, Whakatāne
■ Walk-in clinic – no appointment necessary – for anyone in the community who requires urgent medical attention.
■ Hours: Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 5pm to 8pm (new, expanded service)
■ Weekends and Public Holidays: 9am to 5pm (extended hours)