Plunket New Zealand has partnered with Watercare in Auckland and Wellington Water to help families and whānau understand how they can protect their health and the local environment by being mindful of what they pour down the sink and flush down the toilet. Plunket’s Northern Region Operations Manager Sam Ferreira says the partnerships provide a meaningful opportunity to leverage resources throughout our main regions to benefit families and the community. “A lot of families are unaware of fatbergs, which are congealed masses of fat, grease, wet wipes and other non-flushable items.

After a significant make-over, Plunket’s Manurewa Family Centre re-opens today to provide a welcoming, warm space for local families and whānau. Renamed Poutokomanawa, the centre aims to provide a safe place where whānau can relax and meet other parents, attend Plunket clinics and ask questions about the health or wellbeing of their family. About 60 people attended the re-opening, including Plunket Chief Executive Amanda Malu.

Plunket welcomes the announcement that the Government will be banning smoking in vehicles carrying children under 18 years of age, but says it will require the support of communities to help parents and caregivers to give up smoking. Jane O’Malley, Plunket’s Chief Nurse, said the evidence is overwhelming that exposure to second-hand smoke is a major risk to children’s health. “Ongoing education programmes and increased support services are key to effecting long-lasting change.