2023 Media Releases

16 August 2023

The tight-knit Tiniroto community has shown its incredible support for tamariki at a heartwarming Whānau Āwhina Plunket event.

Despite the area still being severely impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, local whānau gathered at the Tiniroto Community Hall this past weekend for a day of fun.

Local children enjoying activities on offer during the Whānau Āwhina Plunket event in Tiniroto

The event was part of Whānau Āwhina Plunket's 'Dunk it for Plunket' fundraising campaign happening all through August.

What started as a simple morning tea turned into a community event.

Local Plunket Nurse Lilian Jackson says, “I am blown away by our kind and generous community who raised over $500 for Plunket, which many people are unaware is a charity and needs to fundraise to continue to deliver its services.”

Mrs. Jackson is grateful to The Warehouse for its donation and to local support including mums who provided face painting, animal balloons and entertainment for tamariki. A barista also donated their time.

“All this love and support made the event extra special, leaving both tamariki and their whānau feeling like the real VIPs,” she says.

"We couldn't believe how many people showed up, and the children had so much fun with all the activities.

“This event wasn't just about having a great time; it also reminded everyone how important Plunket is to the Gisborne community. They're here to support tamariki and whānau when they need it most.”

Mrs. Jackson says the success of the Tiniroto event proves that when tough times hit, the community knows how to come together and spread some kindness. The day was all about showing that when we support each other, amazing things can happen.

If you would like to find out about local Whānau Āwhina Plunket services in Gisborne, please call the admin number on 0800 184 803 or email Central.Admin@plunket.org.nz.

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4 August 2023

Online breastfeeding cafés run by lactation consultants are the latest in a suite of FREE specialist breastfeeding support services now available through PlunketLine.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket Lactation Consultant Tracey Tretheway

The announcement comes as we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August 2023).

PlunketLine Clinical Leader Linda Wallace says breastfeeding is a learnt skill for both māmā and pēpi.

“Having support that people can access in a variety of ways that works best for them can make all the difference.

“When feeding is not going as planned, people can feel very isolated and alone. Our new week-day breastfeeding cafes are designed for a small group of up to five people. They can talk to our lactation consultants about any concerns they may have in a friendly, supportive, and judgment-free space – maybe make new friends too.”

PlunketLine has a team of six specialist breastfeeding lactation consultant. In addition to running the breastfeeding café they also provide one-on-one phone and video call services.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket nurses, kaiāwhina, health workers and the wider 24/7 PlunketLine team can also support with breastfeeding and answer any questions.

Where to get FREE breastfeeding support online

Breastfeeding cafés are available Monday - Friday, 11am-12pm. To find out more or book your spot, please call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922 and select option 2.

One-on-one phone and video call with a lactation consultant. To find out more or book in, call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922. You can also book online through our website, www.plunket.org.nz (search ‘lactation consultant’).

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4 August 2023

This week Whānau Āwhina Plunket, in partnership with Arnott's New Zealand, has launched a month-long fundraising campaign giving people the opportunity to join forces, have fun, and support the wellbeing of our youngest New Zealanders.

The country’s largest health and wellbeing support service for tamariki under five, is excited to announce the launch of "Dunk it for Plunket”.

Running through August, "Dunk it for Plunket" encourages the community to come together with their workmates, whānau, and friends for a fun morning tea while raising funds for a worthy cause.

The first 1,000 hosts to register their fundraising morning tea will receive a free box of goodies from Arnott’s to kickstart their efforts.

Dunk it for Plunket is a fantastic way for everyone to have some fun while giving back to an organisation that has almost definitely touched their life in some way.

“Our nurses, Community Karitāne, Kaiāwhina alongside the wider team are online, in homes and clinics in communities across Aotearoa – supporting whānau raising the next generation of New Zealanders.

“As a charity, we appreciate every bit of support that our community can offer,” says Whānau Āwhina Plunket Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford.

Arnott's is proud to partner with Whānau Āwhina Plunket again this year to ensure that our youngest New Zealanders and their families have access to the support they need.

“Plunket is a charity close to every Kiwi's heart and for good reason. Plunket has played a key role in the upbringing of many children in New Zealand, if not most of us. As a mother of twins, I personally found Plunket’s support invaluable in those first 1000 days. The ritual of sharing a cuppa and a biscuit with those you love is always special, but it’s especially important when you’re checking in with your Plunket nurse or with your Plunket coffee group,’’ says Michelle Kitchen, Arnott’s Brand Manager.

In addition to the free goodie boxes from Arnott’s, everyone who registers has the chance to win exciting rewards including entering the draw for a Creatista Plus Nespresso Machine by Breville (RRP $1,149.95) for those who raise over $100.

Visit www.dunkitforplunket.nz for more information and to register.

ENDS

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21 June 2023

Whānau Āwhina Plunket nurses will be sharing their expertise to help set up a Plunket-style programme for under-fives in Kiribati, under an agreement signed between the organisation and the Pacific nation. 

Whānau Awhina Plunket CE Fiona Kingsford and Kiribati Minister of Health Dr Tinte Itinteang

This week a health ministry delegation from Kiribati, which included the country’s Minister for Health Dr Tinte Itinteang, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Whānau Āwhina Plunket. It paves the way for a nurse-led programme like Plunket to be set up in Kiribati.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford says Plunket has been walking alongside supporting generations of families in Aotearoa New Zealand for 116 years.

“It’s an absolute honour for us to be sharing our knowledge and expertise with one of our Pacific neighbours, supporting Kiribati to improve outcomes for their families.

“Kiribati nurses will be mentored by our Plunket nurses. We will also be providing opportunities for them to visit Plunket clinics here to learn first-hand from Plunket nurses and the wider support team as part of the agreement. 

Although the under-fives mortality rate has declined in the past decade, Kiribati still has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the Pacific.

Kiribati Minister of Health & Medical Services Dr Tinte Itinteang says the relationship provides development opportunities for the nation’s health service.

“With Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s support there is real potential to make a difference to the health of our children, especially around improving our infant mortality rates.” 

Whānau Āwhina Plunket will also support the Kiribati health service to develop a sustainable post graduate nurse training programme in the early years space.

4 May 2023

It’s been a special week in Rotorua with a dawn site blessing and ground-breaking for the new Whānau Āwhina Plunket hub build.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket staff Rotorua community members at the blessing of the new hub site

Rainy weather didn’t deter a great turnout to commemorate the occasion, which will see a brand new $1 million building on Pukuatua St that will bring all Whānau Āwhina Plunket services in the city under one roof.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket Property Manager, Lindsay Seddon, says the new build creates “a one-stop hub”, with three clinic spaces - two for Plunket and one for use by other organisations, three community meeting spaces, and a centralised office for staff.

It’s expected the building will be completed later this year.

The dawn ceremony saw the site blessed by Matua Bryce Murray – Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford broke the sod and also paid tribute to the support of local iwi Ngāti Whakaue.

“A huge thank you must go to Whaea Norma Sturley – Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngati Pikiao,  Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Māhanga, and Whaea Petrina Marsh - Tūhourangi, Ngati Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue and everyone else in the community who has supported us through fundraising for our new building.

“We are truly grateful for the support, for what will be a whānau friendly community hub for future generations of tamariki in Rotorua.  Having a one stop hub will make it easier to access our Well Child Tamariki Ora and community services.”

Image: Whānau Āwhina Plunket staff and members of the Rotorura community at the blessing of the new hub site – from far right to left, Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford, Matua Bryce Murray, Whaea Norma Sturley. Property Manager Lindsay Seddon. Standing in front, Whaea Petrina Marsh. Far Left, Pou Whakarae - Chief Advisor Dr Hera Black.