Your Plunket appointments

Once you're enrolled with Plunket, we'll see your whānau for Well Child Tamariki Ora appointments from when your pēpi is a newborn up until age five. Our friendly team will give you a call when you're first enrolled, to schedule your first few visits. 

We take a team approach to your care, so you may see either a Plunket nurse or a health worker (Plunket Kaiāwhina or Community Karitane), based on what you wish to discuss or the support you need.  

There are several ways you can see us: we can come to your home, or meet you at one of our clinics in your neighbourhood or another location like a marae. We can also see you  at a virtual (video) appointment. We offer scheduled visits as well as drop-in clinics in many locations.  

Under the Ministry of Health’s Well Child Tamariki Ora programme, visits usually take place when your child is aged around: 

• 4-6 weeks 
• 8-10 weeks 
• 3-4 months 
• 5-7 months 
• 9-12 months 
• 15-18 months 
• 2-3 years 
• 4 years (the B4 School Check – this is available through Plunket in some regions, and through other providers or your GP/healthcare provider in others).

As well as these visits, we can arrange additional appointments for extra support on topics like starting solids, breastfeeding and sleep support.  

You can also access free virtual services, including lactation consultations and sleep support, any time. PlunketLine nurses are also available 24/7 on the phone for advice and support – call us on 0800 933 922.

Every Plunket visit is a chance to share what’s going well, discuss any concerns and get help if something’s worrying you or your whānau. Your Plunket team is here to support and walk alongside you in your parenting journey.  

Your appointments may include:

• support with adjusting to parenting 
• growth information and taking measurements (such as weight, height and head size) of your child 
• talking about feeding, sleep, play and development at each age and stage, including what to expect next and how you can support your baby’s development  
• information about nutrition, breastfeeding support, and starting solids 
• safe sleep and settling information and advice 
• oral health information and support to keep your children’s teeth healthy 
• information about keeping your tamariki and whānau safe and well, and preventing injuries 
• asking about how you’re feeling and coping with parenting, and offering support for your mental health if needed 
• baby and child health information and advice 
• immunisations available to your child, and answering any questions you may have about these 
• support with navigating the healthcare system, connecting you to other providers and services in your community as needed or wanted. 

To book or change a Plunket appointment, call our admin team free on 0800 184 803, Monday – Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm, or email your local clinic.  

If you need support between appointments or have questions about parenting, child health or development, you can contact your local clinic or call PlunketLine 24/7 on 0800 933 922 to speak to a registered nurse.  

Missed a visit or need to reschedule? Don’t worry – just get in touch and we’ll make another time. 

Find your local Plunket clinic 

We encourage all caregivers (including partners, grandparents, and other whānau members) to be part of the Plunket visit.

To get the most out of your appointment, we encourage you and your whānau to bring along: 

• Your child's Well Child Tamariki Ora 'My Health Book'. If you have time before your visit, it's helpful if you can read through the questions at the start of the section for your child's age, about their vision and hearing.
• Any questions or concerns you want to talk about. You might like to write these down in the notes section of the book, to help guide the conversation and make sure we cover what's top of mind for you. Remember, no question is a silly question! 
• Nappies, toys, spare clothes – whatever your whānau and your little one need to feel comfortable.  

What is a Plunket appointment?  

A free Well Child Tamariki Ora health check that supports your child’s growth and development from birth to age five, and supports whānau to thrive too.  

When is my first Plunket visit?  

Usually between 4 and 6 weeks after your baby is born.  

How long does a Plunket visit take?  

We'll usually spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour with you and your child, depending on your whānau and child’s needs. Your first visit may take a little longer as we will want to get to know you and your baby and answer any questions you have about the service.

The B4 School Check is also a slightly longer appointment. 

Do I have to go to a clinic?  

We aim to offer a flexible service based on your preferences. Usually, your first Plunket visit will take place in your home and later visits at your local clinic, or we can meet you at another suitable place like a marae.

We also offer virtual services if that's easier for you. Have a chat to our team about what works best for you and your whānau. 

Is Plunket free? Do I have to be a New Zealand citizen or resident? 

Plunket Well Child Tamariki Ora visits are free for all families in New Zealand with children aged up to five years. You do not need to be a NZ citizen or resident to enrol with us.  

What if I miss a Plunket visit? 

Give us a call on 0800 184 803. It’s never too late to reconnect.  

Do I need to tidy my house before my Plunket visit? 

No, you absolutely don't need to clean or tidy – we're here to support you, your child and your whānau, not to judge what your home looks like! We know parenting can feel overwhelming at times (especially in those early newborn days). All we'll need is a clear, flat space where we can weigh and measure pēpi, and somewhere we can sit and discuss how it's all going for you.  

We also ask that if you have a dog or other pets that you please keep them contained (such as closed in another room or outside) during the visit. Your Plunket team can call ahead to arrange this if that's helpful. 

What if my baby is sleeping when it's time for our Plunket visit? 

That's okay, it is common for pēpi to be asleep during the appointment. We can talk to you about how things are going while they sleep, and if you're not comfortable waking baby or getting them undressed to be weighed, there will be opportunities to note that information another time. We can organise another visit with you if needed.