Updated: Tuesday 30 August 2022

We have collated COVID-19 important information, such as symptoms, where to find vaccination and testing clinics, RAT kit collection sites and resources into one page, that may be useful for you as we all deal with COVID-19.

Welfare support, financial support, community hub contacts and useful community organisation information is at the bottom of the page. 

COVID-19 Health Information

The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Whanganui, Rangitikei and south Ruapehu is open for everyone aged 12 years and above. Our vaccination rollout team in the Whanganui rohe is made up of Te Whatu Ora Whanganui, Whanganui Regional Health Network, Hauora ā Iwi, the National Hauora Coalition, Māori Health Outcomes Advisory Group, iwi and Māori health services.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use after meeting stringent international standards and equally robust New Zealand requirements for quality, safety and effectiveness. 

COVID-19 symptoms include: 

• a new or worsening cough 
• a fever of at least 38°C 
• shortness of breath 
• sore throat 
• sneezing and runny nose  
• temporary loss of smell
• muscle cramps.  

Maintain the COVID-19 rules:

• Wear your mask
• Sanitise your hands
• Maintain physical distancing

If you are unwell 

If you’re sick, stay home. Do not go to work or school. Do not socialise. 

If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, please call your doctor or Healthline on freephone 0800 358 5453 

Face coverings 

It is encouraged to wear face coverings in situations where physical distancing is not possible, and in closely-confined spaces. This continues to help us protect our vulnerable members of the community.

Information for district clinics and collection sites for RAT kits is available at this link: https://healthpoint.co.nz/whanganui/

You can book a free vaccination appointment by going online to: https://bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz

Or book by calling the COVID Vaccination Healthline on freephone 0800 28 29 26 

This freephone number is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. 

Collecting Rapid Antigen Testing kits

Rapid Antigen Testing kits are available at your local GP and a variety of locations around our district. All COVID-19 associated medical costs are free. Please do not hesitate to seek treatment or be tested.

For quicker collection you can place an order and pick up your tests from one of the distribution locations.

Use this online form to request RATs https://requestrats.covid19.health.nz/

Learn more about COVID-19 from these trusted sources

The Immunisation Advisory Centre - COVID-19 education and resources 
Unite Against COVID-19 - COVID-19 vaccines 
Ministry of Health -  COVID-19 information 
Te Oranganui - COVID-19 vaccine information 
Be a doer! Karawhiua - Trusted COVID-19 vaccine information for Māori  

COVID-19 welfare and financial support information

Support for those dealing with COVID-19 is available from a variety of government agencies, local organisations and the community hubs.  Your health care needs will be met and managed by your GP.

Many community organisations, for example church groups, also have support available for their communities.

Community Hub support contacts

Whanganui

Phone Te Oranganui for welfare support in Whanganui on 0800 202 004, or connect through their website here.

The team at Te Oranganui are also available on Facebook here.

Ruapehu

Phone Ngāti Rangi for support in Ruapehu on 0800 NARANGI / 0800 672 644, or connect through their website here.

The team at Ngati Rangi are also available on Facebook here.

Taihape

Phone Mōkai Pātea Services - Whānau Ora Unit for support in Taihape on 06 388 1156.

The team at Mōkai Pātea Services - Whānau Ora Unit are also available on Facebook here.

Rangitīkei

Phone Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa for support in Rangitīkei on 0800 2272 494, or connect through their website here.

The team at Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa are also available on Facebook here.

Financial support 

Ministry of Social Development COVID-19 welfare helpline freephone 0800 512 337.

Available from 8am to 8pm, seven (7) days a week - this number is for anyone. You do not need to be on a benefit to receive this support. Learn more about MSD and the support they can offer here.

Apply online here to the Work and Income website for self-isolation support from community organisations. Community, iwi and Pacific organisations offer practical help as well as checking on the wellbeing of individuals and households.

Transport information for our communities during COVID-19

Horizons Regional Council public transport  

Horizons Regional Council public transport networks have mostly returned to regular timetables. Please see their bus notices page for full timetable information. 

Key Horizons bus information

• All Beecard passengers are to use the rear door when boarding the bus (applies to buses with a rear door).
• Services will operate to their normal schedule across traffic light settings
• If you can, use a registered Bee Card to pay for your fare, and top up your card online
• If you pay with cash, we recommend paying with an exact fare to limit contact with our drivers
• Practice good hygiene and stay home if you are unwell.

Driving Miss Daisy 

Driving Miss Daisy holds the ACC contract for companion driving services throughout New Zealand. 

Total Mobility Scheme cards accepted, offering discounts in most regions across New Zealand.  

Whanganui - covers Westmere, Gonville, St Johns Hill, Bastia Hill, Marybank, Kaitoke, Okoia, Fordell, 
Whangaehu, Rapanui, Kai Iwi - 06 347 9100 / 021 503 313 or whanganui@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz 

Marton, Turakina, Koitiata - 06 323 4333 / 021 503 561 or feilding@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz  

National number - 0800 948 432 

St John Wanganui Health Shuttle  

St John Wanganui runs a shuttle service on weekdays for patients attending appointments at Palmerston North Hospital. It covers Whanganui City to Palmerston North and runs weekdays as required.  

As soon as you know your appointment time, call 0800 266 547 to make your booking between 9.30am and 2.30pm, at least 24 hours before your appointment. Donations are welcome. 

Support for managing finances due to the impact of Covid-19

Work and Income

Information and support for people affected by Covid-19 - including during home isolation - 0800 559 009 for general enquiries or visit the website.

Whanganui Budget Advisory Service

A free confidential non-judgmental budget advice. Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm. Drop in at 183 Wicksteed Street, Whanganui, during these times, or call to make an appointment - 027 2433362; 06 345 3746 or email: wbas@wbas.org.nz

Marton & Districts Budget Service Incorporated

Support with finances, foreclosures, debt, guardianships, bankruptcy, bills, delinquency, credit card debt, collections, disputes, liability insolvency, bad credit. 06 327 4537 or 027 8722 477.

Tupoho Iwi and Community Social Services Trust

Assistance with budgeting in the Whanganui Region - 06 345 2042  

Total Care Budgeting Service – Whanganui City Mission

A budgeting service for those who find themselves in difficulty. Client’s money is received and administered on their behalf by the City Mission and used to pay off their debts.

This service involves strict budgeting and advocacy on the client's behalf. 06 345 2139.  

Support and resources for mental health during Covid-19. 

Local support

Employment Assistance Programme (EAP)  

Provides workplace support to 1400 New Zealand businesses to enhance wellbeing of staff - ask at your workplace or call 0800 327 669 24/7.  

Youth Services Trust Whanganui

https://www.facebook.com/ystwhanganui/ 39 Drews Avenue, Whanganui, 06 348 9935, https://www.messenger.com/t/ystwhanganui  

SUPP

An adolescent co-existing problems service which caters to the needs of youth throughout the Whanganui district -  supp@wdhb.org.nz, 06 348 1901 

National support

LGBTQIA and community 

OUTline NZ –  Confidential telephone support for people in the LGBTQIA and community - 0800 688 5463 - every evening, 6pm to 9pm

Support for Youth

SPARX 

A computer program that helps young people with mild to moderate depression.  

Skylight.org.nz 

Offers free Covid-19 online resource packs to help with anxiety and stress in both children (students) and adults

Youthline

0800 376 633 or free txt 234

Support for older people 

Age Concern

Support services, information, advice and personal advocacy for older people and their carers - 164 St Hill Street, Whanganui, 06 345 1799

Senior Services support from Ministry of Social Development  

https://www.govt.nz/organisations/senior-services/ 0800 552 002 Email:  seniors@msd.govt.nz 

 COVID-19 support

• Unite Against Covid  
• Ministry of Health Covid-19 information   

General support  

Healthline – for health and mental health support - 0800 611 116 

Anxiety helpline - 0800 ANXIETY - 0800 269 4389  

Depression and Anxiety Helpline 0800 111 757, free txt 4202  

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 - confidential counselling service  

1737 – Need to talk helpline - free call or free txt (number is 1737) to a trained counsellor  

Mental Health Foundation – getting through together  

Red Cross – Looking after yourself and others 

St John Caring Caller – a service connecting people who need a friend, with people who have time to listen and chat - 0800 780 780 or visit www.stjohn.org.nz  

Alcohol Drug Helpline - 0800 787 797

Working through problems with Aunty Dee - a tool to work through problems, generate ideas and find a solution (Le Va)  

Staying on Track - an e-therapy course that teaches you practical strategies to cope with the stress and disruption of day-to-day life 

Mentemia – mental wellbeing coach app, developed by Sir John Kirwan - or download on Apple App Store or Google Play  

Melon is an app with a health journal, resources and self-awareness tools to help you manage your emotional wellbeing. You can also join their online community to connect with and support others, and watch daily webinars about health and wellbeing - or download on Apple App Store or Google Play 

Whakatau Mai - These Wellbeing Sessions are free, online, community events you can join in real-time. Register for sessions, support your wellbeing and connect with other like-minded people.

Covid-19 support for Māori - information and resources

Best Bubble highlights choices as people figure out what works best for them, and promotes healthier activities over those that could make life trickier, particularly drinking too much alcohol (NZ Drug Foundation).

All Right - Te Waioratanga - Celebrating te ao Māori with a focus on the traditional practices that support our wellbeing. 

Whānau support  

Family Violence – 0800 456 456 

Oranga Tamariki – 0800 32 6459 / 0800FAMILY 

Women’s Refuge – 0800 733 843  

0800 Heybro – 0800 439 279 – Keeping whānau safe – supporting men 24/7 to listen and help.  

Sparklers at Home - fun wellbeing activities to support whānau to look after their wellbeing and feel good.

Local and national business support during COVID-19

Whanganui and Partners  

Whanganui & Partners is the economic development agency for Whanganui. We work to deliver a thriving and resilient economy to our district. 

Please visit the Whanganui and Partners website for information for business during the COVID-19 response.  

Support for businesses in Ruapehu District  

Ruapehu District Council’s Business Development and Relationship Manager, Peggy Veen, is available to provide support to businesses including assistance to get questions answered for businesses regarding government assistance available to them. 

Businesses and community groups can contact Peggy by phone on 0278075305 or by email at peggyv@ruapehudc.govt.nz.  

Waituhi

Waituhi is a Ruapehu based organisation servicing small to medium sized businesses in our district. 

CEDA

Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) is the Manawatu based Economic Development Agency who are hosting online webinars, business support and advisory service. 

Government information for businesses  

For information about workplace operations at alert levels, government support for businesses, tax and ACC, employment, travel and visas, health and safety, landlords and tenants, mental health and wellbeing and working from home, please  go here. 

Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme – Work and Income

The Leave Support Scheme is available to employers, including self-employed people, to help pay their employees who must self-isolate because of Covid and can't work at home during that period.

Workplace wellbeing 

Wellplace.nz has resources for organisations to support happier, healthier and positive organisations 

Support for rural people during Covid-19

Federated Farmers  

Federated Farmers is New Zealand’s leading independent rural advocacy organisation. 

Our 0800 FARMING line is operational but due to high demand, we encourage you to contact staff directly using Contact Us. For member services, sign-in and use the Member Portal, or use our web form.  
 

Ruapehu-Whanganui Rural Support Trust 

The Ruapehu-Whanganui Rural Support Trust is part of a nationwide network of Rural Support Trusts that can assist farming and rural families and their communities. 

If you need help or know of a rural family needing help, call us on 800 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254)  

Preparing for Covid-19 on a farm, vineyard, or orchard

Visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website for contingency plans and other key resources to help you get through

Information about animal welfare during Covid-19   

SPCA 

SPCA's Whanganui Centre covers Whanganui City,  Marton and the Ruapehu region. 

Please call 06 345 3369 or visit https://www.spca.nz/