We’re out & about in the community.

16 Apr - Our nurse Pam joined the awesome team from Tangata Atumotu Trust at the Phillipstown Community Hub for a day of immunisations, hep C screening, kai and community outreach with Housing First Ōtautahi.

It was a beautiful example of mahi tahi – everyone coming together to support the community! We’ll be back for two more vaccination days at the Phillipstown Hub in late April.

Ngā mihi nui to all involved, especially our hoamahi at Tangata Atumotu Trust and Housing First, and to Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora for supporting this kaupapa.

16 Apr - Duncan Webb, Labour Member of Parliament for Christchurch Central, visits our service at the Rodger Wright Centre in Ōtautahi. It was great to kōrero about harm reduction happening every day.

Duncan reflected on his visit, “Today I met with the hardworking team at the Rodger Wright Centre, otherwise known as the needle exchange. The work that is done here is nothing short of incredible, with wrap around services such as drug harm reduction (testing, education, peer support), Hep C testing, medical services to name but a few. This is truly lifesaving work the team do here…”

31 Mar - We were out in force at Burnett Foundation Aotearoa Pride Flea Market, bringing Hep C testing and harm reduction to an energetic and vibrant crowd!

Pride is all about whakawhanaungatanga, connecting, supporting, and celebrating together. We’re proud to be part of such an inclusive and empowering event.

27 Mar - Nurse Leah provides Hep C testing, treatment, and harm reduction support where it's needed most on the coast.

Ngā mihi nui to the West Coast Community Trust for supporting our harm reduction efforts on Te Tai Poutini!

Partnerships like this make a real difference in reaching communities with compassionate, accessible healthcare. We’re grateful for their support in keeping harm reduction services strong on the Coast!

26 Mar - We’re incredibly proud to share that Te Waipounamu has seen an 11% increase in Hep C treatment, making us the leading region in Aotearoa for treatment numbers!

This is a testament to the hard mahi of our nurses, peers, and kaimahi, as well as the amazing partners we work alongside. Ngā mihi nui to everyone helping us reach more people and provide life-changing treatment.

21 Mar - Nurse Leah was in beautiful Hokitika, delivering point-of-care training for Hep C at Te Hono o Ngā Waka with their kaimahi.

We’re proud to support Te Hono as they also recently became an alternative provider for Needle Exchange services. Ka mau te wehi! It’s awesome to continue our strong partnership and strengthen harm reduction services on the Coast.

Ngā mihi nui to the team at Te Hono for their dedication to their community and welcoming us to their slice of paradise in Te Tai Poutini.

20 Mar - We’re excited to share that Te Toḵa in Christchurch Central part of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa is now an alternative provider for Needle Exchange services in Ōtautahi!

This means more choice for our communities when it comes to accessing safe, non-judgmental harm reduction support.

25 Feb - Last week, Kylie, our Southland Needle Exchange Manager, attended a Meth education workshop facilitated by Peter Thorburn of Meth Education and Solution Services. Ngā mihi nui to Peter and the organisers for bringing these important kōrero to Waihōpai!

Peter’s journey—from 23 years of addiction, including 8 years using meth, to recovery, study, and co-founding the AOD Consumers Network—is truly inspiring. Since 2017, MESS NZ has been delivering education, training, and counselling services to help people make informed choices.

Kylie found the workshop engaging and valuable for her mahi in harm reduction.

22 Feb - Oral health is an important part of overall well-being, and these packs will make a real difference. If you would like a BYTE pack, please speak with our friendly Harm Reduction Nurses next door at the Rodger Wright Community Clinic. Ngā mihi nui for your generosity – we truly appreciate your support! 💙