Primary Health Providers
This may seem like a strange question, but, are you aware that when you register at a health centre you are supposed to register with a doctor? Meaning, you choose your primary physician at the health centre.
That way, when you need to see a doctor, you make an appointment with the same one each time, rather than with whoever is available.
I read a lot of posts and comments about having to see a different doctor each time people visit their health centre, and I wonder why.
Do you ring to make appointments or do you just go in? If you ring first you are more likely to see your chosen doctor, rather than the duty doctor. You get what is called continuity of care. That way someone knows what’s going on and is less likely to miss clues. Doctors don’t have time to read everyone’s notes and will skim the last note, missing anything before. If you see the same doctor each time, they will get to know you and what’s happening, and put it together faster.
You can also see the nurse for a lot of issues. Which is cheaper, quicker and often all you need to do. You can also spend longer with the nurse talking about what’s happening and asking questions to find the answers, where a doctors appointment is often rushed. The nurse can then decide if the doctor needs to be seen or if the patient just needs some ointment or a prescription, which the nurse can then organise.
It’s also a lot cheaper going to the same doctor each time.
Many health centres let patients set up automatic payments to cover any costs. I pay $5 per week and I don’t have to come up with the money at the time of the visit. I am in credit and we have checkups each year, scripts are covered and when we do need to go in, I don’t worry that I have no money.
Try to choose a primary physician you are comfortable with and trust, and stick with them. Your health will be better for it.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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