Takahia Te Ara
Providing our whānau in the north access to quality healthcareNgāti Whātua Ōrākei, nib, Tend Health and Orrs Pharmacy are proud to introduce Takahia te Ara, a new programme designed to make healthcare easier and more accessible for our whānau in the North.
With the support of Toi Ora Health Insurance, you have access to better, faster healthcare—ensuring you and your whānau get the care you need, when you need it. We know that in the North, getting in to see a GP can be tough, with long wait times and limited availability. That’s why Takahia te Ara makes it easier, connecting you with virtual GP services through Tend and providing free health checks at participating pharmacies—so you don’t have to wait to put your health first.
We’ve sent your Takahia te Ara card to your registered address. If you haven’t received it, let us know and we’ll get it out to you ASAP!
Eligibility Criteria
Is this kaupapa for you? All you need is:
- Live in or be able to access participating locations – Currently, the programme is available in:
📍 Whangārei
📍 Kaikohe
📍 Dargaville
📍 Kaitāia (coming soon!)
📍 Moerewa (coming soon!)
- A Toi Ora Health Insurance policy with nib - unsure if you have a policy, give us a call!
- Hold a Takahia te Ara card – Each whānau member listed on the card is eligible for free health checks at participating pharmacies and access to GP services through Tend.
Not sure if you're eligible? 📞 Contact a nib Kaiārahi or check your nib app to confirm your coverage and eligibility.
How Takahia te Ara Works
It’s easy as to jump on board! Follow the steps below...
Let's get started...
Local Pharmacies
Our local pharmacies will do the first health check. Find out more about what the health check will include!
Local participating pharmacies include:
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Tend App
Tend provides online GP care via video-call or phone-call. They make it easy to book and manage your health! -
nib Health Insurance
Our hoa at nib will support you through this entire programme. Have a question about how it works, or your policy? They’ve got you! -
nib App
From claiming, checking your policy balances, the nib app has everything you need. Download the app here!
FAQs
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Takahia te Ara is a health initiative by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and nib, designed to give whānau easier access to free health checks, GP appointments, and specialist care. The programme removes barriers to healthcare, so you and your whānau can stay well and get support when you need it.
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It’s simple. Just follow these steps:
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Step 1: Take your Takahia te Ara card to a participating pharmacy and complete your free health check. Everyone on the card is eligible.
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Step 2: A nib Kaiārahi will contact you to book a GP appointment with Tend, either online or by phone.
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Step 3: Work with your GP to create a personalised health plan.
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Step 4: If tests, specialist visits, or health programmes are recommended, your Toi Ora Health Insurance may cover them for free. Your Kaiārahi will help with any approvals.
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Takahia te Ara is available to whānau covered under Toi Ora Health Insurance. If you’re unsure whether you or your whānau are covered, you can check with a nib Kaiārahi or through the nib app.
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You can visit a participating pharmacy in:
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Whangārei
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Kaikohe
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Dargaville
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Kaitāia (coming soon)
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Moerewa (coming soon)
More locations will be added over time.
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Toi Ora Health Insurance, provided by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and nib, gives whānau access to free health checks, GP appointments, and specialist care where covered. It is designed to support the long-term health and wellbeing of our whānau, ensuring access to the right care, at the right time.
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If your GP recommends tests, specialist care, or a health programme, your Toi Ora Health Insurance may cover it. Your nib Kaiārahi can help with booking and approvals to make the process easy.
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A nib Kaiārahi is your personal health guide. They will:
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Help you book GP and specialist appointments
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Assist with insurance claims and approvals
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Answer any questions about your health journey
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Once you’ve completed your free health check, a nib Kaiārahi will reach out to help schedule your appointment with a Tend GP, online or by phone.