Te Whare o Rehua, Te Puna Ora o Mataatua’s newly established medical subsidiary, will proudly launch its urgent after-hours service, Rehua Tūahiahi After-Hours Clinic over Auckland Anniversary Weekend at 9.00am on Saturday, 24th January 2026.
Shelley Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of Te Whare o Rehua, says after-hours clinics are crucial in reducing acute demand on A&E departments — meaning lower wait times and ensuring those who need urgent help are seen sooner.
“The name ‘Rehua’ represents the ability to heal and is a source of energy and innovation. ‘Tūahiahi’ represents an evening star. So, this fitting name of Rehua Tūahiahi is a new way of serving our whānau and wider community,” says Ms Cunningham.
“Continuing to deliver support with manaaki (care) and oritetanga (equity), we are committed to factoring low-cost after-hours fees so whānau and the wider community are not further disadvantaged through financial burden. This was also the most important feedback we received at our After-Hours Community Workshop. We acknowledge that this service hasn’t been designed alone, but with valued feedback from whānau, community, clinicians and relationships.”
“The community told us that these services are especially important for communities facing systemic barriers to healthcare. They improve outcomes for high-needs and Māori communities, who have historically experienced poorer health due to limited access,” she says.
Located at Rehua Medical, 90 King Street, Kōpeopeo, Rehua Tūahiahi will operate as a walk-in clinic — no appointment necessary, for anyone in the community who requires urgent medical attention.
The community is encouraged to continue making weekday appointments with their GP or medical centre and not wait until the evenings or weekend to seek medical care.
Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance (EBPHA), which holds responsibility for after-hours in the Eastern Bay, is pleased to work in partnership with Te Whare o Rehua and the wider GP Practice Network for the service rollout.
EBPHA Interim Chief Executive Katarina Gordon says in partnership with Te Whare o Rehua and across our network, we have a unified vision: to create a community and primary care system that enhances equity in access and health outcomes for whānau.
“Through collaboration, shared learning, and collective leadership, we strive to strengthen the foundation for a healthier, more connected primary care system across Te Moana a Toi,” says Katarina Gordon.
Rehua Tūahiahi After-Hours Clinic will host a whakatūwhera (celebratory karakia/blessing) prior to opening its after-hours doors to the community on January 24th, 2026.
After Hours Care Options
| Situation | What to Do / Location | Days |
|---|---|---|
| General after-hours assistance | Call your GP first – they will provide care options | -- |
| Healthline | Call Healthline (24/7) – speak to a registered nurse | 24hours / 7 days |
| If you are in or near Whakatāne | Te Awe Tieke Hauora – Whakatāne Hospital Outpatients, Stewart St (until 18 Jan) |
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 10am-4pm |
| Rehua Tūahiahi – Rehua Medical, 90 King Street, Whakatāne (from 24 Jan) |
Mon – Fri 5pm – 8pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 9am – 6pm | |
| If you are in or near Ōpōtiki | Pou Ora – Ōpōtiki Community Health Centre, 32a King St |
Mon – Fri 5pm – 8pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 10am – 6pm |
