Ngāti Hine responds to Northland measles outbreak with free clinics

External Media: Waatea News

Published: 29 September 2025

A measles outbreak in Te Tai Tokerau is prompting a Māori health organisation to step up for their community.

Ngāti Hine Health Trust has launched free measles vaccination clinics after four cases were confirmed in the Bay of Islands over the weekend, with Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa identified as a location of interest.

Dr Mataroria Lyndon, Clinical Lead Advisor for Ngāti Hine Health Trust, says the community must get immunised and stay vigilant.

“We’re urging whānau to watch out for measles symptoms, but also for those who are unimmunised, the importance of getting vaccinated is the best protection against measles and against the spread of measles… So Ngāti Hine Health Trust has stood up our clinics over the weekend and today in Whangārei and in the Bay of Islands…” says Lyndon.

Outbreaks of infectious diseases aren’t just concerning for adults, but especially for tamariki and mokopuna.

“Measles isn’t just a minor cough and cold. Our tamariki and pēpi and those with low immunity can actually end up in hospital with complications like pneumonia or brain swelling, and that’s why we take it very seriously and see the importance of whānau looking out for symptoms, making sure that whānau are up to date with their measles vaccination and also with these cases now being identified, now trying to contact, trace or look for potential cases in the community,” says Lyndon.

Ngāti Hine Health Trust is also deploying mobile clinics across rural Northland to reach isolated communities, with support from Healthline.

More locations of interest may be announced as contact tracing continues. For more information, contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 or your healthcare provider.