About us:
e pā ana ki a matou
- Canterbury
- Chatham Islands
- Mid Canterbury
- South Canterbury
- West Coast
- Information Systems
- Public Health
- Te Pae Māhutonga
Careers at CPH
Want to work for an organisation committed to providing the best public health services possible?
Community and Public Health in South Canterbury (Timaru)
The South Canterbury region covers the area between the Rangitata and Waitaki rivers. It includes the Timaru, Waimate and Mackenzie Districts.
The region’s average population is nearly 59,000 (according to the 2018 census) with 8.6 percent identifying as Maori. The population is increasingly more culturally diverse with an active migrant community including a refugee resettlement programme. The median age is 44.8 years and more than half of people (64 percent) live in rural areas.
Local Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health work aligns to the strategic priorities of Health NZ | Te Whata Ora Te Pae Tata Interim New Zealand Health Plan 2022. Key focus areas for the work of the Timaru-based staff are:
- healthy lifestyles;
- child and adolescent health; and
- reducing inequalities.
Health Promotion Activities in South Canterbury
WAVE (Well-being and Vitality in Education) is a major public health initiative in South Canterbury. This programme of intersectoral activities aims to create and support healthier environments for local children and young people. WAVE is unique to South Canterbury as it supports and enhances activities across the education sector – from early childhood education, primary and secondary schools to tertiary providers.
The South Canterbury Child Nutrition and Oral Health Promoter is based at Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health and works with the community to create environments that promote good oral health from an early age. This work includes:
- Supporting WAVE early childhood education and schools to promote oral health; and
- Co-ordinating the roll-out of Te Hā o Aoraki (daily toothbrushing programme).
Other public health activities in South Canterbury
Health Protection Officers provide assistance on environmental health issues and infectious diseases. They are also involved in biosecurity monitoring at the Port of Timaru, inspections and advice for Early Childhood Centres, and drinking water assessments.
The Timaru office also has a Community Health Information Centre, providing a range of health education resources from the Ministry of Health and other providers.
- Download an information sheet on the organisational structure of Community and Public Health [206KB].
Fireworks banned in Mackenzie Basin this summer
Fire and Energency NZ media release: Monday 16th December 2024
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has imposed a temporary ban on all fireworks activity in the Mackenzie Basin from Sunday 15th December 2024 to Monday 31st March 2025.
Mid-South Canterbury District Manager Rob Hands says the ban is possible under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act.
“It will prevent people from letting off fireworks in these areas as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire over summer,” Rob Hands says.
“We know people stockpile fireworks from Guy Fawkes and like to let them off over summer, but right now the weather conditions are just too hot, dry and windy,” he says.
“While some people might be tempted to celebrate holiday events with fireworks, the risk of causing a wildfire in the district is too great.
“It only takes one spark to start a wildfire. So please, leave your fireworks at home if you’re visiting Mid-South Canterbury this summer.”
All of the Mid-South Canterbury District went into a restricted fire season last week. This means anyone who wants to light an open-air fire needs a permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz.
If you’re thinking about lighting a fire – wherever you are in the country – go to www.checkitsalright.nz to see whether any restrictions are in place before lighting up.
Elevated nitrate concentrations in Lower Waihao community water supply
Environment Canterbury media release: 3rd December 2024
Waimate District Council had advised that nitrate levels in the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme (including Waikakahi East) have now exceeded drinking water standards.
The Council is now providing alternative water for affected residents.
This increase follows three large rainfall events in October and November that have caused nitrate in the soil to get into groundwater flows.
The Lower Waihao drinking water supply is a shallow groundwater well and is located in an area of intensive farming. This means that heavy rainfall in the area can impact nitrate concentrations.
Private well owners outside the drinking water scheme are encouraged to test their water if they use it for drinking.
Environment Canterbury has boosted their compliance monitoring in the region to ensure that potential sources of nitrate are being well managed. This includes:
- on-farm visits to monitor dairy effluent consents in the catchment;
- checking on permitted activities to ensure they are being carried out within plan limits; and
- working with the local irrigation company on its consenting requirements.
- Find out the latest on nitrate levels in the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme (Waimate District Council).
Links
- Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury – formerly the South Canterbury District Health Board.
- Environment Canterbury (Regional Council).
- Timaru District Council.
- Mackenzie District Council.
- Waimate District Council.
