Healthcare service opens third clinic

Despite approaching a quarter of a century, Arowhenua Whanau Services is still growing.

The organisation has now opened a third premises in King St, Temuka.

The newly refurbished clinic — located opposite the Temuka New World — offers free healthcare to the community.

Haumanu whakahaere/clinical manager Elly Grant said while the service was a Māori healthcare provider it cared for Māori and non-Māori whānau living in the region.

Mrs Grant said the organisation could provide healthcare for simple medical procedures like implant contraceptives, vaccinations and sexual healthcare.

It also helped patients with long-term conditions like diabetes.

She said for people who could not get into the doctors quickly — due to long waiting lists — the organisation could help.

She said medical practices could collaborate and work with them.

"We are serving the same community. We don’t mind doing it."

She said health was wealth.

The organisation had begun in 2001, moving out from the marae to an address in King St. Then — when space became too tight — a neighbouring location had been bought.