Free health checks, health advice, children’s activities, free food and heaps of prizes will be available at the Whānau Hauora Day in Karitane on Saturday.
The event is part of a joint project by the Cancer Society, WellSouth Primary Health Network and Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki to provide health checks and advice to communities in Karitane, Warrington, Palmerston and further north.
Event co-coordinator WellSouth community engagement adviser Deb Gallon said in a statement the Whānau Hauora Day would be held at Puketeraki Marae, 520 Apes Rd, Karitane, on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.
The setting and stalls would give whānau the time and space to get advice, Ms Gallon said.
"We know barriers to getting important checks include being less able to make appointments during the week, or that people need time to talk about their health.
"Whānau now have time to look around, get checks, entertain the kids and ask questions they may not have felt comfortable to do so," she said.
Event co-coordinator Pou Arahi — Māori engagement and cancer prevention Tariana Kiel-Bidois said the community health day would focus on the marae/house model approach to wellbeing, called Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
"It’s a holistic approach, and prevention is a key part of our kaupapa for the day."
Free health checks will include blood pressure checks, cervical screening, glucose testing for diabetes, gout testing, information about breast screening, healthy eating tips and mental health advice, as well as emergency information for when things go wrong.
There will also be a rongoa practitioner, offering traditional Māori healing therapy, as well as an acupuncturist from Taste Nature.
Activities for children will include face painting, bubble wands, make-your-own-smoothie bike, free sunscreen and dental packs, an activity table and spot prizes.
Online registration is encouraged via Whānau Hauora Day Puketeraki. — APL
