Child health

Many health services for children are free under New Zealand’s public health system. These include immunisation against serious disease, regular eyesight and hearing checks at school, and visits to the doctor. Basic dental care through school dental clinics is also free while children are at school.

The government also runs a WellChild Care Service which provides health education, clinical assessment and family care and support, to ensure parents receive support in all aspects of their child’s development. See www.wellchild.org.nz.

Further support for parents and children is available through the free care provided by the Plunket Society. Plunket nurses provide health and development checks and parenting advice either at home or at a local Plunket Clinic. Plunket also has a car seat rental service for babies and small children. This service is available to everyone and can be for just a short term, so it may be useful to you when you first arrive with young children. For more details, see www.plunket.org.nz.

Note: In New Zealand, a child should remain in a child seat or booster seat until they reach 145 cm or 4ft  9inches .