Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are for people who are symptomatic, or a household contact. They can be ordered online at requestrats.covid19.health.nz and picked up from any of the collection sites open in Taranaki.
For all testing and rapid antigen test (RAT) collection locations please go to www.healthpoint.co.nz
There is NO CHARGE for testing; it is FREE
There are 2 types of COVID-19 tests available to the general public in New Zealand.
- Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the main testing method being used now for people with COVID-19 symptoms or who are a Household Contact. Results take about 20 minutes.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are still being used in some situations. Results take between 2 and 5 days. A health professional can advise you on the right test to take in your situation.
New Plymouth
Taranaki Base Hospital,
New Plymouth
Access to testing clinic: Gate 2 Tukapa Street entrance, first driveway on left. Drive through testing tent and remain in vehicle.
PCR & RATs drive through (please stay in car - no walk ups)
Current hours:
Monday to Friday 8.30am-4pm
Saturday and Sunday (and public holidays) 9am-1pm
From Monday 3 October the following opening hours will apply:
Monday to Friday: 9am-3pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9am-12:30pm
0800 678 378
MediCross Urgent Care & GP Clinic, Egmont Street, New Plymouth
Medicross is open 8am-8pm, but testing hours may differ.
Please call to book an appointment: (06) 759 8915
For more information please go to MediCross Urgent Care & GP Clinic • Healthpoint
Phoenix Urgent Care & GP Clinic, 95 Vivian Street, New Plymouth
Phoenix is open 8.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 9am-2pm Sunday.
Testing hours are determined by demand and appointment times are given on the day you call.
For more information please go to Phoenix Urgent Doctors • Healthpoint
(06) 759 4295
Inglewood
Mamaku Centre Inglewood, 6 Mamaku Street Inglewood
RATs collection
Monday to Friday 11am-2pm
Hāwera
Hāwera Hospital, Hunter Street, Hāwera
PCR & RATs drive through (please stay in car - no walk ups)
Current hours: Monday to Sunday (and public holidays) 9.30am-2.30pm
From Monday 3 October the following opening hours will apply:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday: 10am-2pm
Wednesday, Sunday and public holidays: Closed
Please call 0800 678 378 and discuss your needs with the testing team and they will arrange an appropriate time for you to come in, or find a solution for testing if you cannot access one of the clinics.
TSB Hub, Camberwell Rd entrance - clinics run by STDC & Ngati Ruanui
RATs drive through collection only
Friday 4 March to Friday 18 March
Monday to Friday 9am-3pm
Waitara
Waitara Health Centre, 26 Grey Street, Waitara
Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm.
Please call in advance (06) 754 8119
Te Awa Church, Mclean St - clinics run by Te Aranga
RATs drive through
Drive through from Memorial Place
Monday to Saturday 10am to 2pm
Saliva testing may be available - depending on staff capacity (signage will be up).
Urenui
Urenui & District Health Group, 15A Takiroa Street, Urenui
RATs collection non-drive through (walk-in only)
Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Saturday 9am-12.30pm
Phone (06) 752 3283
Stratford
McKays Pharmacy, 289 Broadway
RATs collection non-drive through (walk-in only)
Monday to
Friday 8.30am-5pm
Eltham
Eltham Town Hall, Stanners Street Eltham
RATs collection
Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm
Ōakura
Ōakura Pharmacy, 1132 South Road Ōakura
RATs collection
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
Saturday 10am to 1pm
Ōpunakē
Ōpunakē Health Centre/Coastal Care,
26 Napier Street,
Ōpunakē
RATs collection non-drive through (walk-in only)
Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm
For more information please go to Opunake Medical Centre • Healthpoint
Waverly
Godderidges Pharmacy, 62 Wararoa Road
RATs collection non-drive through (walk-in only)
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Phone (06) 346 5008
Manaia
Ngaruahine Iwi Health Service
RATs collection
Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm
Patea
Hunter Shaw Building, Egmont St Pātea
RATs collection
Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm
COVID-19 symptoms
Symptoms can include one or more of the following:
- a new or worsening cough
- sneezing and runny nose
- a fever
- temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste
- sore throat
- shortness of breath.
Less common symptoms may include:
- diarrhoea
- headache
- muscle pain or body aches
- nausea
- vomiting
- malaise — a general feeling of discomfort, illness or unease
- chest pain
- abdominal pain
- joint pain
- confusion or irritability.
These less common symptoms almost always occur with one or more of the common symptoms. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are like other illnesses that are much more common, such as colds and flu.
Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.
More about symptoms here
For Māori health support and information on testing please contact:
What is Te Whatu Ora Taranaki doing to manage COVID-19?
- Te Whatu Ora Taranaki continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health, local government agencies and community healthcare providers to ensure we are prepared for suspected and confirmed cases and to ensure urgent health care can still be provided.
- Representatives from hospital and community services, public health, primary health (GPs) and aged care facilities are keeping in regular contact to ensure we are prepared to escalate a Coordinated Incident Management Structure (CIMS).
- Staff have been trained on how to manage patients with COVID-19, and we have robust protocols and health pathways in place to address any COVID-19 cases or other infectious respiratory diseases.
- We have the right personal protective equipment (PPE) required for staff and they are aware of the correct procedures in dealing with COVID-19.
- Services have detailed plans and patient flow processes in place.
- We’re keeping the public and our stakeholders, up-to-date with any changes to local services via direct email, media releases, our website and Facebook and Instagram pages.
- We’re providing the opportunity for stakeholders and the public to ask questions specific about COVID-19 in Taranaki by emailing TDHBCovid.Enquiries@tdhb.org.nz