Hawke's Bay is feeling the full force of winter as a spike in influenza, Covid-19, and whooping cough pushes schools and health services to their limits. On one day last week, Napier Girls' High School reported that 20% of its students were absent due to illness, while hospitals in the region have had to close overnight services four times in seven days because staff were sick themselves.
The situation reflects a broader seasonal pressure that health officials say was anticipated but is nonetheless testing the system. David Warrington, Health NZ group director of operations for Hawke's Bay, acknowledged the strain while praising frontline workers.
Despite these pressures, our dedicated staff continued to provide safe, compassionate and professional care in extremely difficult circumstances, Warrington said. Winter is always a busy time for health services with increasing respiratory illness putting pressure on the emergency department and other parts of the hospital, and this year is no different.
Why is this winter hitting harder than usual?
Cooler weather naturally makes more people susceptible to respiratory viruses, including influenza, Covid-19, and whooping cough (pertussis). Dr Graham Denyer, a GP and chief medical officer of hybrid primary healthcare provider Tend Health, said the region is experiencing a typical but intense seasonal peak.
Obviously we're experiencing a bit of a peak of influenza at the moment, which tends to happen around about now in August. I think just in the last week or so, we've seen a significant spike, particularly in influenza, which has stacked the pressure on, Denyer said.
Warrington noted that preparations for winter have been underway since March, including more staff, extra bed capacity, and increased community care. He stressed that vaccination remains the best defence, particularly for pregnant people from 16 weeks of every pregnancy, and for high-risk groups such as babies from 6 weeks of age, children, and older adults.
How are schools coping with high absenteeism?
Schools across the region are juggling student absences and staff shortages. Dawn Ackroyd, chairwoman of the Hawke's Bay Secondary Schools Principals' Association and principal of Napier Girls' High School, said the impact is being felt in classrooms and in the search for relief teachers.
One day last week we, NGHS, had 20% of students absent due to illness. Our staff absences have also increased with one of our highest rates last week at 9%, this is double the average rate, for our staff, Ackroyd said.
When several staff are away at once, schools may need to reorganise or combine classes. Ackroyd emphasised that while regular attendance is essential, unwell students and staff should stay home to recover and avoid spreading illness.
Mark Johnson, secretary of the Hawke's Bay Primary Principals' Association and principal of Greenmeadows School, reported about 50 to 60 children off sick each day over the past week, roughly 10% of his student population. He noted this was a high for the year but not chronic compared to last year. Still, he urged parents to keep sick children at home.
It's just a matter of doing the best you can, Johnson said, acknowledging that relief teachers are thin on the ground during winter.
What should you do if you're feeling unwell?
Health officials are asking people with non-urgent concerns to consider alternatives to the hospital emergency department. The free Healthline (0800 611 116) connects callers with a registered nurse, and local GPs and community pharmacies can handle many issues. However, anyone needing emergency care should attend the ED without delay or call 111.
This winter's surge is a reminder of the importance of community care and vaccination. As the region navigates this peak, the resilience of teachers, health workers, and families is being tested, but the message is clear: stay home when sick, get vaccinated, and look out for one another.
Frequently asked questions about the winter illness surge
What illnesses are causing the spike in Hawke's Bay?
Influenza, Covid-19, and whooping cough (pertussis) are the main drivers of the current surge in respiratory illness across the region.
How can I protect myself and my family from whooping cough?
Immunisation is the best protection. This is particularly important during pregnancy from 16 weeks, and for babies from 6 weeks of age, children, and older adults.
When should I go to the emergency department instead of a GP or pharmacy?
If you have a non-urgent concern, try Healthline (0800 611 116), your GP, or a community pharmacy first. For emergencies, attend the ED without delay or call 111.