Online health services are available to everyone with a smartphone, tablet or computer and an internet connection but it is not always clear how to access online health services, help is at hand in the Wairarapa from Monday 4 November through to Friday 15 November aboard the Digital On-Road Access (DORA) bus Te Waka Matihiko Hauora, which will tour the region offering free training.

The trainers on the DORA bus will explain what is possible in terms of online health care and encourage participants to talk with their own medical centres to find out what is offered specifically within their own community.

The bus is 39 years old and was converted to a digital classroom in 2012. It is powered by self contained solar electricity and on board computers connect to the internet. It is run by Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa (DIAA) with libraries in the Wairarapa playing a significant role in helping their communities to access online services and grow their ability to use apps and websites. During DORA’s visit, the library staff and tutors from Digital Seniors Wairarapa will help people to access online health apps and other resources, such as Healthify.

“As a primary care network, our priority is to empower everyone with the resources and knowledge to take control of their health. Easy access to health information and digital applications enables whānau to make informed decisions, stay connected with healthcare providers, and receive timely, appropriate care. By embracing digital solutions, we can improve health equity, enhance accessibility, and create a system that truly reflects and respects the unique needs of all our communities,” says Justine Thorpe, Tū Ora Compass Health Chief Executive. “This is a great opportunity for people in the Wairarapa to get more help accessing their health information online.”

Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa Operations Director Laurence Zwimpfer says he appreciates the support of people from local community organisations.   

“We understand how important it is for everyone to have ongoing help with their digital technologies whenever they need it.  So, for those who miss DORA’s brief visit, it is good to know that there are local organisations like libraries and Digital Seniors that can provide ongoing help.”
DORA’s visit is supported by the Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa (DIAA), Digital Seniors, Wairarapa Library Service, Masterton Library and Tū Ora Compass Health. DORA will be open to the public at locations around the Wairarapa each day.

How to access free digital help on the DORA bus this November

No bookings are needed. 

Just drop in and the team will give you whatever help you need in using your digital devices and accessing your online health records.

Times and places to visit the DORA bus in the Wairarapa

Monday 4 November, 1pm to 3pm, Greytown Orchards Lifestyle Retirement, 67 Reading Street

Tuesday 5 November, 10am to 3pm, Martinborough Health Centre, 5 Oxford Street

Wednesday 6 November, 10am to 3pm, opposite Carterton Medical Centre (at St David’s), 164 High Street South

Thursday 7 November, 10am to 3pm, opposite Pirinoa Medical Centre, 2779 Lake Ferry Road

Friday 8 November, 1pm to 3pm Featherston Community Centre Carpark, 14 Wakefield Street

Monday 11 November, 9.30am to 4pm, Riversdale Beach store, 2 Blue Pacific Parade

Tuesday 12 November, 9am to 4.30pm, Hau Kāinga, 15 Queen Street, Masterton

Wednesday 13 November, 9am to 4.30pm, Pasifika O Wairarapa, 23 Intermediate Street, Masterton

Thursday 14 November, 9am to 4.30pm, St James Union Church, 116 High Street, Solway, Masterton

Friday 15 November, 9.30am to 12 noon, Tinui Café & Bar carpark, 1 Charles Street and Castlepoint Beach, 44 Jetty Road from 1pm to 4pm

For more information, contact

Louise Dowdell, Wairarapa Library Service, 027 944 7022

Madeleine Slavic, Wairarapa Library Service, madeleine@wls.org.nz

Rick Bryant, Digital Seniors – 027 599 3444, rick.bryant@digitalseniors.co.nz

Janet McAllister, Masterton Library, 027 444 1542, janetm@mstn.govt.nz

Laurence Zwimpfer, Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa, 027 430 6737 laurence@diaa.nz

• DORA is supported by the Lottery Grants Board, Spark NZ, Digital Wings and other business partners.