At 6pm on Monday 11 August, Auckland’s Sky Tower will
light up in purple and teal, marking the launch of Tend Te
Wiki Hauroa Wāhine (11-17 August) – New Zealand’s biggest
celebration of women’s health and wellbeing.
The
week-long initiative, spearheaded by digi-physical
healthcare provider Tend, will see events across the motu,
from workshops in Marton to free cervical screening in
Ōtautahi, all designed to encourage New Zealand wāhine to
prioritise their health.
“For too long, women have put
everyone else first, their whānau, their work, their
communities,” says Cecilia Robinson, Co-CEO of Tend. “This
week is their permission slip to put themselves at the
centre of their own health story.”
Dame Valerie Adams
champions the cause
The week kicks off with an
exclusive panel event at SkyCity on Monday 11 August,
featuring Dame Valerie Adams, who will share her powerful
story about the importance of prioritising women’s
health.
“My own mum left us too soon because she
didn’t make her health a priority,” says Dame Valerie Adams,
whose mother tragically passed away from cervical cancer at
just 39 years old. “It’s a story I carry with me every day.
This week, it is our wāhine’s time to shine. I want them
to have the conversations, ask the questions and seek the
care they deserve.”
Free cervical screening removes
barriers
A major highlight of the week is free
cervical screening at all Tend clinics on Friday 15 August.
Screening can prevent 95% of cervical cancers, yet cost
remains a significant barrier for many women.
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“By
removing the financial barrier for one day, we’re not just
providing a health service – we’re sending a clear message
that women’s preventive healthcare should be accessible to
all,” says Robinson.
Survey reveals the ‘gender tax’
on healthcare
During the week, Tend will reveal
findings from their groundbreaking survey of over 1,300 New
Zealand women, exposing the true financial cost of being a
woman in Aotearoa.
“The research confirms there is a
‘gender tax’ when it comes to healthcare – money spent on
essential health products and services that men simply don’t
need,” says Robinson. “We’re talking about period products,
contraception, pregnancy care, menopause management –
these aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities.”
Strong
support from leaders across sectors
The Hon Nicola
Grigg, Minister for Women, is championing the event: “As a
first-time mum juggling a busy travel schedule while working
and caring for our son, I can now see how many women neglect
their health needs because they’ve simply run out of hours
in the week. I don’t want any woman to put looking after
their health and wellbeing at the bottom of the to-do
list.”
The Selwyn Foundation, led by CEO Denise
Cosgrove, is highlighting the unique health challenges and
broader wellbeing issues facing older women. Single older
women in particular can often face other difficulties that
impact their overall health and make them more vulnerable
– social isolation, housing insecurity, financial stress,
and limited access to support. Tend Women’s Health Week
reminds us that health isn’t just about medical care –
it’s about addressing the social determinants that impact
wellbeing throughout a woman’s life.”
“We want every
woman in New Zealand to feel empowered about her health,”
says Robinson. “Whether you’re 18 or 80, whether you’re
dealing with periods, pregnancy, or menopause, this week is
for you.”
“But this week isn’t just for women,
it’s about all of us understanding women’s health better,”
adds Robinson. “We want fathers, partners, sons, and
colleagues to learn something new. When we support women’s
health, we strengthen our entire community.”
About
Women’s Health Week 2025
Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine is New
Zealand’s annual celebration of women’s health and
wellbeing, designed to encourage women to prioritise their
physical and mental health. Founded by Tend in 2024, the
week features events, educational content, and health
services across the
country.
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