Health improvement practitioner appointments

Our Health Improvement Practitioner provides support to students so they can create solution focused action plans and develop skills to empower self-management.

Under the Te Tumu Waiora (towards wellness) initiative, students enrolled with Student Health, Mauri Ora have access to the Health Improvement Practitioner services.

Our Health Improvement Practitioners are available to help students create solution focused action plans and to help develop skills to empower self-management of wellbeing. She is part of the general practice team and her typical day usually consists of half scheduled and half unscheduled appointments, so she has availability on the day for students needing or wanting a same day appointment.

To book a 30 minute appointment with our HIPs, please discuss with your GP or Nurse whether a referral would be appropriate.

Q&A with our Health Improvement Practitioner

Sharing some insights into what it's like to be a Health Improvement Practitioner for Mauri Ora.

What is your role at Mauri Ora? A Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP).

What is a Health Improvement Practitioner? A HIP is part of the GP team. A HIP session provides an awesome chance to check in with all aspects of individual wellbeing. The individual then choses an issue on top for them that may be impacting their wellbeing, and we work together on a solution towards improved wellbeing. The aim is that the individual leaves a session with an action plan going forward, and hopefully some more skills in their toolbox to empower self-management of wellbeing.

What kinds of things have you helped with here at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington? I have helped students with many different issues including stress, relationships, sexual dysfunction, sleep, routine, life balance, diet, self-esteem, attention difficulties, diabetes management, presentation anxiety and much more. Essentially there is no wrong referral, and at minimum we can help link you to other services you may need.

What do you love about your job? My job feels meaningful. I love connecting with people from all walks of path about wellbeing. Of most satisfaction is seeing students make positive changes, towards improving their wellbeing. I love working as part of Mauri Ora, a genuinely caring team. I love all the opportunities to learn and develop both professionally and personally. Also, the uni has some great outdoor spaces and nearby walks to get some lunch time fresh air, which is defiantly a bonus to the day.

Can anyone book an appointment with you? Anyone enrolled with Mauri Ora can book with me. Simply ask your GP. There is no such thing as a wrong referral.

How do you spend your down time? Doing anything and everything. I am always trying out new things, so I find it hard to fit it all in. My absolute favourite things to do are mountain biking and surfing. I also love a good cup of tea with good company or a book.

Any tips for student life at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington?

  • Not to be biased but learning to tune into your wellbeing and manage it is foundational.
  • Don’t feel guilty for having fun time, schedule it in, it is important.
  • University students require more nutrition than the normal person. Your brain needs it and will get hangry if starved. Lack of nutrition impacts everything; including sleep and ability to focus.
  • Book in with a HIP