From Monday 14 October to Friday 18 October, DORA Te Waka Matihiko Hauora, a mobile learning centre, will be in Rotorua District, helping people join the growing numbers who are benefitting from having online access to their health records.

Most medical practices throughout New Zealand offer an online health app to their patients, with many using the popular Manage My Health, myindici 2.0 or Aero platforms. These apps give patients access to their health records such as blood test results and enable them to order repeat prescriptions as well as book appointments with their GPs.

Online health services are available to anyone with a smartphone, tablet or computer and internet connection. However, it is up to individual medical practices to determine the scope of services that they can provide, so while the trainers on DORA explain what is possible, everyone is encouraged to check what their own GPs offer when they sign up.

Rotorua Area Primary Health Service (RAPHS) Chief Executive, Kirsten Stone, says, "As a healthcare 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. This is a great opportunity for people in Rotorua District to get more help accessing their health information online.”

Rotorua Library, as a long-term partner of Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa (DIAA), plays a significant role in assisting residents of Rotorua to get online and become competent at accessing information on apps and websites, including those related to health. Library staff can show people how to access the health apps and the Healthify website during DORA’s visit and on an ongoing basis.

DORA’s visit is being supported by DIAA, Rotorua Library and RAPHS. Library staff will be providing the training on DORA, which will be open to the public at various locations each day. No booking is 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.

The Operations Director for DIAA, Laurence Zwimpfer, said how pleased he was to have the support of staff 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 the Library and the Koiora wellness hub that can provide ongoing help.”

DORA’s Rotorua Itinerary:

About DORA

DORA (Digital On-Road Access) is a 39-year-old bus, converted to a digital classroom in 2012. Suitable for around 8 adults, DORA can travel anywhere in New Zealand. All the equipment is powered by a fully self-contained solar electrical system and the on-board computers have multiple different ways of connecting to the internet, including satellite. DORA is supported by the Lottery Grants Board, Spark NZ, Digital Wings and other business partners.

About Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa

The Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa was established in 2018 to foster socially inclusive communities where everyone has equitable opportunities to meaningfully engage with digital technologies, and benefit from the use of them. We aim to enhance the confidence and capability of people living in New Zealand to engage online to advance their own education, employment, health and wellbeing as well as that of their whānau. The Alliance acts as a catalyst for digital inclusion initiatives, by working with local communities, not-for-profit organisations, business enterprises and government agencies to pursue a shared digital inclusion vision. Any organisation or individual working to achieve a more digitally included community is welcome to become a partner of the Alliance.