Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) is running free cervical screening clinics in community spaces across the region. These drop-in clinics are part of our ongoing effort to make cervical screening more accessible, more comfortable, and easier to fit into everyday life.
If you’ve never been screened, are overdue, or are looking for a more flexible option, you may be able to get it free through these clinics. Check the eligibility criteria below to see if this service is available to you. You don’t need to book, but if you’d prefer to secure a time, you can call 0800 920 033 to make an appointment.
At the clinic, you can choose to do a quick self-test (a vaginal swab) in a private space. A trained nurse is there to support you if you need help, and your test will be sent straight to the lab.
“Cervical screening helps detect early changes before they become cancer, but it’s something many people put off,” says Gemma Pearson, WBOP PHO’s Support to Screening Nurse. “By offering self-swabs in trusted community spaces, at flexible times, we’re hoping to make it that much easier to take care of your health.”
Who can get free cervical screening?
You are eligible for free screening if you are:
- Māori or Pacific wāhine aged 25 to 69
- Aged 25 to 69 and have a Community Services Card
- Aged 30 or over and have never been screened
- Aged 30 or over and overdue by 5+ years
- Aged 70 to 74 and have not had two normal results between 62–6
- Anyone due follow up screening or anyone not on routine screening
Where to Find a Clinic
Current clinic dates and locations are listed below (click for directions), with more being added regularly. Check back often to see what’s coming up near you.
| 📅 May Clinics | 📅 June Clinics |
|---|---|
| Mount Maunganui 📍Arataki Community Centre – Tue 6 May, 8:45am–12:15pm | Mount Maunganui 📍Arataki Community Centre – Tue 3 June, 8:45am–12:15pm |
| Tauranga 📍Rangiora Health Hub – Wed 14 and 28 May, 1pm–4pm | Tauranga 📍Rangiora Health Hub – Wed 11 and 25 June, 1pm–4pm |
| Whakatāne 📍Concordia House – Fri 9 May, 9am–3:30pm 📍EBPHA – Wed 7 and 21 May, 3pm–7pm 📍Kahu Taurima – Tue 6, 13 and 27 May, 10am–3pm | Whakatāne 📍Concordia House – Fri 6 June, 9am–3:30pm 📍EBPHA – Wed 4 and 18 June, 3pm–7pm 📍Kahu Taurima – Tue 3, 10 and 24 June, 10am–3pm |
| Kawerau 📍KEA – Fri 2, 16, 30 May, 9am–3:30pm; Wed 14 and 28 May, 3pm–7pm | Kawerau 📍KEA – Fri 13 June, 9am–3:30pm; Wed 11 and 25 June, 3pm–7pm |
| Ōpōtiki 📍Ōpōtiki Health Centre – Wed 7 and 21 May, 11am–3:30pm | Ōpōtiki 📍Ōpōtiki Health Centre – Wed 4 and 18 June, 11am–3:30pm |
| Te Puke 📍Community Health Centre – Fri 30 May, 9am–12pm | Te Puke 📍Community Health Centre – Wed 25 June, 9am–12pm |
| Te Teko 📍Te Puna Manawa o Rangitāiki – Tue 20 May, 9am–3pm | Te Teko 📍Te Puna Manawa o Rangitāiki – Tue 17 June, 9am–3pm |
| Tāneatua 📍Te Tai Community Hub – Tue 20 May, 10am–2pm | Tāneatua 📍Te Tai Community Hub – Tue 17 June, 10am–2pm |
Who needs cervical screening?
Anyone aged 25 to 69 with a cervix should have regular cervical screening no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. Most people only need a screen every 5 years. If you’re not eligible for free screening but think you’re due, contact your GP. Costs vary by clinic.
Need help with an appointment?
WBOP PHO’s Screening Support Services can help with bookings, transport, or home visits. If you’re eligible, your GP or hauora provider can refer you, or you can call us directly on 0800 920 033. Support is available if you are:
➡️ Māori or Pacific wāhine aged 25 to 69
➡️ Aged 30 to 69 and have never had a cervical screen, haven’t had one in the last 5 years or are due follow up testing
What to expect from your cervical screening
Since 2023, cervical screening in Aotearoa has been based on testing for HPV (human papillomavirus), which causes most cervical cancers. There are now three ways to do the test:
- Self-test: You can take a vaginal swab yourself, in private, at your GP or at a community clinic like ours.
- Nurse-assisted swab: A nurse can do the swab for you during an appointment.
- Smear test: A nurse or doctor can take a sample from your cervix. If HPV is found, further tests will be done from that same sample, no need to return for another test.
What is a self-test like?
A self-test uses a small, soft swab, like a cotton bud. You insert it into your vagina, rotate it a few times, then place it into a tube. Many people find this much easier and more comfortable than a traditional smear test.
