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Free health and wellbeing services

Wellbeing is made up of varying yet interconnected elements, and it's important to take care of each dimension to live and feel well. Our wellbeing state affects all areas of life, including our ability to learn and study in the ways that we want to.

Learn more about the dimensions of wellbeing using the Te Whare Tapa Whā model

 

Free services available to our ākonga (learners)

We offer a range of free health and wellbeing supports via our service partner Vitae, helping ākonga (learners) to stay balanced, feel good and thrive throughout their study journey.

Note: Open Polytechnic ākonga can currently access five different Vitae wellbeing services; student counselling, nutrition coaching, financial wellbeing, menopause support, and Rongoā Māori. Access to additional services is not available at this time.

  • Nutrition coaching

    Our brain and body react to what we put in it. Good nutrition can give us the energy to do the things we want to in life, like connecting with whānau and friends, participating in hobbies and interests, and engaging in learning and study.

    Nutrition coaching is a supportive process to understanding nutrition and the foods we need to feel good and live well. Current Open Polytechnic ākonga can access up to 3 free nutrition coaching sessions for guidance on: 

    • understanding balanced nutrition
    • improving energy and focus
    • body/mind connection
    • immunity support
    • food relationship
    • establishing nutrition goals and individualised wellbeing plans. 

    Learn more about Vitae’s Nutrition Counselling services

    Important: Vitae's appointment request form is currently set up for individuals accessing support through their workplace. We are working with Vitae to create a version specifically for learners; in the meantime, please use one of the methods below to request an appointment.  

    To use this service, please provide your name, student ID number, and your place of study (Open Polytechnic). Vitae will use these details to confirm your enrolment with us. You can send this information along with your requested service to Vitae through one of the following: 

    Vitae is committed to your privacy; any personal details provided as part of your service request will remain secure and confidential to Vitae. 

  • Financial wellbeing

    Financial wellbeing refers to how we feel in relation to our money. When financial wellbeing is in a positive place, it is likely we feel in control of our financial situation and able to meet day-to-day needs. However, money can be a common source of stress, and most of us experience financial pressures at some point in our lives.

    Talking to someone about money worries and exploring strategies like budgeting and debt management can significantly reduce stress and provide more clarity and control. Current Open Polytechnic ākonga can access up to 3 free financial wellbeing sessions with a certified financial advisor, with advice around: 

    • understanding current situation and creating a money plan
    • mortgage restructures
    • establishing an emergency fund
    • debt management (e.g. repayments, loan structures, afterpay, and credit cards)
    • KiwiSaver (including hardship and first homes) and investment
    • Insurance. 

    Learn more about Vitae’s Financial Wellbeing services

    Vitae Tip Sheet – Balancing a budget

    Important: Vitae's appointment request form is currently set up for individuals accessing support through their workplace. We are working with Vitae to create a version specifically for learners; in the meantime, please use one of the methods below to request an appointment. 

    To use this service, please provide your name, student ID number, and your place of study (Open Polytechnic). Vitae will use these details to confirm your enrolment with us. You can send this information along with your requested service to Vitae through one of the following: 

    Vitae is committed to your privacy. Any personal details provided as part of your service request will remain secure and confidential to Vitae. 

  • Menopause support

    As many as eight in 10 women* experience menopause symptoms that impact their overall sense of wellbeing. This can have a ripple effect into other life areas, such as whānau and relationships, lifestyle, work and study.

    Current Open Polytechnic ākonga can access up to 4 free personalised assessment and treatment sessions to support wellbeing during all stages of menopause. This service follows evidence-based care endorsed by International Menopause Society guidelines, and may include a combination of: 

    • Menopause Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
    • specialist menopause cardiovascular, bone and cognitive health review and treatment 
    • menopausal lifestyle review to support wellness during menopause
    • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – where clinically supported. 

    *Vitae acknowledge that, while the term ‘women’ is used in the service description, individuals who identify as being other genders or gender neutral may also experience menopause and can benefit from this support. 

    Learn more about Vitae’s Menopause Support services

    Important: Vitae's appointment request form is currently set up for individuals accessing support through their workplace. We are working with Vitae to create a version specifically for learners; in the meantime, please use one of the methods below to request an appointment.  

    To use this service, please provide your name, student ID number, and your place of study (Open Polytechnic). Vitae will use these details to confirm your enrolment with us. You can send this information along with your requested service to Vitae through one of the following: 

    Vitae is committed to your privacy; any personal details provided as part of your service request will remain secure and confidential to Vitae.

    This information was adapted from Vitae Menopause Support information. 

  • Rongoā Māori

    Rongoā Māori is a holistic cultural healing practice grounded in mātauranga Māori. For centuries, whānau Māori have cultivated rongoā, passing its unique knowledge down through generations.  

    The practice incorporates deep, personal connections with the natural environment and works to nurture physical, emotional and spiritual health via methods such as Mirimiri and Romiromi (traditional Māori healing and bodywork), Karakia (prayer), and Rongoā Rākau (plant medicine). (Source: Vitae website) 

    Current Open Polytechnic ākonga can access up to 5 free sessions with a certified mātanga Rongoā (practitioner or collective). Please note: Access to Rongoā Māori is limited to local availability of mātanga Rongoā. Vitae are working to expand their regional partnerships with mātanga Rongoā to improve access to Rongoā Māori throughout the motu.

    Learn more about Vitae’s Rongoā Māori services

    View the profiles of Vitae's current mātanga Rongoā by location

    Important: Vitae's appointment request form is currently set up for individuals accessing support through their workplace. We are working with Vitae to create a version specifically for learners; in the meantime, please use one of the methods below to request an appointment.

    To use this service, please provide your name, student ID number, and your place of study (Open Polytechnic). Vitae will use these details to confirm your enrolment with us. You can send this information along with your requested service to Vitae through one of the following: 

    Vitae is committed to your privacy; any personal details provided as part of your service request will remain secure and confidential to Vitae.