Regional Public Health (RPH) is the public health unit for the greater Wellington region (Wairarapa, Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast District Health Boards). Our purpose is to improve and protect the health of the population in the Wellington region. We work with our communities to make it a healthier, safer place to live. We promote good health, prevent disease, and improve the quality of life for our population. We have a special focus on improving health of Māori, Pacific and those on low incomes, especially children within these families. An example of some of our work includes: In our environment: • Raising awareness of communicable diseases and following up outbreaks of disease, for example meningitis, tuberculosis and gastroenteritis. • Investigating air, water and other pollution hazards. • Working towards preventing unwanted diseases entering New Zealand by monitoring our local air and sea borders. • Assisting during emergencies and natural disasters by working with Civil Defence and Emergency Management. • Enforcing relevant health legislation. In our community: • We work closely with a variety of agencies to reduce the risk and harm caused by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. • We provide support to new migrants entering the country. • Promoting physical activity and healthy eating. • Working towards a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025. • Public health nurses provide professional advice and support on child related problems and promote healthy living. • We offer immunisation in schools according to the national immunisation schedule. • We offer vision and hearing testing for pre-school and school age children. • Working in early childhood centres and kōhanga reo to promote safe environments and good health practices.