Otago Polytechnic uses Pocket Lab to provide online, subsidised student healthcare. Pocket Lab provide same-day medical care, prescriptions and specialist referral from experienced New Zealand doctors.

Quick facts about Pocket Lab

• The OP Pocket Lab portal is packed with info, a registration form, FAQs and details about other healthcare providers (e.g. where you can go to get a blood test done)

• Pocket Lab is available to both domestic and international students.

• You do not need to be enrolled with Pocket Lab, but you do need to register to access their services.

• You can be enrolled with another doctor and still access Pocket Lab’s services.

How to make an appointment

1. To use Pocket Lab for the first time, register via the portal.

2. Once registered, you can log in via the portal to book an online consultation.

3. Your appointment will be done via video or phone call.

Hours and fees

The best fees are available for those who have a Community Services Card. Find out if you’re eligible and how to get a card on the Work and Income website.

In-person care

It’s a good idea to enrol with a local doctor’s clinic while you’re studying in case you need to access in-person care.

You can check out which doctor’s clinics are available throughout New Zealand and whether they’re accepting patients here.

Tip: Dunedin Community Health offers lower cost consultations to enrolled members of the community. 

Medical records

If you would like your Otago Polytechnic Student Health records transferred to your main medical provider, your current doctor’s office can request them by emailing recordsrequest@op.ac.nz

Your records will be transferred securely using GP2GP.

Any questions?

If you want to speak with someone at Otago Polytechnic about anything related to Pocket Lab, please reach out to our Student Success team.

Central Campus

Wanaka

Queenstown

Auckland Campus

Please contact the Auckland International Campus for advice regarding recommended medical centres in Auckland.

Confidential counselling with one of our three on-campus counsellors is offered free to all OP students. Confidential counselling with one of our three on-campus counsellors is offered free to all OP students.

Counsellors are registered, experienced and professional, with a broad range of counselling experience. They will work with you, providing a safe place to talk through your worries and current concerns. The focus is on helping you find/explore different ways to manage situations that may be causing difficulty or distress. Some of the things that counsellors help with

• Study related issues
• Relationship issues
• Loneliness
• Anxiety and panic
• Loss and grief
• Depression
• Substance use
• Gender identity/sexuality
• Stress
• Health issues
• Problematic eating
• Adjustment

Bookings

Online booking system

Choose your counsellor and preferred method of meeting: face-to-face, MS Teams or phone

Counselling services are available face-to-face (wheelchair friendly premises available on request), by telephone or video (MS Teams).

Dunedin Campus

Hours: 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. This is a free service. 

Missed counsellor appointments are charged $10. 

Central Campus

Contact the counsellors below: 

Fill out a referral form to book an appointment and you will be contacted within three working days to make a time. The service is provided every Monday 12.30 – 4.30pm and based out of the REAP office at the Erris Street Campus.

Auckland Campus

Online counselling with OP counsellors 

A Microsoft Teams call or phone appointment can be made with any of our OP counsellors. You will be asked to provide your OP email address and phone number. If a phone call is required, the counsellor will ring you at your appointment time.