Cervical Smears & HPV Self-Test
The Cervical screening programme in NZ ensures everyone has access to a Cervical Smear test. Fortunately, cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent – and screening detects abnormal cell changes early. This detection allows us to organise early treatment. Our expert healthcare team know how to ensure pap smear tests are swift and gentle.
Read more about self-testing options here.
Why do I need a smear test?
Diagnosing Cervical cancer early is easy with cervical screening (whakamātautau waha kōpū). Fortunately, so is treatment. Getting a regular pap smear is the best way to spot unusual cell changes. The New Zealand Cervical Screening campaign has been very successful, significantly reducing deaths associated with Cervical cancer.
So, we recommend having a 3 yearly smear test to check your cervical health.
Is a cervical smear test painful?
Pap smears feel like a small pinch. This sensation is from a tiny brush sweeping a few cells from your cervix. It takes a few minutes during which you are covered with a sheet. Next, the doctor opens your vagina with a speculum. Your privacy is respected at all times. You can book with a female doctor if you prefer.
Book for a pap smear if you are:
- female, trans or non-binary and have a cervix and;
- have been sexually active
- are aged 25 to 69
Smear tests are still recommended for those who:
- only have sex with other women
- are post-menopausal
- are no longer sexually active
- even if you are immunised against HPV.
HPV: the most common cause of Cervical Cancer
HPV stands for the Human Papilloma Virus. You can be exposed to this group of viruses through sexual or skin to skin contact.
It’s likely that you might get this virus at some point if you’ve been sexually active, and it is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Furthermore, studies suggest 90% of these cancers are preventable with regular screening.
Regular Pap Smears can help protect you against cervical cancer. HPV immunization is also now part of the childhood vaccination schedule. Also, it’s FREE to anyone aged 9 – 26 years.
More information about Cervical Screening in NZ is available through Time To Screen.
We’ll often do a smear test when you have an appointment sexual health. For example, you might like to talk about other aspects, like contraception.
Health care professionals providing cervical smear testing
Frequently asked questions
To join our clinic, you first need to fill out the patient enrolment forms to register with the PHO that we belong to. This is a Ministry of Health requirement. You will need to provide proof of identity and eligibility which may include the following forms of identification:
- NZ Passport or NZ birth certificate
- International passport with resident visa OR work visa of minimum 24-month duration
On the enrolment form you need to indicate which of our doctors (currently taking new patients) that you would like to be registered with.
Yes. As part of completing your enrollment, we request that you have a new patient screening appointment with one of our Nursing or Medical Centre Assistant team members.
This new patient appointment enables our team to work with you to better understand your current health and wellbeing.
Following the new patient appointment as above, you can book your first consultation with your nominated doctor.
All GP appointments are 15 minutes long.
- One appointment is for a single health issue.
- Should you wish to have a 30-minute GP appointment, it will be charge at a non-subsidized rate.
- Depending on your age and health, one of our specialist nursing or pharmacist clinicians may be able to spend more time with you.
If you are a new patient, you will get full access to the patient portal “My Indici” once you have completed your enrolment.
Payment is required at time of consultation. Please note that unpaid accounts will incur an additional $10 monthly administration cost.
There may be additional costs for treatments/tests/materials
We recommend that you book your future appointments via your patient portal My Indici.
If you need an urgent appointment, then please phone the clinic. We have doctors available to discuss your urgent health needs on the day.
All consultations are by appointment only.
Patient portals are secure online sites where patients can access their health information and interact with their general practice. Set up access to your patient portal at or email Info@highbrookmedical.co.nz if you would like help.
Under 14 Free
14 years - 17 years $16
18+ years $18.50
We are open:
Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
For health services after hours visit East Care Accident & Medical, 260 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland 2013. Their phone is 09 277 1516.
Under 14 Years - Free
14 - 17 years - $13
18 years & over - $19.50
Note charge is the same for in person or by phone or video as you are still receiving the same high quality health provider assessment, diagnosis and planning.