Free Sexual Health Services for All Students Regardless of Visa Status

NEWS | ISSUE FOUR/20 | RONGOĀ / DRUGS

Written by Tashi Donnelly she/her | @tashi_rd | Editor

Auckland-based HIV support organisation Body Positive is now offering free sexual health checks to everyone, including international students, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, or visa status.

The expanded service comes as rates of sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis continue to rise across New Zealand, particularly among people aged 18 to 25. Around 70% of cases show no symptoms. 

Through its Test ‘n’ Treat programme, Body Positive now provides full sexual health screenings at no cost, with results available the same day — often within 90 minutes. A nurse is on-site daily, allowing immediate treatment if needed.

The clinic, led by AUT graduate Benji Watt, operates as a peer-led drop-in service designed to reduce stigma and make testing more accessible.

In addition to testing, the service offers free nursing appointments and Mpox vaccinations for all clients. Free HPV and hepatitis vaccines are available to citizens and residents only.

The initiative is particularly significant for international students, who are often not covered for sexual health services under insurance. At the clinic, eligible clients can also access an initial prescription for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which reduces the risk of acquiring HIV by up to 99% through sex.

Body Positive’s clinic is located at 3 Poynton Terrace, off Pitt Street near Karangahape Road, and is open weekdays with extended hours on Thursdays.