You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Here’s how OKS can walk alongside you.
Every newly-diagnosed patient at the Dunedin Dialysis Unit receives a gift pack from OKS — a little something to say “we’re here, you’re not alone”.
Our volunteers call in at the Unit when they can. We’re happy to come and sit with you before, during or after dialysis — just to talk. Get in touch and we’ll arrange a time.
Thanks to the wonderful Good Bitches Baking, dialysis patients enjoy fresh home-baking every fortnight. A small treat that lifts the day.
News from the Dialysis Unit, kidney societies around New Zealand, research updates, kidney-friendly recipes, and member stories.
Our Facebook group is where a lot of the conversation happens — news, photos and a friendly place to ask questions and keep in touch with others who understand.
Regularly through the year we get together for a relaxed lunch around Otago. Many members tell us it’s the most important thing we do.
OKS doesn’t charge subscriptions — we just love hearing from people who want to be part of our community.
Join us to receive the newsletter, hear about upcoming lunches, and stay in touch with what’s happening in the Otago renal community.
Download membership form (PDF)
Print and post the form back to the address below, or scan and email it to info@oks.nz.
Drop it off:
Dialysis Unit, Dunedin Hospital
201 Great King Street, Dunedin
Post:
Otago Kidney Society
36 Prestwick Street
Māori Hill, Dunedin 9010
Email: info@oks.nz
OKS is one of many organisations supporting the kidney community in New Zealand. These national organisations have excellent information on diagnosis, treatments, diet and living well:
National charity providing kidney disease information, education and advocacy. They join us each year for World Kidney Day.
Renal services for Otago and Southland are delivered through the Dunedin Hospital Dialysis Unit.
Support, education and community services for people affected by kidney disease. They kindly donated salt-free seasoning for our World Kidney Day packs.
They offer four free services to our community — peer support, a wellness programme, kidney-friendly recipes and social work support. See what’s available.
Serving their renal community for over 45 years. They run Nancy, the dialysis treatment van that a number of our members use — OKS donated $5,000 towards it — and they supply the bags we use for our welcome gift packs.
1/10 Yukon Place, Hornby, Christchurch · 03 341 0906
They run a cheese fundraiser you can support.
Information about organ and tissue donation, transplant waiting lists, and how to register your wishes.
The Kidney Society offers a number of free services to people affected by kidney disease and their whānau. You don’t need to be a Kidney Society client to get in touch and ask.
No one should have to navigate kidney disease alone. Kidney Connect is a free peer support programme that links people affected by kidney disease with someone who also understands the journey.
Whether you’re living with kidney disease, exploring dialysis, preparing for a transplant, considering becoming a donor, or supporting a loved one, Kidney Connect can help you feel more informed, supported and connected. Sometimes talking to someone who has been there makes all the difference.
Getting active can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Kidney Society’s free Wellness Programme helps you build confidence and find a way to move that works for you.
They can support you through the Green Prescription process and create a personalised exercise plan based on your goals, abilities and kidney health — whether you prefer exercising at home or out in the community. Staying active isn’t about being the fittest person in the room; it’s about moving in a way that helps you stay stronger, healthier and more independent.
Eating well with kidney disease doesn’t have to be difficult or boring. The Kidney Society has free downloadable recipe books packed with practical meal ideas — main meals, light lunches, healthy snacks and flavour-packed salt-free seasonings, with recipes suitable for a range of dietary needs.
Recipes and downloadable recipe books
Dietary needs vary from person to person, so always follow the advice of your kidney dietitian or healthcare team.
Living with kidney disease can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The Kidney Society’s social workers support you and your family every step of the way.
From advocacy and ACC support to help with housing, guidance on financial support, navigating services, or simply having someone who will listen — they are there to make life a little easier.
Information on this site is shared for general support and community connection. Please always talk to your renal team, GP or specialist about decisions that affect your treatment or care.
