Stepping Into Summer: A Fresh Look at Sun Safety in Aotearoa

Summer in Aotearoa means long days, bright mornings and plenty of time outdoors and most of us have been hearing the Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap message for years. But even though sun safety feels familiar, the reality is that New Zealand still has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and many of us are still getting caught out.

So instead of repeating the basics, we’re taking a fresh look at why our sun is so intense, the small habits that make the biggest difference, and how to protect your skin long-term, all with a little help from our partners. That includes not only summer essentials from ZOOM Pharmacy, but also the preventative health benefits UniMed offers through their Health Care Plans, such as access to SkinVision and other skin-check services that support early detection and peace of mind.

And to make it even easier, our partner ZOOM Pharmacy has a selection of summer essentials, from broad-spectrum sunscreens to gentle skin-care products, on special offer for HealthCarePlus members. It’s a great time to stock up and step into summer ready.

Why New Zealand’s sun is different

Most Kiwis know our UV levels are high, but fewer know why.
Aotearoa’s clear skies, low pollution, and geographical position mean UV reaches us with less filtering than in many other places.  And because the Earth is slightly closer to the sun during our summer, UV intensity is amplified even more.

That’s why sunburn can happen here in minutes, even on cooler or cloudy days.

With nearly 95% of skin cancers linked to UV exposure, consistent protection isn’t just a summer message. It’s a lifelong one.

Sun-smart habits that really make a difference

• Slip on protective clothing: choose tightly woven fabrics, long sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Slop on sunscreen: use SPF 30+ or 50+, apply 20 minutes before heading out, and reapply every two hours.
• Slap on a hat: shade your face, neck, and ears.
• Wrap on sunglasses: protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them with UV-blocking lenses.
  

Plus:

• Seek shade: especially between 10am and 4pm from September to April when UV peaks.
• Stay hydrated and cool: long days outdoors increase the risk of dehydration and heat stress.
• Check your skin regularly: new or changing spots can be early warning signs — and early detection makes a real difference.

The other half of sun safety: early detection & regular checks

Sun protection is only half the story. The other and often the most important half is spotting changes early, when treatment is most effective.  This is where UniMed’s range of Health Plans, that are available to all our members, offers real, meaningful value.

As a UniMed policy holder, you have access to two powerful early-detection tools that can make a genuine difference to your long-term skin health:

• Free access to SkinVision, is a smart, clinically validated app that lets you check spots on your skin using your phone and receive a risk assessment within seconds. It gives you a simple way to track changes over time and take action early and because it’s free for UniMed members, there’s every reason to use it regularly.
  
  
• 20% off Mole Mapping and professional skin-check services. For a more comprehensive assessment, UniMed members can access a 20% discount on Mole Mapping and other skin screening services, but be quick this offer ends on  31 December 2025.

These checks can identify issues you may not notice yourself.  In fact, one of the most compelling examples comes from within our own whānau:

Our CEO needed to use UniMed’s MoleMap discount, and the screening detected an early melanoma that could have otherwise gone unnoticed.

You can read his story here: Unimed’s MoleMap Discount Proves to Be Life Saving ›

Together, these benefits give UniMed members a complete early-detection toolkit

With skin cancer rates in Aotearoa among the highest anywhere in the world, these aren’t just “nice-to-have” extras, they’re important, practical services designed to help protect your health.

Make the most of another partner's offer this summer

To help make sun protection even easier, our partner ZOOM Pharmacy has exclusive offers on summer essentials including broad-spectrum sunscreen, after-sun care and other seasonal must-haves.

It’s an easy, affordable way to stock up so you and your whānau are ready for long days outdoors.

Final thought from us

Sun safety may feel like a message we all know but with New Zealand’s uniquely intense UV, it’s still one of the most important things we can do for our long-term wellbeing.

This summer, enjoy the sunshine, stay hydrated, protect your skin, and keep an eye on any changes. Small habits make a big difference.

Sources:

• SunSmart New Zealand – UV radiation and sun protection guidance

• Ministry of Health | Health NZ – Sun safety and skin protection

• Melanoma New Zealand – Prevention, signs, and early detection

• SkinVision – Understanding skin changes and skin-cancer risk indicators

Written by: Alan Sharpe

Alan is a key member of the HealthCarePlus leadership team. With over 30 years experience in marketing and customer service roles he is a passionate advocate for the union movement and HealthCarePlus’s mission to create real, lasting value for their members