Āwhina Centre (Burnett Foundation Aotearoa)
Community clinic · Wellington, New Zealand
Can a visitor use it?
Yes — Welcomes all clients regardless of visa or immigration status. Free testing is for LGBTQIA+ people at elevated risk of HIV.
From clinic website· 22 Sep 2026About
New Zealand’s HIV and rainbow health charity runs free peer HIV and STI testing here, with walk-ins and a Wednesday evening session, and says it welcomes all clients regardless of visa or immigration status — but it is screening only.
- Specialises in
- LGBTQ+ people
- Also serves
- Migrants & people without insurance
Why you might feel comfortable here
Community-led / LGBTQ+-run — Yes
Testing is done by peer testers.
Services
Rapid HIV test — Yes
Finger-prick or mouth swab; result in about 20 minutes.
HIV self-test kit — Yes
A kit you take away and use yourself.
Self-test kits can be ordered online from the foundation.
Full STI check — Yes
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis (usually with HIV) in one visit.
Rapid HIV and syphilis blood tests, plus swab or urine samples for chlamydia and gonorrhoea sent to a laboratory.
Syphilis test — Yes
Blood test.
Rapid syphilis test alongside the rapid HIV test.
Seen with symptoms — No
People with symptoms or a partner with an STI are told to see a GP or a sexual health clinic instead.
Treatment on site — No
Same-day results — Yes
Some or all results before you leave.
Rapid HIV and syphilis results during the visit.
PEP (after HIV exposure) — No
PEP needs a doctor; peer testers cannot prescribe it.
PrEP — start here — No
Peer testers give information on PrEP but a clinician must prescribe it.
Free condoms & lube — Yes
Booking, access & languages
Visitors accepted — Yes
Short-term visitors without local residency can be seen.
Welcomes all clients regardless of visa or immigration status. Free testing is for LGBTQIA+ people at elevated risk of HIV.
Walk-in — Yes
No appointment needed (check the hours).
Walk-ins depend on staff availability and booked clients are seen first. The foundation suggests calling ahead.
No appointment required
You can come without booking (check the hours).
Languages: English
Cost
| Service | Who | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full STI check Rapid HIV and syphilis (INSTI finger-prick); chlamydia and gonorrhoea samples go to the regional sexual health laboratory | Everyone | Free Free HIV and STI testing for all high-risk LGBTQIA+ clients, provided with the regional sexual health clinic; the foundation welcomes all clients regardless of visa or immigration status. Home HIV kits are also free for the same group; STI self-test kits are sold. |
Prices are shown in the local currency as stated by the source on the date shown. “Consultation” is often charged separately from tests.
After you leave
Results by: in person
New Zealand: good to know
- PEP in this country. For PEP in New Zealand, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa says to go to a GP, an after-hours clinic or a hospital emergency department as soon as possible, within 72 hours; some pharmacies stock it, so call ahead. It is free only for people eligible for public healthcare who meet the funding criteria; others can ask the doctor for a prescription and pay for the pills themselves at a pharmacy.Community-endorsed Burnett Foundation Aotearoa· 19 Sep 2026
- What visitors pay. Short-term visitors are generally not eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand, with limited exceptions for Australian and UK residents who need immediate treatment and for accident injuries covered by ACC — so expect to pay unless a clinic tells you otherwise.Published by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora· 19 Sep 2026
Emergency number: 111
Sources & last checked
Last checked 22 Sep 2026.
- e1 · From clinic website · 22 Sep 2026 · www.burnettfoundation.org.nz — Wellington Āwhina Centre address and testing hours (Tue, Wed, Fri), walk-in note, who testing is for, visa-status statement, tests, symptoms referral, PEP and PrEP need a clinician, free condoms, self-test kits.
- e2 · Listed by Just the Facts (justthefacts.co.nz) · 19 Sep 2026 · www.justthefacts.co.nz — Lists Āwhina Centre as free MSM sexual health and HIV support, phone 04 381 6640, with different (office) hours Mon–Fri.
How labels work: How we check.