The Ministry of Health’s main areas of concern are mosquito breeding grounds, septic tank overflow and general trash that may encourage pests around homes if not disposed of correctly.

Health Protection Manager Tae Tutai says the reviews are to ensure households keep their places clean and tidy to eradicate potential breeding grounds for mosquitos, flies, cockroaches and rats that can bring in different infections.

“Prevention is better than cure,” she says.

“We also want people to sort and separate their recyclable into separate containers for rubbish collection days: plastic, tin/cans, glass should be sorted accordingly and placed under shelter.”

Of concern are rusted vehicles and vacant, over-grown sections that are left neglected, usually due to land owners residing overseas.

The tutaka is held quarterly: Staff are split into four teams and are scheduled to be out in the field by 9am Monday.

This programme is designed to reduce health issues such as poor hygiene and sanitation and has been running for more than 80 years.

Tutaka zones on Monday are will be Ooa, Kiikii, Pue, Tupapa, Maraerenga, Takuvaine town/valley, Parekura, Tauae, Tutakimoa and Teotue.

On Tuesday it’s the turn of Ruatonga, Avatiu town/valley, Atupa, Panama, Rangiura, Turamatuitui, Tereora, Tepuka, Pokoinu.

That will be followed on Wednesday by Black Rock, Tokelau, Inave, Ruaau and Akaoa.

Thursday is Betela, Kavera, Aroa, Rutaki, Vaimaanga, Turoa, Papaaroa, Titikaveka and Tikioki; then Friday is Muri/Ngatangiia, Avana, Turangi, Matavera and Tuarai.