| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Kia ora tātou Welcome back to the start of a New Year. And what a start it has been for many of us! I had hoped that most people would be able to take a well-earned break over the Christmas and New Year period to relax and have some downtime with friends and whānau. Well done for those who were able to prioritise some ‘me time’ over that period. I know for others in tourist hotspots, the pressures due to population surges will have meant more work rather than less. Thank you for your commitment to your communities and those visiting your areas. Little did we know that 2026 was going to throw a few curveballs at us right from the start! The first of these was the data breach at Manage My Health (MMH). This breach of a reported 120,000 clients’ personal data was made public on January 1st. Almost immediately the primary care sector were mobilised into a crisis response phase, with teams from the National Cyber Security Centre, a HNZ incident response team, a GPNZ response team and PHO/Primary Care representatives meeting daily to understand the issue and start mitigation/management responses. I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who accepted a leadership role during these times; and special mention to Maura and GPNZ who would have done nothing other than live and breathe the response to the incident for the first few weeks in the New Year. I joined the over-seventy primary care leaders who received a daily briefing from MMH and HNZ crisis responders during this period. A further ‘call-out’ to the PHOs and practices in Northland, whose practices and patients bore over 80% of the impact of the breach. The Minister has called for an in-depth review of the background to this breach of patient privacy. I note that the Privacy Commissioner has also asked that an independent review occurs into MMH’s precautions around data security. Hauora Taiwhenua will wait for the outcomes of these reviews to be made public, but are very concerned about what appears to be a lack of security around sensitive patient data by third party software vendors, and HNZ’s policies around data security requirements to sanction those vendors being able to access and store that patient data. This incident does nothing to provide confidence that other vendors are not equally susceptible to cyber-security weaknesses; nor those vendors having tested systems in place to provide timely and effective responses if a breach occurs to their systems. I certainly feel for the practices affected by this breach – whether they had significant impacted patients or not. Many were left with having to deal with concerned patients, and patients no longer trusting the security of their portals to hold data and therefore manage their bookings, requests for prescriptions and other enquiries. The default was increased workload for practices and their reception teams. The downstream impact on this may well be major obstacles in implementing further IT/AI solutions to increase productivity in general practice in order to create more patient-centred time, and loss of willingness of patients to share their data in order to track health outcomes/targets over the coming period. I believe HNZ has a big job ahead to build trust in a post-COVID environment when many voices are already cautioning that people should not trust the Government and the traditional health system. Just as this incident was starting to settle down, and move to a recovery phase, from the crisis response phase, the East Coast of New Zealand was subjected to another extreme weather event. Northland, the Coromandel, Aotea/Great Barrier, and the East Cape have once again been hit hard by heavy rain, flooding, forest slash inundation, and slips/road closures. Very heartfelt condolences to families and communities impacted by the deaths in the landslides at Mt Maunganui and Papamoa. These are personal tragedies that are still unfolding as I write this message. Speaking to practices impacted by this weather event, despite past learning from Cyclone Gabrielle, there is still further learning to be had about servicing communities, and resilience of health services, when transport links are lost and helicopters cannot fly. Where should ambulances be placed to maximise the ability to respond knowing the typical weaknesses in our roading network? What are the best vehicles for first response in these areas compared to urban-useful vehicles? How can we get medications to patients when they are cut-off from their doctor and pharmacist? Medsafe regulations appear to act as a barrier to distribution of medications by remote means such as drones across roading gaps unless a state of emergency has been declared. Many of these issues about resilience and medical responses after major climate and other events, will be significant topics during the upcoming Rural WONCA / National Rural Health Conference in April. With meteorologists telling us that the only guarantee we have is that weather events are only going to become more varied and violent; then we have to increase our planning for worse-case situations. And the other piece of news is that Election 2026 will occur on November 7th this year. We will be holding all parties to account for their plans for rural health in the lead-up to the election, and hopefully we can seek assurances from the two prospective coalitions about what would be committed to if they were to form a government. The first panel discussion about this will once-again be held at Rural WONCA in April. Be ready with your questions to the political representatives! So, let us hope that the rest of 2026 is less turbulent than the first month. Remember that our team is here ready to help if we can – whether through locum or other support. We can’t always help directly, but we will listen and do our best to respond. Ngā mihi nui Grant
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Clinical Advocacy Update: Submissions Supporting Rural Practice | | Over recent months, our clinical advocacy work has continued to focus on ensuring rural perspectives are reflected in national policy and regulatory decisions.
In December, Hauora Taiwhenua submitted formal feedback to PHARMAC on the availability of emergency medicines in rural PRIME locations. This submission advocated for expanding access to critical emergency treatments, including the use of ketamine and intravenous tranexamic acid, recognising the realities of delayed transport times and limited on-site resources in rural settings. This work was led to ensure that rural clinicians are appropriately supported to deliver timely, life-saving care where distance and isolation remain significant factors.
Alongside this, we are currently progressing work on a forthcoming submission in response to the Medical Council of New Zealand’s consultation on the regulation of Physician Associates (PAs) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Following the Minister of Health’s announcement in April 2025 confirming that PAs will be regulated, with the Medical Council as the responsible authority, it is important that rural voices are clearly heard as this framework is developed.
To inform Hauora Taiwhenua’s submission, we are gathering feedback from members across our network via a survey, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are captured. The consultation closes on 1 February, after which we will collate member feedback and prepare a submission that reflects the opportunities, concerns, and implications of PA regulation for rural health services and workforce sustainability.
We will share further updates once the PA submission has been finalised, including key themes raised by members and how these have been represented. As always, thank you to those who take the time to contribute - your insights are critical to strengthening rural health advocacy at a national level.
Becks Doran Clinical Director, Hauora Taiwhenua | | | | | | | | | | Nominations Open: Innovation in Rural General Practice Award 2026 | | Nominations are now open for the inaugural Innovation in Rural General Practice Award, recognising outstanding innovation in rural general practice across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Established under the Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network (HTRHN), the Award celebrates a rural practice delivering creative, community-centred solutions to rural health challenges, while strengthening the visibility and value of rural generalism nationally. The Award will be launched at the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference incorporating the National Rural Health Conference in 2026 and presented annually thereafter.
The Award is open to HTRHN organisation members who are rural general practices in Aotearoa New Zealand and can demonstrate innovative approaches that improve patient care, access or outcomes.
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:- Innovation - Originality and creativity in addressing rural healthcare challenges
- Impact - Measurable benefits for patients, communities, and/or practice sustainability
- Scalability - Potential for replication or adaptation in other rural contexts
- Alignment - Consistency with rural generalism principles and community-centred care
Nominees must provide evidence of Hauora Taiwhenua membership and submit either a written application (up to 1,500 words) or a video application (up to six minutes). | | | | | | Peter Snow Memorial Award 2026 - Nominations Open | | The Peter Snow Memorial Award honours the life and legacy of Dr Peter Snow, a respected rural general practitioner from Tapanui who made a significant contribution to rural health in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A former President of the RNZCGP, Dr Snow was deeply committed to improving the health, safety and wellbeing of rural communities through service, research and innovation. The Award recognises individuals who demonstrate the same commitment and impact in rural health.
An individual can be nominated for either an Innovation or Service or a Research Project related to rural health in New Zealand. | | | | | | Rhoena Davis Wāhine Rangatira Women in Rural Health Leadership Award 2026 - Nominations Open | |
The Rhoena Davis Award commemorates the life and legacy of Rhoena Davis, an inspirational leader in Māori and rural health whose advocacy for whānau wellbeing, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and health equity continues to shape the sector.
The award recognises wāhine who have made a profound impact on health equity, strengthened rural health systems, and inspired future generations through leadership, cultural safety and innovation.
Nominations for the 2026 award are now open, providing an opportunity to celebrate outstanding women improving health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Orientation Programme 2026 | | Dates for 2026 12 January – 14 January 9 February – 11 February 9 March – 11 March 13 April – 15 April 11 May – 13 May 8 June – 10 June 6 July – 8 July 3 August – 5 August 7 September – 9 September 5 October – 7 October 2 November – 4 November 7 December – 9 December | | Our Recruitment Orientation Programme is now delivered through our virtual training platform, making it easier than ever for doctors and nurses arriving from overseas to prepare for working in New Zealand.
Held monthly over three interactive days, the NZMedJobs & NZLocums Orientation provides a comprehensive introduction to New Zealand’s health system and professional environment. It is widely regarded as an essential foundation for international doctors beginning their journey here.
“I cannot see how I would be able to work in New Zealand as a GP without the knowledge gained in this course. I think this course is essential for any international GP who would like to work in New Zealand.” – Dr Nelia Lourens
The programme covers key areas including: -
An introduction to general practice in New Zealand -
The role of rural nurses -
PHARMAC and medicines management -
Taxes, Work and Income, and ACC -
Medical indemnity and professional protection -
Māori culture, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and achieving equity in Māori health outcomes With dates running throughout 2026, this orientation is the first and most important step into the New Zealand health system for international doctors.
Register now or find out more by emailing orientation@nzmedjobs.co. | | | | | | | | | | Meet SORHA’s 2026 Co-Chairs! | | Kia ora e te whānau o Hauora Taiwhenua,
Ngā mihi o te tau hou Pākehā – Happy New Year to you all!
We are the Co-Chairs of the Students of Rural Health Aotearoa (SORHA) | Te Whare Taumata o Ngā Tauira Taiwhenua O Aotearoa Chapter, and we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and share our aspirations for 2026.
This year, our focus is centred on strengthening connection, community, and collective impact. Our key goals include: - Collaboration – building stronger relationships with student clubs and organisations, alongside a more visible and engaging social media presence.
- Advocacy – uplifting diverse student voices and presenting a unified, values-driven student perspective through genuine relationship-building with our communities.
- Strengthening allied health – ensuring allied health tauira are visible, valued, and actively involved in shaping rural health conversations.
At the heart of all this is whakawhanaungatanga. So don’t be mā to get involved in shaping the future of rural health in Aotearoa - ae, ngā tauira mā! Reach out to SORHA, connect with us, and keep up to date through our socials, because students are not just the future of rural health; we are also an active part of the present.
Ngā mihi nui, Sasha Rodenko (she/her) | Josephine Ainuu (she/her) | Jesse Davis (he/him) Students of Rural Health Aotearoa (SORHA) Chapter Co-Chairs 2026 | | | | | | | | | | Member Spotlight: Helen Harrex, New Individual Membership | | Tell us about yourself and why you decided to become a Member of the Network.
For the last 5 years, I have worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Otago Community Hospice in the Residential Care sector. I support facilities in the Central Otago, South Otago and West Otago areas. I am a designated nurse prescriber who has recently graduated with a Master's degree in Clinical Nursing. Last year, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from the Otago Community Trust to attend the National Rural Health Conference in Christchurch. I was amazed at the depth of knowledge and experience that the rural sector has and came away excited about how supportive the Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network was.
What are some of the key challenges or opportunities you’re seeing in rural health right now, and how are you addressing them? In palliative care, having timely access to medications to manage symptoms a... | | | | | | Member Spotlight: Karen McHutchon, New Individual Membership | | Tell us about yourself and why you decided to become a Member of the Network. I have worked in the rural sector for 15 + year and attend the Rural GP conference most years so thought it was about time I signed up!
What are some of the key challenges or opportunities you’re seeing in rural health right now, and how are you addressing them? Funding is always a challenge, so you must diversify your income streams so that you aren’t reliant on one source. Access to Primary and secondary services just seems to get infinitely worse every year, I am hoping the review of the Rural Health Strategy will bring some positive change….
Is there a particular project, initiative, or success story you’d like to share that others in the sector might find inspiring or useful? Working for a community owned and driven Health Trust/Board with great community buy in means we have wonderful support and our community of just over 2000 people raised the full 5 million needed to build a new integrated Health Care Facility including an Aged Care facility. | | | | | | | | Member Benefit: Events and Conferences Members get discounted registration rates at our annual conference.
| | | | | | Contact Ingrid Busby, GM Membership, to learn more about membership benefits - ingrid.busby@htrhn.org.nz | | | | | | | | New Director Appointed to Lead Otago’s Centre for Rural Health | | The University of Otago has announced the appointment of Dr Rory Miller (MB ChB, PhD) as Director of its Centre for Rural Health, strengthening its focus on rural health education and workforce development.
Dr Miller is a rural hospital doctor at Thames Hospital and lives in Whangamatā in the Coromandel, bringing strong clinical and community insight to the role alongside his part-time academic position at Otago.
He has highlighted the Centre’s commitment to supporting rural clinicians across the full training pathway — from encouraging rural students to enter and succeed in Health Sciences First Year, through to ongoing professional development throughout their careers.
The Centre aims to provide sustained, practical support during training while creating opportunities for clinicians to continue their rural medical education without leaving their communities. This approach reflects a growing focus on long-term workforce sustainability and equitable access to care for rural populations. | | | | | | Stuck Between Two Slips: What I Learned Along the Way Dr Jo Scott-Jones | A blocked road, an unexpected overnight stop, and the kindness of strangers turned a disrupted journey into a moment of reflection on rural resilience and connection.
Click the video to hear from Dr Jo Scott-Jones, as he shares his experience, and reminders about community, care, and rural realities. | | | | | | Carol Atmore, Clinical Lead, Urgent Care and Rural Health | | Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your journey in rural health, and what motivated you to step into the Clinical Lead role for urgent care and rural health? I grew up in Whakatane in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, which was a much smaller town then it is now. I went to the local high school, and I love living in small communities. I spent much of my adult life living on the Coast Road, just north of Greymouth. When I was there, I worked first at Grey Hospital, then as a GP in Greymouth. As well as working as a GP, I had the privilege of being Chief Medical Officer at West Coast DHB from 2009-2014 - the first GP to be a full CMO. This role led me to be very aware of the pressures on rural health services, and the othering of non-urban places and services in the health scene in NZ in general back then.
When we moved to Dunedin a decade ago for family reasons, I had the opportunity to undertake a PhD, in which I focused on what was important for rural communities when they required hospital level care. Naturally, in the process of talking to rural communities in this process, people talked about th...
| | | | | | How medical students are being lured to practice in smaller centres by 1News
| | Auckland University’s launched its first rural medical immersion programme seeing 12 students’ complete placements in the regions.
Featured within are Dr Alex McLeod and Dr Kyle Eggleton who speak to the experience and benefits of these students' who are training in rural settings. | | | | | | Masters Opportunity with Centre for Rural Health, University of Otago Leaning on Fence Posts
| | The impact of socioeconomic deprivation, rurality and ethnicity on injury risk: An opportunity for a rural health professional has become available to join the GCH team as a Masters student to undertake this project.
The research is part of a larger project examining a range of health outcomes from a rural perspective.
The project could suit a rural hospital medicine or GP registrar, nursing or allied health professional in rural practice with an interest in teaching and research who wish to undertake a Master of Health Science part-time. | | | | | | | | If you have feedback for us or want to reach out to us regarding something, feel free to contact us via the details provided below.
Write an email to communications@htrhn.org.nz to get connected with our team.
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