| | | | | | | | HAUORA TAIWHENUA NEWSLETTER | | | | | | | | Kia ora tātou
What an amazing time I had in Ōtautahi Christchurch catching up with so many of you at our National Rural Health Conference. Despite the weather gods doing their best to prevent people travelling, with the ferries cancelled, Wellington airport closed due to wind, a state of emergency because of flooding in Christchurch, and unseasonable snows on the south island passes, we still managed to pull-off the biggest attendance than any previous Rural Health Conference and got all of our keynote speakers to the podium on time!
Big thanks to Minister Doocey, Carlton Irving, Ganesh Nana, John Macaskill-Smith, Rod Martin, Matt Chisholm and Sophie Hart who all committed to travelling to make the conference so memorable. What a great range of talented speakers who all offered something different and challenged our thinking and approach to our work. | | Dr Grant Davidson Hauora Taiwhenua Chief Executive | | | | Bigger thanks to the 554 delegates who saw value in signing up for the conference to learn, share and spend time with friends and peers. I spoke to so many who relished those opportunities. And of course, our amazing Sponsors who made the event possible.
With the weather being so ominous, we made the decision to provide live streaming to every venue and breakout session at the Conference. That meant that anyone registered could attend virtually if needed. The added benefit is that all of those sessions are now available to view after the fact. If you couldn’t attend a particular session during the Conference, you now have the opportunity to watch a recording via the link that would have been sent to all delegates post-conference. If you have any trouble accessing this, then please get in touch.
Of course, our big news is the announcement that we will be hosting the International Rural WONCA Conference 2026 in parallel with our NRHC26, at Tākina events centre in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, April 10 – 13 next year. This is the first time that the International Rural WONCA Conference has been hosted in New Zealand, and we are looking forward to showcasing our amazing successes in delivering health and wellness to our rural communities, while learning from our international colleagues on how we might be able to do even better.
We had the privilege of hosting Professor Bruce Chater, Chair of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice, on the days leading up to the Conference in Wellington, and then during the Conference. We were able to arrange meetings with Bruce to discuss the upcoming Rural WONCA Conference with key stakeholders such as ACC, Health NZ, Immigration NZ, and the RNZCGPs, among others. Everyone is excited to get involved and remove any barriers to ensure this is a success for New Zealand as a host country. Bruce took away very positive impressions from these visits and the Conference in Christchurch, remarking in particular about our seamless integration of Māori culture and tikanga, the involvement of all aspects of rural primary care professions in the conference, and the clear Kiwi culture and adventurous spirit that was on display. Book your time off to attend now because next year’s conference will be unforgettable!
Other key events highlighted in this newsletter include the Rural Roadshows, where Minister Doocey is working alongside our team and the Ministry of Health to visit 12 rural communities over the next six months to hear directly from communities about their issues and possible solutions. I encourage as many of you as possible to get to those events and share your thoughts face-to-face. We are also working with the Minister to have a further session during Fieldays at Mystery Creek in Hamilton in mid-June, where a large number of the farming community will be able to participate. We will have our normal stand at the Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Hub at Fieldays and welcome any of you to come and talk to us.
As I go to print with this message, we have just heard the devastating news that the coalition Government is using fast-track legislation to make changes to the Pay Equity Legislation that will Legislate away the current 33 equity claims that are in process, and make it harder for employee groups to lodge claims in the future. The fact that this has been sprung upon us all, with no public consultation, is beyond disappointing. We have been working tirelessly with our colleagues from the GPLF, including NZNO, to get pay parity for primary care nurses who are not employed by Health NZ. The pay gap for these nurses is now in excess of 20%. The fact that their pay-equity claim is now back beyond the starting gate is unconscionable. Our GP nurses, along with those working in Aged Care, Plunket, Community Health and Laboratories, are all impacted.
The Prime Minister has made the public statement that this legislation is not about saving money, "It's got nothing to do with the Budget, this is about making sure we have a piece of legislation that is incredibly workable, and not as complex as it has been." However, the comment by ACT leader David Seymour, "I actually think that Brooke van Velden has saved the taxpayer billions, she's saved the Budget for the government, and she has made pay equity workable for New Zealand women, men and everyone who wants a fair go in this country," tells a more compelling story.
We will continue to do all we can to work towards a situation where all nurses in New Zealand, Irrespective of their employer, are paid equal pay for equal work.
Thanks again to all the members of the teams working in rural primary care who keep services available for our rural whānau. We appreciate all your efforts.
Ngā mihi nui Grant
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Trevor Walker Rural Health Scholarship Support PRIME – Responding 24/7 in Rural Aotearoa: bid on an item or make a donation today! |
The Trevor Walker Rural Health Scholarship was established in 2023 to honour the extraordinary contribution of Dr Trevor Walker, a dedicated rural GP who played a pivotal role in researching and establishing the PRIME (Primary Response in Medical Emergencies) programme over two decades ago.
The scholarship(s) are intended to assist current or potential PRIME practitioners to commence or gain higher qualifications to advance their PRIME responder skills, or to undertake further research in this specific area.
To support this scholarship and its mission to grow rural emergency response capacity, four original paintings by Trevor’s daughter are now available through a special silent fundraising auction.
Now that the National Rural Health Conference 2025 has concluded, we invite you to view these artworks and place your bid online to support the next generation of rural health leaders. | | | | The Artist: Tanya-Celine Walker Growing up in Te Anau, I have the utmost respect for our land and my relationship with Te Anau Rural Health is embedded in me. I would regularly help Dad out at the Medical Centre after hours, on weekends or during the holidays as did my sisters. I was known as, "one of the Walker girls." I am phenomenally proud of my Dad and wanted to honour him by donating to the Trevor Walker Scholarship in the only way I can, through my art.
A self-taught artist, I use oil paint, incorporating techniques of the 'Traditional Old Masters'. The biggest advantage of living in Queenstown is that I am surrounded by reference material. My paintings resonate with the beauty of the four seasons, better seen in a rural environment, as well as the 'number 8 wire' approach that reflects the resourcefulness of New Zealand Rural GP's. For me, the Trevor Walker Scholarship will benefit all people in need of help. | | | | | |
Minister Doocey’s Rural Roadshow: A Commitment to Rural Health | |
The first two stops of Minister Min Doocey’s Rural Health Roadshow have now been completed, with strong engagement from local communities in Levin and Wairoa.
The Roadshow, launched as a direct outcome of commitments made at the Rural Māori Health Summit, and aims to connect government with rural health professionals, community leaders, and residents to discuss the realities of rural healthcare—what’s working, what’s not, and where change is needed.
Levin hosted the opening event on 16 April, where Minister Doocey heard from a range of stakeholders about local challenges and aspirations. On 1 May, the Roadshow travelled to Wairoa, with Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson joining the visit. The turnout reflected the deep community interest in shaping a more equitable rural health system. | |
Min Doocey and Min Patterson speaking at Wairoa Roadshow | | | |
More stops are planned across the country in the coming months, offering further opportunities for rural voices to be heard.
For more information, and to register for your local road show event, please email communications@health.govt.nz | | | | | |
Thank You to Our Clinical Director – Rural Health
Dr Jeremy Webber | As we approach the end of the financial year, we take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr Jeremy Webber, our Clinical Director – Rural Health, who will be concluding his time in the role after nearly three years of dedicated service. | | | | Since stepping into the position in July 2022, he has brought steady leadership, deep clinical insight, and a genuine commitment to rural communities across Aotearoa. His tenure has been marked by a focus on equity, collaboration, and system-level improvements that have strengthened rural health delivery and supported our rural workforce through complex challenges.
He has worked tirelessly to advocate for rural health workforce and patients alike, ensuring that rural health remains a visible and vital part of national health conversations. His guidance has helped shape critical initiatives and his support of our team, partners, and stakeholders has left a lasting impact.
We extend our sincere appreciation for his contribution and leadership. While we will miss his presence in this role, we know his influence will continue to be felt, and we look forward to seeing what the next chapter brings for him.
Ngā mihi nui and thank you once again for your service.
Following confirmation of funding from PHOs, we are delighted to announce that we can continue the role of Clinical Director on a fixed-term 12-month period. If you or someone you know may be interested in this role, please see below for more information.
Clinical Director Rural Health - One-Year Fixed Term Position, 0.4 - 0.6 FTE negotiable This is an exciting opportunity to help drive a rural perspective into strategic thinking, planning and advocacy. The Clinical Director Rural Health (CDRH) will be responsible for coordinating a national strategic advocacy programme including member engagement, legislative strategy, coordination with political allies, liaison with other interested parties and key stakeholders. They will assist in developing the ideas coming from the sector, coordinate and share models that could build efficiencies, and maintain a solutions focussed approach to the work. The CDRH will also provide clinical oversight to submissions on government policy from a range of stakeholders that might impact rural health outcomes and the wellness of rural communities. This is a rewarding opportunity for a rural primary care clinician with ability to influence at a national level and keen to further develop their leadership, management and advocacy skills. View the full job listing and apply online via Seek by sending a CV and cover letter. All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence. | | | | | | National Rural Health Conference 2025 | | | |
Peter Snow Memorial Award 2025 Recipient Gayle O'Duffy | |
Dr Gayle O’Duffy, a long-serving rural general practitioner based in Methven, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Peter Snow Memorial Award. The award was presented at the National Rural Health Conference, held in Christchurch over the weekend.
For more than 20 years, Dr O’Duffy has been a central figure in rural health, providing steadfast care to her community with a deeply personal and connected approach. Her work reflects a commitment not only to individual patients but to the wellbeing of families and the broader community. | | | |
In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr O’Duffy is widely recognised for her contributions to rural medical education and mentorship. In a sector facing ongoing workforce challenges, her dedication to supporting and inspiring the next generation of rural health professionals is invaluable.
She is regarded as an exemplar of rural generalism — combining clinical excellence, strong community ties, and a quiet, consistent leadership style. Her influence is felt not through formal roles or titles, but through sustained action, service, and the trust she has built within her community.
The Peter Snow Memorial Award acknowledges individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to rural health in New Zealand. Dr O’Duffy’s work and impact reflect the values and legacy the award seeks to honour. | | | |
Te Waka Kotahitanga 2025 Recipient Rachel Pearce | |
Rachel Pearce of Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora has been honoured with the Te Waka Kotahitanga Award at the 2025 National Rural Health Conference, recognising her outstanding commitment to partnership and progress in rural health.
From her first week in the role, Rachel made her mission clear: to serve rural communities with integrity, purpose, and impact. A proud rural Australian now serving as Co-Director of Rural Health Commissioning in Aotearoa, she quickly earned the respect and trust of the sector by backing up words with action. She promised to be “the best bureaucrat she could be” — and she has more than lived up to that promise. | | | | Rachel’s approach is marked by deep listening, open collaboration, and decisive leadership. She consistently creates space for rural voices to be heard and ensures those voices influence real change within the health system. Her commitment to true partnership, particularly with Māori providers and communities, embodies the values at the heart of Te Waka Kotahitanga.
The Te Waka Kotahitanga Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, unity, and commitment to partnership in rural health. Rachel is a true embodiment of those principles — someone who paddles in the waka with us, not from afar, but shoulder to shoulder. | | | |
Hauora Taiwhenua Emerging Rural Researcher Award |
Matt Bell – Rural Educator Since 2022, Dr Bell has served as a local coordinator and educator for the West Coast’s Rural Medical Immersion Programme. Based in Greymouth, where he works as a general practitioner and lives with his wife and young family, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to rural medical education. Despite the demands of clinical practice and family life, Matt ensures that every student placed under his care receives an outstanding educational experience. He has navigated a number of complex challenges in recent years, including the expansion of the RMIP programme on the West Coast, where he has successfully secured new placements in more rural and remote areas. He works hard to accommodate the unique needs and interests of each student and actively supports his colleagues to do the same. His kindness, calm leadership, and deep passion for rural medicine have been fundamental to his students’ success. Local students consistently report their love for the West Coast and rural practice after working with Dr Bell, and many become strong advocates for both following their time in the programme. Matt exemplifies the spirit of rural education, and his influence is helping shape the future of healthcare in rural Aotearoa. | |
Hauora Taiwhenua Emerging Rural Educator Award |
India Manthel – Rural Researcher Award India Manthel is a fifth-year medical student at the University of Otago, Christchurch (UOC), currently placed in Queenstown as part of the Rural Medical Immersion Programme. She entered medicine as a postgraduate, with a BSc in Physiology and Criminology. Last summer, she completed a UOC Future Health Researcher (FHR) scholarship in rural health. Based at Dunstan Hospital, her scholarship was the first in the FHR programme to be undertaken entirely by distance. Their research aimed to explore the association of medical student rural background with rural practice outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and, consequently, inform future rural admission selection criteria for NZ medical schools to enhance NZ’s rural workforce. The research is intended to be submitted for publication this year. Her FHR scholarship is an exciting advancement in enabling rural health research, especially amongst the health professional student cohort, and I intend to continue this momentum. India is passionate about sparking interest in rural health amongst her peers and colleagues. This is her second year as President of Country Scrubs, the University of Otago, Christchurch’s rural health club. Additionally, this is her second year as Rural Representative of Christchurch Medical Students’ Association, and she was Secretary of Matagouri Rural Health Club (University of Otago), in 2024.
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A Note From the Board - Dr Fiona Bolden
Rural Conferences and Kotahitanga | Many of you attended the National Rural Health Conference at the start of May in Christchurch with record numbers of attendees from all parts of the motu. The rural conference has always been a time for us when the rural whānau gather, we have time to meet up with old friends and make new ones, we discuss key issues, reflect, learn, laugh, and some of us even dance! These are the core ingredients, and this conference certainly filled them: Kotahitanga in action. | | | | Key speakers who really made an impression were Carlton Irving with “Empowerment in Māori rural health”. He highlighted key disparities in health for Māori, especially in maternity, infant health and aged care. He also had some recommendations regarding solutions: emphasising Iwi-led and Kaupapa-Māori services, extended teams, mobile and outreach services, rural training pathways, whānau ora models and telehealth services which must be culturally safe and digitally accessible. These will need systems changes to support them, and they will require adequate resourcing, which is a recurrent refrain in all areas of our health services.
Dr Ganesh Nana, an economist, discussed the business of rural primary health care, which is debatably not currently a viable business model. He discussed the difference between financial sense and economic sense. The economy is the responsibility of the Government, and the objective of the economy is to safeguard and nurture the resources that we inherit so that they can be passed, fit for purpose, to future generations. With the budget yet to be announced, I am wondering how much of it will focus on the objectives of the economy rather than just finances.
More light-hearted keynotes included Matt Chisholm, who entertained us with his anecdotes, but had a more serious underlying message regarding men’s mental health. Our final keynote was Sophie Hart, who is a rural GP and a world-class adventure racer. Her brave and intrepid race down 1000 miles of the Yukon was an incredible feat, especially as she and her teammate not only came 1st but also got the 2nd fastest ever recorded time. They won a T-shirt for their efforts! Her reflection on the importance of being mindful of the journey and totally focused on the present, whilst also having planned for the future goal, seemed extremely apt for the journey we are taking with rural health.
This conference was held shortly after I had attended Bengaluru, India, for the Global Rural Health Summit, which preceded WONCA SAR (World Organisation of Family Doctors South Asia Region). The Summit was led by Dr Pratyush Kumar, who will be President of Rural WONCA when we hold the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference here next April. There was a commitment given at this conference by the Minister of Health for India that the Government would support family medicine. This is a major step forward for India, as up to now, all family medicine in India has been privately funded. The rural summit produced the Bengaluru Declaration on Rural Health, which had 4 key calls to action, ones that are very similar to our own. The current president of Rural WONCA, Bruce Chater, was there and attended our conference, coming a few days early to check out our initial plans regarding hosting Rural WONCA next year.
The 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference will be a conference like no other- building on the success of our conferences to date and spreading the Kotahitanga to all tangata around the globe. So mark the date in your diaries now! Let us use it as a platform to produce an enduring legacy for Rural Health in Aotearoa, New Zealand, putting the solutions for addressing the disparities in the health of rural Māori and other Indigenous peoples at the forefront | | | |
Giving New Zealand’s rural health a global stage
Local and global rural health experts come together in Wellington in 2026 | |
We are thrilled to announce that Aotearoa New Zealand will host the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference in 2026 — an event focused on the health and wellbeing of those that live and work rurally. Internationally the WONCA World Rural Health Conferences provides a proven platform for rural communities and professionals to question and share solutions, advocate and agitate for positive outcomes for rural whānau and develop a legacy for healthy and thriving rural communities.
We spoke with Professor Bruce Chater, Chair of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice. Reflecting on his role Bruce says, "For me, it's an important chance to influence international policy through the World Health Organisation, to establish the evidence for good practice — as professionals, administrators, and governments — and to learn from and inform different jurisdictions.” | |
Professor Bruce Chater OAM Chair, Rural Wonca | | | |
Through WONCA’s global footprint, Bruce has a front-row seat to the key discussions shaping rural healthcare internationally. “Equity is at the heart of it — ensuring access to good quality, local primary care,” he explains. This includes acute, emergency, hospital, and preventive/public health services. Other major themes include workforce recruitment and retention, and the crucial principle of "rural solutions by rural for rural." As hundreds of rural clinicians, academics, researchers, community leaders, executives and government agencies gather in Wellington, Bruce hopes the conference will centre around exchanging solutions and advocating with intent. He sees this moment as an opportunity to spark new ideas and strengthen the global rural health movement. Through his many roles Bruce has shaped international policy, strengthened evidence for best practice, and connected rural health leaders across borders. New Zealand’s Rural Health Strategy 2023, set the long-term direction for improving the health of rural communities over the next ten years. The five priorities outlined in the Strategy have informed the strategic direction of Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network (the Network), the host of the Conference. Bruce suggests that the 2026 Conference will be a critical opportunity to action negotiations that will inform the reforms and deliver a legacy for New Zealand’s rural communities led by the Network. Bruce’s leadership journey spans decades and his actions have changed the landscape of rural healthcare. "I’ve been privileged to help establish organisations like Rural Doctors Queensland and Australia, the National Rural Health Alliance (Australia), serve on the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority Board, and develop a funding model for rural hospitals," he says. He was also the fourth President of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine during its successful bid for accreditation and holds the honour of being Australia’s first Professor of Rural and Remote Medicine — achievements recognised by awards including the Order of Australia Medal.
Bruce steps down from his Rural WONCA role in 2024 so New Zealand is fortunate to be able to capitalise on his knowledge and expertise not just with the Conference but in all jurisdictions. When asked what gives him hope for the future, Bruce’s answer is clear: the next generation. “We need rural leaders who will become policymakers — who bring the wisdom of rural to government locally and internationally,” he says. His call to action is simple yet powerful: rural by rural, for rural, supported by tailored rural training at every level.
"I’m looking forward to seeing your beautiful land, talking with rural health professionals and communities, learning from you, sharing with you, and advocating for you." | | | | | |
Hauora Taiwhenua Membership Pricing Increase
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From 1 July 2025, Hauora Taiwhenua will be implementing a membership fee increase — the first adjustment to our membership fees since Hauora Taiwhenua was established in 2022.
The decision to update fees has not been taken lightly and reflects the rising costs associated with delivering high-quality support, services, and advocacy for our members.
Your membership fee sustains the important work we all do toward our Network’s goal of healthy and thriving rural communities.
We have seen a steady increase in membership to the Network over the past 3 years and this has been reflected in a number of successful advocacy actions, member-led activities and national events, such as: - Your commitment to the National Rural Health Conference as attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and supporters has resulted in a sustainable and record-breaking conference model. The model was noted by Business Events Wellington who encouraged us to bid to host the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference 2026. And we won!
- We were delighted to see many members taking advantage of their membership registration discount.
- Hauora Taiwhenua has welcomed the opportunity to support General Practices in the negotiations with Health NZ and PHOs in changes to the PHO Services Agreement (PHOSA). As an agent we look forward to supporting you in this process and ensuring any changes work for rural practices.
- 2025’s Māori Health Summit was an opportunity to welcome new and thank departing members of Te Rōpū Ārahi, our Te Tiriti partner and to provide a platform for face-to-face conversations with government representatives.
- Minister Doocey and his team updated attendees on the vision, action and accountability model of health. Following these foundational presentations we heard from our community.
- Powerful and hopeful, it springboarded the commitment from the Minister to endorse and embark on a Rural Road Show. Our Chief Executive, Dr Grant Davidson challenged the Minister to hear directly from at least 10 rural communities.
- Setting the direction of the rural health strategy needs community voice to be heard and included. Over the next 6 months the Minister and his team will be travelling to 12 rural communities, and we are delighted to be hosting these events. Keep an eye out for invitations from the office of the Minister and our notifications to members.
Taking a quick break from listing last year’s highlights, we want to say “thanks for engaging with our communications”! Your newsletter has a 64% opening rate and our social media followers have increased by 180% over 3 years. Our recent membership survey also provided us with positive and constructive feedback on our website and members portal. In celebrating Matariki we launched our Tikanga App, Tātai Whetu. The free to use app with no add-ons to pay has been praised by users. We heard from members that tikanga Hauora was an important area of learning and we hope that this app has been and will continue to be useful to you, your teams and whānau. Thanks to the 338 users so far. Please keep sharing this resource. Significant member-led activities that have been possible because of your membership are: - Our annual RuralFest. This is a unique membership opportunity for members to meet with Ministers face to face. With the support of the Deputy Speaker of the House, Barbara Kuriger, the Network has established a well-respected position with both the Coalition and Opposition in this constructive rural communities’ hui.
- Your Membership App has been around for a number of years providing you with discounts to goods and services. Additionally, we have been pleased to launch 2 new member benefits last year. The Advisory Service and the Health in Every Rural Home programme. The Advisory Service is a free service to all members helping you to navigate your business needs and the Health in Every Rural Home is our community health philanthropic programming offering you the opportunity to order home use devices for whānau in your community, directly from us with all profits returning to the community.
We remain committed to providing a membership programme that is valuable to you. Getting it right is important to us so please keep in touch with any ideas or concepts that you think will resonate with our Network.
Our current and new membership prices, for invoices issued from 1st July 2025 are listed below: | | | | | |
Hauora Taiwhenua Mentorship: Apply Today!
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Are you a rural health professional or student looking to grow, connect, and give back? "Being a mentor has been one of the most rewarding parts of my rural health career," says Stacy Thwaites, a mentor and long-serving rural health nurse. "It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about listening, encouraging, and walking alongside someone as they grow. It keeps you inspired, too." The Hauora Taiwhenua Mentorship Programme is here to support your journey — whether you’re seeking guidance or ready to share your experience. Mentorship can be transformative, especially in rural and remote health settings where there are resourcing pressures, in-equitable access to training and support and workload can be overwhelming. Mikaela Bohnenn, a mentee and early-career nurse, shares: "Having someone who understands the realities of working in rural health has made such a difference. My mentor helped me find clarity, confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose." Our programme connects early-career with experienced professionals across all health disciplines — medicine, nursing, allied health, management and more — to strengthen and sustain our rural health workforce. Learn more and apply today:
htrhn.org.nz/mentorship Applications are welcome year-round, and we encourage professionals from across the motu to get involved. Our Mentorship Programme is designed to foster professional and personal growth by connecting individuals across various stages of their careers and education. | | | |
Rural Health Careers Programme Set to Inspire a New Generation in 2025
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We're excited to announce the return of our Rural Health Careers Promotion Programme for 2025!
Following the non-renewal of our contract with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora for the Rural Health Careers Promotion Programme, we’re delighted to be able to continue this very important work promoting health careers to rural rangatahi — thanks to the generous support of several contributing PHOs who have stepped in to help sustain the programme.
This cornerstone initiative is central to our mission of strengthening the rural health workforce and addressing the ongoing rural health workforce crisis. The programme promotes health careers to rural rangatahi across Aotearoa, providing advice, support, and inspiration to pursue pathways in health.
Through rural school trips, noho marae, career expos, and practice visits, we aim to connect secondary and tertiary students — with a strong focus on engaging rural Māori youth.
We’re proud to work in close collaboration with our SoRHA Chapter to help make this happen.
Upcoming Rural School Trip Schedule: 23–27 June Northland West Coast Tasman/Nelson
14–18 July Waikato Taranaki/Manawatū Region
If you are a current health practice or provider and would love to talk with our touring volunteers, contact our Rural Health Career Coordinator Emily Murray-Ragg for more specific locations and times: emily.murrayragg@htrhn.org.nz
We look forward to connecting with future rural health professionals around the motu!
| | | | | | | | | | Jesse Whitehead and Deborah Rhodes Rural Health Research & Education Co-Chairs | | | | | | Meet our Rural Hospital Series: Kaitaia Hospital | | Jen Thomas and Robin Rutter-Baumann Rural Hospital Co-Chairs | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Have Your Say: Acceptable Solutions for Rural Mixed-Use Drinking Water Supplies
Hauora Taiwhenua has participated as a member of the Mixed-use Rural Drinking Water Consumers and Suppliers Advisory Group, convened by Taumata Arowai – The Water Services Authority. The Advisory Group was formed to support the development of appropriate and practical solutions for rural water supplies used for both agricultural and domestic purposes.
This important work will impact rural homes, marae, schools, and others who rely on small-scale or mixed-use supplies. There have been many outbreaks of intestinal infections due to poor water quality and the Authority wants to put in place a sustainable, fit-for-purpose, affordable range of solutions for these supplies that will protect rural residents connected to such supplies.
Taumata Arowai is currently seeking public feedback on a proposed Acceptable Solution to improve outcomes for these water supplies. This is a critical opportunity for rural voices to be heard—especially from those who live on farms, manage rural water schemes, or support community facilities like marae and kura.
How to Get Involved: -
Join a free online information session to learn more and ask questions: -
Make a submission:
Have your say through the online form before consultation closes at 5pm on Friday, 13 June 2025. We encourage members and other interested stakeholders to review the proposed changes and make a submission. This consultation is an opportunity to provide input to ensure the final solutions are workable and appropriate for rural contexts.
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Assisted Dying Service update and EOI
Please share the following with your network of providers in primary care, PHOs, and other relevant stakeholders. | | | |
On 7 November 2021, the End of Life Choice Act 2019 became law in New Zealand, making assisted dying (AD) an available health service for eligible people. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora manages the operational function of the Assisted Dying Service. At present, the AD team works with approximately 170 AD practitioners. The number of practitioners has stayed relatively static since the service was initiated, while demand has increased (1,043 applications in 2024 compared with 770 applications in 2022). Most of the existing practitioners have limited capacity to take on additional cases as they are employed in other areas of health and provide AD services outside their usual clinical work. The attached document provides an update on the Assisted Dying Service in New Zealand and includes an Expression of Interest for health professionals regarding their potential for being involved in this service. Further information can be found on the Health NZ website.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Assisted Dying team with any questions by emailing us: AssistedDying@tewhatuora.govt.nz or contact Michael Nestmann directly. | | | | | | | |
Hīkoi for Health Health Reform in Aotearoa: A People's Inquiry | |
The Hīkoi for Health has finished their 16-day journey from Te Tai Tokerau to the forecourt of parliament in Wellington. The Hikoi is led by Dr Art Nahill and Dr Glenn Colquhoun who are both wanting to advocate for positive changes to the NZ health system based on the voices of the people. They travelled across the motu to record and explore ideas on how the health system can be improved. The insights gathered during the hīkoi will form part of a collective submission to government, highlighting community-led solutions and calling for urgent action on long-standing health inequities. If you didn’t get the chance to share your whakaaro during the hīkoi, there’s still time. Contributions are open via their website until Friday, 16 May: https://healthreformnz.org Your voice matters — be part of shaping a fairer, more responsive health system for all. Both Art and Glenn, in addition to being amazing medical professionals, are also talented and published poets. During the hīkoi, they both wrote poems to capture the essence of their learnings on the journey. Here is a poem from Art that he recited outside Parliament at the end of the hīkoi. | | | | | |
Calling all health professionals!
Health NZ is calling for experienced senior health professionals from across the sector to express interest in joining the newly established New Zealand Clinical Senate.
Inaugural Chair Dr Jonathan Christiansen says the Senate is seeking practising clinicians with diverse backgrounds to help shape the design and delivery of health services across the system. “This is an exciting opportunity to do things differently and bring clinical voices to the heart of decision-making,” he says.
The Senate will be a multidisciplinary group providing strategic advice to the Health NZ Board on issues affecting the quality, affordability and effectiveness of care. It will complement existing clinical networks and focus on system-wide improvements.
Health NZ is looking to appoint 24 external members – six from each region – with broad representation across primary care, community, mental health, public health, and Māori and Pacific providers. These are voluntary, part-time positions, open to those not currently employed by Health NZ.
To apply or learn more, visit the Health NZ Careers website and search "New Zealand Clinical Senate".
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Current Vacancy - GBCH: General Manager – Kaiwhakahaere Matua Golden Bay Community Health | | | | | |
New Hep C Awareness Video – Now Live! | | | |
DISC Trust is proud to share the world premiere of our brand-new Hep C awareness video: "Easy Test, Easy Cure."
This is a major milestone in our work to improve education and awareness around Hep C—and it’s now live on our brand-new YouTube channel!
Watch it here: DISC Trust Presents: Hep C – Easy Test, Easy Cure
A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this video to life. Please share it with your networks and help us spread the word! | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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