| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Kia ora tātou
As I write this message, there are only seven sleeps until we host the 21st World Rural WONCA Conference here at Tākina Conference Centre in Wellington. I am amazed at the effort that our small team has put into organising this event, along with the support of a much wider group of passionate helpers from across our Network.
On April 10th, we will be welcoming over 850 delegates from 44 countries. We have close to 300 presentations over 4 days, including some inspirational keynote speakers and challenging panel sessions. Make sure you visit the exhibition stands, network with peers and enjoy the stunning Kiwiana-focussed food offerings. For the first time, we have a community of Māori artisans and exponents of Rongoa Māori displaying their art, skills and knowledge at our Ahi Kā hub. This will offer conference attendees the opportunity to engage with Māori worldviews of health and wellbeing, observe creative practice, and take time to kōrero within a culturally grounded environment.
Behind the scenes, we have been working hard with our chapter members and the wider sector to create three important documents we will be launching at the conference. The Aotearoa New Zealand Declaration on Rural Health 2026 that outlines a set of actions that could really progress the health of rural communities. Our first Rural Digital Health Action Plan to help harness the innovation of technology in a rural setting. The 2026 Rural Health Snapshot that collates evidence-based research that gives a picture of the status of rural health outcomes across the motu – utilising the second iteration of the Geographical Classification for Health based on 2023 Census data.
We have heaps of people and an impressive group of sponsors to thank, without whom the Conference would never have got beyond an idea. If this short message inspires you to join us all, it is not too late to be the 851st delegate next Friday. The Awards Ceremony alone, including late night dancing with local band Superbad, will be worth the journey!
While arranging the Conference, simultaneously, there are some critical discussions underway to consider different funding proposals and funding levels for general practice in the 2026/27 year. Utilising evidence-based data, a new capitation formula is being considered that, if agreed to, would fund practices based on the workload posed by the client mix of that practice. Gender, age, social deprivation, co-morbidity and rurality of each patient will provide a funding level for each patient. This is quite different to the existing capitation model that has a fixed amount per patient, irrespective of their health need. A new rural-funding formula is also being discussed based on the cost for practices doing business in rural and remote areas. Increased costs arise due to getting staff to work in rural areas, employing/transporting locums, buying supplies, sending staff to training events and hiring facilities. The more remote a practice is, the higher these costs are, and therefore the more rural funding that a practice should receive.
While these new funding formulas make sense from a first principles point of view, if there is no increase in the pools of money, then the existing money will need to be redistributed. If this happens, there will be winners (practices getting more money than last year) and losers (practices getting less money than last year). The best solution would be to increase the ‘pot of money’ so that there are no losers, but those practices that have shown to be in greater need (more complex patients or higher business costs) would get increased funding. We will certainly be arguing for an increased funding pool to ease this transition. All practices are under financial pressures that we don’t wish to make worse.
We will be in touch with practices as soon as we are able to share some of the key issues under discussion, and what decisions rural practices want to make, given the options on the table. In the current restricted fiscal conditions that the Government is operating under, there are likely to be some tough choices to be made.
I look forward to seeing you next week at Conference and progressing some of these important funding discussions next week and beyond.
Ngā mihi Grant | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | National Award for Emergency Response and Healthcare Award Recipient, Twizel Medical Centre | | | | The Twizel Medical Centre team are the recipients of this year’s National Award for Emergency Response and Healthcare, in recognition of their clinical leadership and coordinated emergency response to a high-impact multi-casualty bus collision near Lake Pukaki. This award recognises distinguished individuals, groups, or organisations within healthcare and emergency services who demonstrate excellence in the acute management and care of road crash patients. Read below from Paula Trembath, Lead Nurse and PRIME Clinician on their extraordinary response.
On 18 July 2024, our small community faced an event that many of us will not forget. In freezing temperatures, dense fog, and black ice, two buses carrying children were involved in separate crashes just outside of Twizel. From the moment the call came in, we knew this was not going to be a routine response.
Information was limited in those first moments, but it was clear there were multiple patients and challenging conditions. Our team mobilised immediately through the PRIME response, some heading out to the roadside, while others remained at Twizel Medical Centre to carry on with the day-to-day tasks. In a remote rural setting, you learn to act quickly and make decisions with what you have, and that early mobilisation was critical. | | At the scene, the conditions were some of the most challenging we could face. Poor visibility, black ice, and sub-zero temperatures made access difficult and added risk for both patients and responders. Managing care across two separate crash sites stretched resources, and the absence of a 24-hour ambulance service added another layer of pressure.
One of the unexpected challenges was the language barrier. Many of the children involved were from China, which made assessment, reassurance, and communication more complex. In those moments, our team relied on calm presence, simple communication, and compassion to ensure the children felt safe and cared for.
Back at Twizel Medical Centre, a different kind of challenge was unfolding. Our team was not expecting the volume of patients with minor to moderate injuries arriving in such a short space of time.
| | Above: Poor visibility, black ice, and sub-zero temperatures made access difficult and added risk for both patients and responders. | | | | The clinic quickly filled, and staff had to rapidly triage, prioritise, and reorganise the space to safely manage the influx. It was busy, at times overwhelming, and certainly not a perfect scenario, but everyone adapted and worked together to provide the best care possible.
What made the biggest difference on the day was teamwork. The PRIME model enabled us to deliver early care at the scene, bridging the gap until patients could be transported. Coordination between our team, ambulance services, police, and fire crews was seamless, built on strong relationships and clear communication.
Our volunteer Twizel Fire Brigade and Hato Hone St John crews were exceptional. Their professionalism, calmness, and commitment in such difficult conditions cannot be overstated. In a rural community like ours, these volunteers are essential, and this recognition belongs just as much to them as it does to us.
Inside the medical centre, our small team worked tirelessly behind the scenes, receiving patients, continuing assessments, providing treatment, and ensuring everyone was cared for. That response within the clinic was just as critical as what was happening at the roadside.
When reflecting on the day, what stands out most is not that everything went perfectly, it didn’t. It was a stressful and demanding situation, and like any significant event, it highlighted areas where we can improve. Since then, we have taken time to reflect honestly, identify gaps, and strengthen our processes. Learning is one of the most important outcomes, helping ensure we are even better prepared in the future.
Recently, I had the privilege of accepting a National Award for Emergency Response & Healthcare on behalf of our team. It was a real humble moment, because this award represents the collective effort of many, our clinical & admin staff, volunteer emergency services, and the wider community who supported us. It is not about one person or one team, but about what can be achieved when everyone works together. | | | | Above: Donna Bayliss (Admin/Receptionist), Paula Trembath (Lead Nurse) and Dr George Giddings (General Practitioner) | | This recognition means a great deal for Twizel Medical Centre. It highlights the strength, adaptability, and capability of rural healthcare teams, who often manage complex situations with limited resources.
It also reinforces the importance of ongoing, sustainable funding for rural healthcare services, the PRIME model, and volunteer emergency responders. These services are vital to ensuring communities like ours continue to receive timely, high-quality care when it is needed most.
More than anything, this experience reminded us just how much people matter, our patients, our team, and the wider community who stand alongside us. It was a day that challenged us, stretched us, and stayed with us. We are incredibly proud of the care that was given, but also honest about the lessons we have taken forward. This recognition is not just about what was done on the day, but about the people behind it, the quiet strength, the compassion, and the willingness to step forward when it mattered most. It belongs to every person who played a part, and it reinforces why this work, and this community, means so much to all of us. | | | | Rural wellbeing funding reaches communities | | The Government is investing in rural wellbeing through 18 community-based initiatives announced under the Rural Wellbeing Fund, with programmes now confirmed across Aotearoa supporting farmers, growers, and rural whānau.
The fund is jointly supported by the Todd McClay, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, and Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health, alongside delivery agencies the Ministry for Primary Industries and Health New Zealand.
Together, MPI and Health New Zealand each contributed $2 million over four years through Budget 2025, totalling a $4 million investment in rural wellbeing initiatives.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the fund was established to strengthen wellbeing support across the rural sector.
“We established the fund mid-last year to boost wellbeing programmes that support the rural sector,” Mr McClay says.
“These initiatives will ensure farmers and growers have the support they need to thrive.”
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the investment reflects a focus on improving access to support for rural communities, who make up around one in five New Zealanders.
“We’ve focused on supporting proposals that can have the greatest impact on the ground, as well as new initiatives targeting gaps,” Mr Doocey says.
“Partnering with grassroots organisations enables the Government funding to go further and make a real difference.”
The 18 successful initiatives span a wide range of community-led programmes, from mental health and peer support services to sector-specific wellbeing initiatives and rural connection programmes. View the full list here
Rural wellbeing is shaped by more than access to services—it is influenced by connection, workload pressures, isolation, and the ability to access timely, trusted support.
The diversity of initiatives funded reflects a recognition that there is no single solution. Instead, the strength of this fund lies in supporting organisations already embedded in their communities, delivering support in ways that work locally.
Hauora Taiwhenua Chief Executive, Dr Grant Davidson, was a member of the assessment panel for the fund. He said, the approach of this fund reflects the importance of acknowledging existing community capability. “This fund is significant. It backs the people already doing the mahi in their communities. It’s not a top-down approach—it’s about enabling local solutions that are trusted, accessible, and built to last.”
As these 18 initiatives begin delivery, the focus will shift from announcement to impact—how these programmes strengthen wellbeing, build resilience, and improve access to support across rural Aotearoa.
For Hauora Taiwhenua, the fund represents another step toward recognising that rural wellbeing is essential to the future of health, communities, and the rural workforce. | | | | Expression of Interest - Online GP in Urgent and After Hours Care and Rural Settings | | Health New Zealand is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from rural hospitals, urgent care, after-hours services, and integrated health providers to support the delivery of Online GP consultations within community settings.
The initiative is designed to improve access to primary care by enabling patients to connect with a GP in a private, digitally supported space, particularly for those facing barriers to enrolment or timely appointments. It is expected that this model will also be extended to marae and community-based settings, helping broaden access points for care.
Successful applicants will receive up to $10,000 in one-off funding to establish a private, digitally equipped consultation space, with additional support available for remote examination tools in selected rural and high-need areas.
This is a significant opportunity to enhance access, manage demand, and support underserved communities through innovative care models.
EOIs close 23 April 2026
We encourage eligible services to consider how this initiative could support local access and community-led care. | | | | | | Meet the 2025 Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network Scholarship recipients | | | | Sixteen inspiring rural rangatahi are taking their first steps into health careers – backed by the 2025 Hauora Taiwhenua Scholarships. With 188 applicants and a shared commitment to return home and serve, these future nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals represent the strength and resilience of rural Aotearoa.
“The quality of applications we received… reflected the depth of talent and drive among young people in rural Aotearoa,” says Chief Executive Grant Davidson.
From financial challenges to powerful personal motivations, their stories highlight why investing in rural pathways matters now more than ever. | | | | | | | | | | Māori Nursing Programme Wins Best Abstract at Rural WONCA 2026 | | Dr Pipi Barton has been recognised for research transforming Māori nursing education in rural Northland, taking home the Best Abstract Award for Rural WONCA 2026. From more than 350 abstracts submitted, her winning abstract, Te Ara Whakamua: Delivering a Bachelor of Nursing Māori Programme in Rural Northland, Aotearoa New Zealand, demonstrates how community-designed, Indigenous-led education can strengthen rural health workforces and improve outcomes for whānau. “I feel incredibly honoured… I was quite blown away by it,” Barton says. “Receiving this award is a recognition of my lived experience as a Māori nurse, and the experiences of my whānau.” The Best Abstract Award celebrates work embodying the conference theme: Whānau Ora: Integrating Mātauranga Māori and Indigenous knowledge with rural health for a thriving future. Abstracts were independently reviewed by multiple experts to reduce bias, with panel members disclosing conflicts of interest. Close scores prompted collaborative discussion to ensure fairness. Dr Jo Scott-Jones, Chair of the Rural WONCA 2026 Scientific Committee noted, “This year’s selection process was both rigorous and deeply aligned with our conference kaupapa. Dr Barton’s abstract stood out for its authentic integration of mātauranga Māori, its academic strength, and its clear potential to make a meaningful impact on rural health — not just in Aotearoa, but internationally.” “It reflects exactly what Rural WONCA 2026 is about - solutions that are locally led, culturally informed, and capable of driving real change in rural health outcomes.” For more than 40 years, Māori representation in nursing has remained largely unchanged - a reality at the centre of Barton’s research. Despite Māori comprising 17% of Aotearoa New Zealand’s population, only around 10% of the nursing workforce identifies as Māori - a proportion that has remained largely unchanged for decades (Nursing Council of New Zealand, 2024). Barton’s PhD explored the structural barriers limiting Māori participation in nursing, including systemic inequities embedded across education and health systems. That research has informed the development of a kaupapa Māori nursing programme in Te Tai Tokerau, designed in partnership with iwi, hapū and community providers to address longstanding gaps in Māori representation in nursing. “Our communities have been telling us for years what works and what doesn’t,” Barton explains. “This programme is designed by whānau, for whānau. Students don’t just learn nursing, they reconnect with their whakapapa, their whanaungatanga, and their role in the community.” The programme is delivered rurally, enabling students to stay close to home while gaining qualifications. Through immersive learning and wānanga-based teaching, students develop clinical skills alongside cultural and community knowledge. The results are already measurable. The programme has achieved a 96.3% first-year retention rate, significantly higher than national Māori nursing trends, while continuing to grow its student base. “Rural health workforce solutions can be co-designed with Indigenous communities. We’re an example of that.” At the core of Barton’s work is a challenge to conventional approaches: “Equity can’t be achieved by using the same system that created the inequity.” Her research highlights how structural inequities, including systemic racism, continue to shape access to education and workforce pathways. The programme centres Mātauranga Māori as both valid and essential to addressing rural health inequities. Set in rural Northland, it reflects place-based learning, whakapapa, and strong community connection. “We have to think of creative and innovative ways to make a difference - despite the systems that exist” Barton says. Developed over eight years alongside iwi, hapū and local providers, the programme responds directly to what communities have been calling for: a workforce trained within, and for, their own environments. “We are creating nurses who are not only clinically capable but also culturally competent and grounded in their communities. This addresses workforce shortages while supporting whānau health and wellbeing.” For Barton, the goal is clear - not just to train nurses, but to grow a workforce that returns home. “Hoki atu ki tō whānau, hoki atu ki tō hāpori - return to your people.” “Our communities are desperate for our Māori nurses.” Barton will present her findings at Rural WONCA 2026 in Wellington, sharing insights into programme design, outcomes, and lessons learned. Her work exemplifies how Indigenous knowledge and community engagement can reshape rural health education, providing a model for other regions across Aotearoa. For delegates, her presentation is more than an abstract: it’s a call to action. Indigenous-led, community-grounded education can deliver measurable results for rural health outcomes. To learn more about Dr Barton’s programme and the full Rural WONCA 2026 abstract listings, visit the conference website.
| | | | | | Discover Ahi Kā at Rural WONCA 2026 | | | | At the heart of Rural WONCA 2026 is Ahi Kā, a dedicated space where Indigenous knowledge, rural health and connection come together. In te ao Māori, ahi kā refers to keeping the home fires burning — a symbol of presence, belonging and enduring connection to place. At Rural WONCA 2026, Ahi Kā reflects this same kaupapa: honouring hauora Māori, strengthening relationships, and creating space for shared learning grounded in rural realities. Ahi Kā is not just something to visit — it’s something to experience. What can you do there? All conference delegates are warmly invited to spend time at Ahi Kā. At the Hub you can: - Step away from the pace of the conference and take time to pause
- Listen and engage in kōrero with colleagues from Aotearoa and around the world
- Observe creative and cultural practice
- Learn Poi and Waiata
- Weave a token of wellbeing
- Reflect on how Indigenous models of care might inform your own work in rural health
- Build understanding through presence, curiosity and connection
Whether you’re Māori, Indigenous, or non‑Indigenous — clinician, researcher or policymaker — Ahi Kā welcomes you. Haere mai.
| | | | | | Political Panel: Delivering on the Rural Health Strategy | | How will future governments turn commitment into action for rural communities?
At Rural WONCA 2026, this cross-party political panel brings together representatives from across Aotearoa’s political spectrum to discuss how the Rural Health Strategy can be implemented to reduce inequities and improve outcomes for rural populations.
Join us for a timely and important conversation shaping the future of rural health in Aotearoa. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Luke Baddington GM Workforce Recruitment | |
As we count down to the Rural WONCA 2026, I’m really looking forward to heading down with the NZMedJobs team and connecting with so many of you in person.
Events like this are a valuable opportunity for us to step away from the day-to-day and have meaningful conversations about the realities of rural workforce — what’s working, where the pressures are, and how we can better support services and clinicians across the motu. It’s also a chance for us to listen, learn, and strengthen relationships with the people and communities we work alongside.
If you’re attending, please come and say hello at Stands 26 & 27 on Level 1 at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre from 10–13 April. Whether you’re exploring opportunities, looking for support, or just keen for a kōrero, we’d love to meet you.
See you there. | | | | | | | | | | Meet Rural Nurses New Zealand Chapter | | Who are we and what does this Chapter, and HT mean for us? The Rural Nurses Chapter is a community that connects and supports nurses working in rural health. It provides a space to “foster collaboration, share knowledge, and resources,” while creating opportunities for inspiration, networking, and professional growth. The chapter supports the wellbeing and development of rural nurses through education, leadership, and advocacy for rural healthcare. For students and early-career nurses, it also offers the chance to learn from experienced rural clinicians. Ultimately, it helps strengthen the rural nursing voice, encourage innovation, and build a supportive community committed to improving healthcare for rural communities. | | | | What to expect from us at the upcoming rural WONCA and why you have to be there: Chapter hui on Friday 10th April at 9.15am An opportunity to connect with rural nurses across Aotearoa and see/hear snippets of their amazing mahi within their communities and the wider health care system. We’ll learn about initiatives that have been developed by nurses within their rural hospitals and communities as they advocate for improved access to healthcare for our rural populations. This is a time to celebrate each other and gain learnings from other rural areas with insight into the unique ways in which some rural communities are providing Health Care.
A Rural Nursing presentation on 11th April at 11.50am A brief 20-minute presentation by three rural nurses, spread across unique locations in Aotearoa. Each will deliver a 6-minute snapshot of their motu and mahi, illustrating manaakitanga (people centred care), whanaungatanga (communication), role and scope diversity through their commitment to pūkengatanga (pursuit of excellence/acquisition of knowledge/skills), highlighting cultural connection and prioritization of indigenous wisdom and autonomy, celebrating achievements in rurally driven initiatives that promote ōritetanga (equity) of health access, whilst acknowledging the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The pou of nursing standards in Aotearoa will shine through their brief pūrākau.
Some further opportunities for interesting sessions for rural nurses: Friday: 3:45PM - Unique Rural Generalist Nurse Practitioner Roles in Aotearoa New Zealand 4:25PM - Te Ara Whakamua: Delivering a Bachelor of Nursing Māori Programme in Rural Northland, Aotearoa New Zealand
Saturday: 3:30PM - How nurse prescribers are enhancing community wellbeing of remote Māori populations – a case study. 3:30PM - ‘Pae Ora O Te Tai O Poutini’ Improved access to health services for Māori through the provision of General Practice (GP) and Nurse led community clinics
Sunday: 3:35PM - Home-Grown Nurse Practitioners: Strengthening Rural Health Through Local, Sustainable Workforce Models
Note - there are many, many more awesome talks these are just a few of the many! Jump online to https://innovators-wonca26-programme.eventsair.site/ to view the extensive WONCA Programme!
We would love to see you all at WONCA 2026 in Wellington if you have the capacity to come, join the kōrero, contribute your valuable insights and learn from each other at an international level. We value each and every one of our members and want to continue on growing our chapter. We welcome feedback and want to thank everyone for their involvement no matter how small. Together we are louder and very voice matters! | | | | | | Simply put, there is no network without its members Member Voice Matters: Take our Member Satisfaction Survey | | Over the past four years, your feedback has helped shape our programmes and services, so they remain practical, relevant, and useful. Can you to take 5–10 minutes to complete our member survey? Your input will help us understand what’s working well and where we can improve.. All completed survey entries will go into the draw to win one of two Hauora Taiwhenua puffer vests from Macpac. The winners will be drawn at the Rural WONCA2026 conference and notified by email. We are now in our fourth year as the Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network. This milestone reflects the ongoing commitment of our members and the amazing work happening across rural communities every day. Our thanks to you all! As we look ahead, it is just as important that we continue to hear from you so if you have any questions about membership or the survey, please contact our me, at ingrid.busby@htrhn.org.nz. Thank you for being part of our Network. | | | | Member Benefit: Tātai Whetū | | | | As Rural WONCA 2026 nears, we invite everyone to explore Tātai Whetū - a free learning app designed to introduce tikanga Māori in health and community settings.
The app provides short interactive guides covering pōwhiri, karakia, kōrero, pepeha, waiata and tikanga hauora - helping visitors, both nationally and internationally better understand the cultural context of healthcare in Aotearoa.
If you’re attending the conference, take a few minutes to explore the app and feel free to share it with colleagues. | | | | | | | | | | Celebrating Rural Health Leadership: Dr Kyle Eggleton Promoted to Associate Professor | | We’re proud to celebrate the promotion of Dr Kyle Eggleton to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
Kyle is a general practitioner, researcher, and Associate Dean for Rural Health, whose work focuses on health equity, access to primary care, and system performance. His research and leadership continue to shape policy and practice to better meet the needs of communities across Aotearoa — particularly in rural settings.
This recognition will be especially meaningful to many in our network, with Kyle also being the recipient of the Peter Snow Award in 2024, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to rural health.
Kyle’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the rural workforce and improving equitable access to care is felt both nationally and internationally. We warmly congratulate him on this well-deserved achievement and look forward to his continued impact on rural health in Aotearoa. | | | | | | New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Conference 2026 | | | | Members may be interested in the upcoming NZ Private Surgical Hospitals Association Conference 2026, hosted by New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Association. Taking place at the Cordis Auckland from 23–25 September 2026, the conference will bring together leaders and innovators from across the surgical and healthcare sector.
Under the theme “Transforming Surgical Care – Innovating for a Healthier Future,” the programme will feature expert speakers, thought-provoking sessions, and a dynamic exhibition showcasing emerging technologies and industry developments.
New for 2026, the event will also introduce the NZPSHA Awards, celebrated at a Gala Dinner, recognising excellence across the private surgical sector.
This is an opportunity to connect, share insights, and explore the future of surgical care in Aotearoa. | | | | | | New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora Entries now open | | | | Entries are now open for the 2026 New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora, delivered by The Health Media. These awards celebrate the people and initiatives strengthening primary care across Aotearoa — recognising innovation, collaboration, and impact on community health and wellbeing.
A standout category this year is Innovation in Service Delivery, which recognises individuals or teams who have transformed primary healthcare through new ideas and approaches. This could include clinical, technological, or service innovations that have improved patient experience, access, or equity — particularly in challenging or evolving environments. Self-nominations and peer nominations are both encouraged.
The awards culminate in a gala evening on 17 October 2026 at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland.
This is a great opportunity to showcase the work happening across primary care and celebrate those making a real difference. | | | | | | Seeking Rural Experience: Meet Orla Fitzgerald | | Hauora Taiwhenua is pleased to share an opportunity to support an aspiring future rural health professional.
Orla Fitzgerald, originally from Christchurch, is currently studying towards a dual Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and Biology at Brown University in the United States (expected graduation May 2027). With a strong academic record and a clear passion for medicine, Orla is particularly interested in rural healthcare, health equity, and nutrition.
Orla is seeking hands-on experience in a healthcare or social care setting in Aotearoa New Zealand, with availability from late June through to early September. She is eager to contribute, learn, and engage with communities—particularly in rural settings—aligning closely with the values of Hauora Taiwhenua.
If your practice or organisation is in a position to offer an opportunity, we encourage you to get in touch. Contact: orla_fitzgerald@brown.edu or orlanote@gmail.com | | | | | | Free LARC Train the Trainer Workshops Available in 2026 | | Health practitioners across Aotearoa are invited to take part in the LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception) Train the Trainer course, delivered by New Zealand College of Sexual and Reproductive Health. This full-day workshop is being offered free of charge in 2026 to eligible clinicians.
Designed to build capability and confidence, the course equips participants to train others in the provision of LARC, including contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices. It focuses on practical teaching methods, competency-based assessment, and best practice in more complex insertion and removal techniques. Workshops are scheduled in: - Auckland (30 May)
- Christchurch (6 June)
- Auckland – RNZCGP Conference CME workshop (30 July)
- Wellington (29 November)
- Dunedin (date to be confirmed)
Following the workshop, participants will complete a practical assignment to become accredited LARC trainers. | | | | | | | | Hospital in the Home – Te Toka Tumai Auckland (Auckland City Hospital) | | “Geography should not make a difference to the delivery of health care,” says Dr Erik McClain, Clinical Lead of Hospital in the Home (HitH) at Te Toka Tumai Auckland.
Hospital in the Home is an innovative model of care that allows patients to leave hospital earlier and continue receiving hospital-level treatment in their own homes. Patients remain under the close supervision of a Senior Medical Officer (SMO)or Nurse Practitioner (NP) with daily virtual reviews, or home visits.
The service provides both secondary and acute-level care. Treatments delivered at home may include intravenous (IV) therapy, diagnostics, infusions, laboratory monitoring, wound care, and daily clinical assessments. In essence, HitH delivers the same standard of care as a traditional hospital—simply in a different setting. | | | | | | | | The time is now! Register for the Rural Generalist CME Workshop 2026 Leaning on Fence Posts
| One of my favourite parts of my job is this workshop - every year it is such great fun, with a fabulous group of clinicians learning from one another and this year we are again in Rarotonga.
The dates are Rarotonga time so you will need to arrive on the Tuesday ready to start on the Wednesday at 9am. 2 and half days of connecting, learning and a little bit of good old R and R.
Current topics will revolve around paediatrics, mental health, toxicology, neonates, and more. We will have the usual knowledge in the room, mystery activites and a dinner for all - highly recommended to embrace it all to get the full hygge experience!
So come and join me, 5-7th August at the Crown Beach Resort for our annual workshop. Lucinda Thatcher | | | | | | | | 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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