IN THIS ISSUE:

Min Doocey's Rural Roadshow

From the Chapters

NRHC 2025 Updates

Members Spotlight

Community News

HAUORA TAIWHENUA NEWSLETTER

March

2025

Kia ora tātou

Starting to write this newsletter introduction on Tuesday April 1st, I toyed with the idea of a headline along the lines of, “Minister Brown announces immediate injection of funds to ensure pay parity for rural nurses, subsidies for rural people having to travel to base hospitals for specialist appointments at IRD rates, and a 20% capitation bonus for rural practices.” But sanity prevailed and I decided not to cruelly get people’s hopes up, only to dash them with an “April Fool” statement at the end.

Instead, I see today that Health Action Wānaka are in the news decrying the poor state of health services in their town. No 24/7 afterhours clinics, no free blood service, limited access to diagnostic tests and 11-hour return trips to a major hospital for a ten-minute specialist appointment that might be cancelled. It is good to see these issues, which are experienced daily by members of rural communities across New Zealand, being spotlighted for decision-makers to see and understand. The fact that this particular community has a constituency that is able to speak eloquently of the issues and get them noticed by the media, health officials and politicians, can only be good for all rural residents.

Dr Grant Davidson

Hauora Taiwhenua

Chief Executive

What was interesting was the call from the group for Wānaka to be termed urban and no longer classified as rural. That demonstrated a clear bias from those who have moved to Wānaka, that if your town could be classified as urban, then health facilities and funding would immediately flow at a greater rate to fill any gap. The University of Otago’s Geographical Classification for Health (GCH) clearly identifies Wānaka as an R2 area. Its remoteness from a base hospital and specialist treatment is not mitigated by the size of the population living there. This is something that people moving to Wānaka for its scenery, climate and recreational activities need to consider carefully, especially if being viewed as a retirement option. With the current financial pressures on the Government to upgrade deteriorating base hospitals, let alone the network of 26 rural hospitals (including Queenstown and Dunstan), public funding of a new hospital to service Wānaka is unlikely to be justified. What should be justified is how rural towns such as Wānaka can receive quality, cost-effective and timely access to core health services such as urgent/after hours care, diagnostics and specialist consults. These same issues are common in rural communities across the country and are some of the key pressure points that we are ‘going into bat’ with the Minister of Health on a regular basis.

Pertinent to this conversation is that Minister Doocey, Associate Minister for Health (Rural) and Minister for Mental Health, has committed to a roadshow to rural areas over the next few months to hear directly the issues facing rural communities, along with possible solutions. The first of the roadshows in Levin is on April 16th. We will soon be able to announce a further 11 venues the Minister will visit over the next few months. We encourage as many as possible to attend these events and provide their experiences directly to the Minister and Health New Zealand officials. Potential solutions would be welcome! Hauora Taiwhenua has been offered the role of MCing each of the events. We look forward to seeing our members and other community voices there on the day.

With only four weeks left until our National Rural Health Conference in Christchurch – it’s not too late to register. It’s at the Conference we can also hear your voices, but more importantly provide a venue to share stories and hear amazing narratives of how people are doing great things in their communities. This is the time to leave some of the constant concerns behind for a few days and celebrate the positive and amazing work that you all do, but so often forget.

See you all there.

Ngā mihi nui

Grant

Advocacy

Work

Membership

Benefits

Current

Vacancies

Marie Daly

GM Advocacy

marie.daly@htrhn.org.nz

Advocacy Summary March 2025

It has been a busy and productive time for our advocacy team as we continue to push for meaningful change in rural health. From co-hosting the Rural Māori Health Summit to ensuring key decision-makers understand the realities of rural hospitals, our focus remains on amplifying the voices of rural communities.

You can find more details in my full advocacy update attached. Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue this important mahi.

READ THE UPDATE HERE:

Minister Doocey’s Rural Roadshow:

A Commitment to Rural Health

Following a key commitment made at the Rural Māori Health Summit, Associate Minister of Health Min Matt Doocey has launched the Rural Roadshow—a nationwide initiative to connect with rural communities and address pressing healthcare challenges.

The first stop on the Roadshow is Levin in the Horowhenua. Rural health professionals, community leaders, and local residents are invited to discuss their concerns and explore solutions. The event provides an opportunity for direct engagement with decision-makers, ensuring that rural voices are heard at the highest levels.

Over the coming weeks, the Roadshow will expand to 11 more locations across the country, with venues set to be announced by mid-April. Each stop will focus on the unique needs of the local community, covering topics such as workforce shortages, access to telehealth, funding challenges, and innovative models of care.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening rural healthcare and improving equity for rural populations. We encourage all rural health professionals and community members to participate in these upcoming events and have their say in shaping the future of rural health.

Stay tuned for further details on locations and dates—this is an opportunity to make your voice count!

Shrina Patel and Angel Harbers

SoRHA Co-Chairs

Help Inspire the Next Generation of Rural Health Professionals!

We’re excited to support an important initiative aimed at encouraging students to explore careers in rural health. A short survey has been created to gather insights that will help shape engaging media posts, highlighting the many rewarding opportunities in this field.

By sharing this survey with students—both tertiary and pre-tertiary—we can help paint an authentic and inspiring picture of rural healthcare careers. More voices mean a stronger message!

Your input and support would make a real difference in promoting the future of rural health. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation!

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

Sarah Walker and Jane George

Chapter Co-Chairs

**IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Role of Rural Allied Health in the Current Context Webinar**

On Wednesday, 26 March, Hauora Taiwhenua hosted a webinar titled "Role of Rural Allied Health in the Current Context," featuring Dr. Martin Chadwick, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer at the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Chadwick provided insights into the importance of allied health in strengthening rural healthcare systems, addressing workforce challenges, and improving equitable population health outcomes. He also discussed the findings from his doctoral research on allied health workforce change and the recently published Hauora Haumi | Allied Health Report, which outlines national and associated challenges within the sector.

If you missed the live session, you can now watch the recording to gain valuable insights from this discussion.

VIEW THE RECORDING HERE

National Rural

Health Conference 2025

Whānau Pass

Experience Ōtautahi Christchurch together with the Whānau pass!

Rural GPs and health workers are the backbone of their communities, and their families are the heart that keeps them going. The Whānau pass is our way of showing appreciation, offering exclusive discounts on local attractions and experiences for partners and children while attending the NRHC. Make the most of your time in Ōtautahi Christchurch – explore, connect, and create lasting memories together.

VIEW HERE

Conference CME/CPD

Unlock Opportunities at NRHC 2025!

There are a number of opportunities at this year’s NRHC, ensuring attendees gain valuable professional development while engaging with the latest insights in rural healthcare.

Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, learn, and be inspired!

VIEW HERE

Mobile Health Group – Investing in the Future of Rural Healthcare

A thriving rural healthcare system isn’t just about today’s workforce-it’s about investing in the next generation of health professionals. At this year’s National Rural Health Conference, the Rural Health Student Hub will serve as a dedicated space for students to connect, learn, and be inspired. This initiative is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Mobile Health Group, an organisation deeply committed to strengthening rural health services across Aotearoa.

Mobile Health Group has long been at the forefront of improving access to care in rural communities, operating a mobile surgical unit that ensures patients in remote areas receive high-quality treatment closer to home. Now, they are turning their focus to the future of rural healthcare by supporting students-the next generation of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals who will one day serve these same communities.

“Our decision to support the Student Hub really reflects the heart of why Mobile Health was created - to help rural communities thrive by improving access to healthcare,” says Mark Eager, CEO of Mobile Health Group. “Over the years, we’ve seen first-hand that when local people are involved in their own health services, those services are stronger and more sustainable. Supporting the Student Hub is an extension of that kaupapa - it’s about encouraging young people to see the value of working in their own communities.”

The Rural Health Student Hub provides a crucial gathering place where students can share ideas, build networks, and engage with experienced professionals who understand the realities of rural practice. For Mobile Health Group, this sponsorship is not just about financial support—it’s about fostering a culture of mentorship, encouragement, and opportunity.

“We’ve always believed that rural communities deserve equitable access to care - and that means investing in the future workforce,” says Mark. “As part of our contract to deliver surgical services around the motu, we work alongside four local nurses at every site. They know the community, and they make the service stronger. Time and again, we hear these nurses say they came home to work - or followed a partner back. It reminds us how powerful local connections are in recruiting and retaining health professionals.”

The impact of this sponsorship goes beyond financial backing. Mobile Health Group envisions a long-term relationship with rural students and Hauora Taiwhenua, creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with rural health careers. “Our relationship with Hauora Taiwhenua is built on shared values—equity, community, and commitment to rural Aotearoa. Supporting students is one part of that. Whether it’s through hands-on experience, informal mentoring, or helping to create visibility for rural careers, we see this as an ongoing responsibility, not a one-off gesture.”

With their support, the Rural Health Student Hub will be a vibrant, energised space at this year’s conference—one where the next generation of rural health professionals can come together, find their footing, and take the next steps toward making a real impact in rural communities. “If even one student walks away thinking, ‘This is possible - and I can be part of it,’ then it’s worth it,” says Mark.

Find Mobile Health Group at Stand 14

Mobile Health Group will be at Stand 14 at the National Rural Health Conference, where attendees can learn more about their work and ongoing support for rural healthcare. This is an opportunity to explore how they are contributing to the future of rural health and to connect with their team.

Find the Rural Student Hub at Stand 37

The Rural Student Hub will be at Stand 37 at the National Rural Health Conference, providing a space for students to connect, learn, and engage with rural health professionals. Visit the hub to discover resources, networking opportunities, and support available for students pursuing a future in rural healthcare.

Ka Ora Telecare: Strengthening Rural Healthcare Through Partnership

At the heart of rural healthcare is collaboration—bringing together expertise, resources, and innovative solutions to ensure that no community is left behind. That’s why Ka Ora Telecare is proud to partner with Hauora Taiwhenua as a Sponsor for the National Rural Health Conference 2025 – supporting the theme Empowering for equity – moving towards equity.

Ka Ora Telecare’s mission is clear: to break down geographical barriers and ensure rural residents and visitors have access to quality healthcare when they need it. By combining telehealth technology with Hauora Taiwhenua’s connections to rural healthcare networks, this collaboration is paving the way for a more integrated and accessible system. The relationship doesn’t stop at the conference—it’s a long-term commitment to reshaping rural healthcare and strengthening networks that support local communities.

Equity remains one of the most pressing challenges in rural healthcare, where access to after-hours providers, transportation, and specialist services is often limited. Ka Ora Telecare is addressing this gap by providing accessible and affordable telehealth services, ensuring that people in remote areas can connect with healthcare professionals, regardless of their location.

However, Ka Ora Telecare recognises that telehealth alone isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why they work closely with rural practices, ensuring that in-person care options remain available for patients who need them. Their partnership with Hauora Taiwhenua is another step toward achieving true healthcare equity—expanding reach, reducing barriers, and ensuring that all rural communities have access to high-quality care.

While telehealth is transforming access to care, one of the biggest challenges remains acceptance and trust. Many rural patients and healthcare providers are still adjusting to digital healthcare solutions, and Ka Ora Telecare is committed to building credibility and engagement at every opportunity. By partnering directly with General Practices, they provide episodic, complementary care, helping to reduce strain on primary care services while ensuring continuity of care for patients.

Looking ahead, Ka Ora Telecare envisions a healthcare ecosystem where all providers work together, prioritising collaboration over competition to create a truly integrated system. By investing in partnerships, technology, and community engagement, they aim to make healthcare accessible to every New Zealander—no matter where they live.

Find Ka Ora Telecare at Stand 13

As we approach NRHC 2025, we celebrate sponsors like Ka Ora Telecare, who are not only supporting this event but actively working to shape the future of rural healthcare. Visit Ka Ora at Stand 13 to learn more about their innovative work in rural health! Join us in Christchurch this May and be part of the conversation!

Members

Expressions of Interest – Steering Committee & Programme Roles

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora is inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) for key roles in the Digital Primary Care Programme. These positions provide an opportunity for sector representatives to contribute to the programme’s governance, strategy, and implementation.

The programme is seeking:

Expressions of Interest (Digital Primary Care Steering Group)
Expressions of Interest (Programme Roles)

These roles will help guide the direction of the programme and ensure sector needs are well represented.

EOI deadline: 5pm, Friday 11th April 2025

Further details, including role descriptions, are available in the respective EOI packs below. Organisations and individuals are encouraged to share this opportunity within their networks.

For more information, or to submit an EOI, please contact Dan Ryan, Manager – Change and Adoption, Digital Services. dan.ryan@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Expression of Interest - Programme Roles

Expression of Interest - Steering Committee

NZCSRH Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Train the Trainer Workshops

The New Zealand College of Sexual and Reproductive Health are providing LARC 'Train the trainer' courses for health practitioners who are already competent in LARC procedures, as per the Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Health Practitioner Training Principles and Standards, and who want to train others.

This is a full-day workshop focused on the skills needed to provide LARC training to other health practitioners in a clinical setting.

We welcome all health professionals including nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors and midwives from across the motu to attend. You can choose to become a LARC trainer in one type of LARC procedure, or more than one (IUC, Jadelle insertion, Jadelle removal).

We have workshops coming up in the following locations:

New Plymouth – Saturday 3 May
Auckland: Nursing focused (NZNO Women’s Health Conference) – Thursday 15 May
Auckland: Māori/Pacific focused – Saturday 17 May
Christchurch – Saturday 31 May

Thanks to funding from Te Whatu Ora, the LARC Train-the-Trainer course is free for a number of health professionals. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a funded place on the course, please get in touch.

To register your interest in the course, please complete the expression of interest form and return to Fiona: administration@nzcsrh.org.nz.

Further information about the Train the Trainer programme can be found on the NZCSRH website or for any questions, please contact Fiona.

Change to submission process - Working together to improve patient outcomes - General Practice

Thank you for attending our primary care market event on Wednesday 19 February. We’re grateful so many of you showed up and we’re excited to work with you moving forward.

We have received feedback from many of you that the GETS process is hard to navigate and a barrier for primary care engaging with us. Based on your feedback, we have changed our process to make it as simple as possible.

Making the submission process easier

To make it as easy as possible you can email primarycare@acc.co.nz directly with the completed forms for sharing your ideas, as well as your Expression of Interest (EOI).

The forms will now be available here to download and complete.

Giving nurse practitioners a voice

Nurse practitioners have played a vital role in New Zealand's healthcare system for 24 years, but many people have no idea who they are – or what they do.

That’s set to change, after an innovative series of storytelling workshops aimed at raising the profile of the profession.

The series was the brainchild of Dr. Sue Adams from the University of Auckland. The workshops were facilitated by Jehan Casinader, an award-winning journalist and mental health advocate.

“A year ago, I had the privilege of MCing Hauora Taiwhenua's National Rural Health Conference,” he said. “Sue approached me and explained that she wanted to put a spotlight on nurse practitioners. My first thought was, ‘What on earth is a nurse practitioner?’ Even though I had spent 15 years in journalism – and produced plenty of stories about healthcare – I had never come across a nurse practitioner.”...

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

WATCH SUE ADAMS INTERVIEW

Drug checking service sees demand soar

A drug harm reduction service has seen the number of drug checks it carries out across the country soar by almost seven times within a year.

After bringing in a readily available, continuous drug checking service almost two years ago, DISC Trust saw the number of checks rise by almost 600%.

In the 12 months to April 19, 2023 - when fortnightly checks were available - the service carried out 488 checks.

But since bringing in continuous drug checks, in the following 12 months it carried out more than 3330 checks - and has already tested another 3848 samples between May 2024 and January this year.

Out of Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington, the three main areas where DISC provides services, Christchurch had the highest level of drug checking, with 1498 samples....