| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Kia ora tātou
It’s not often we ask for your help; we are normally here to help you! In this case, we are keen to get your support to help us maintain our rural recruitment and locum service for the sector.
Many of you will be aware that a major part of the work we do is running a recruitment and locum service for rural general practice. This service was originally negotiated with the Ministry of Health back in 2003 by the Board of the NZ Rural General Practice Network at the time, with Government representatives. The proven need back then was to help rural practices recruit GPs and NPs at no cost to those practices. Also, to provide short-term locum relief to allow doctors to take time off and revitalise, when they were under constant pressure to meet the needs of their communities 24/7. It was recognised that many rural practices were too busy and overwhelmed with their patients to carry out the work of recruiting new or temporary staff – often from overseas. That attraction and recruitment role was onerous, time-consuming and expensive. Competing with urban practices to attract staff added to the complications. A compelling case was put to Government officials, which resulted in the first contract being awarded in December of that year.
Since then, first NZRGPN, and then more recently Hauora Taiwhenua, have been running these services through our NZMedJobs & NZLocums team. That team takes vacancies from rural practices around the country, as well as requests for short term locum relief. Where there are critical shortages of clinicians in a particular practice or area of rural New Zealand, we will ‘Hot Spot’ that region for immediate attention. The team advertise internationally, attend conferences, and, more recently run social media campaigns, to attract GPs and NPs to move to rural New Zealand and take up roles. Interestingly, our current Chair, Dr Fiona Bolden, our current Clinical Director, Dr Rebekah Doran, and the Chair of our Rural GP Chapter, Dr Robin Baird, are all examples of internationally trained doctors who moved to NZ to answer the call.
We also maintain a pool of New Zealand-based locum doctors and NPs who are available to travel to different parts of the country to offer short-term relief to various practices. Often, clinicians later in their careers find this a rewarding work opportunity, where they don’t have to commit to full time employment, but can still offer their skills and experience to rural communities and rural primary care teams for agreed periods.
Over those 23 years, we have consistently exceeded our placement targets, while providing a valuable service to those rural practices and communities, with no recruitment fees being charged. We have also responded to national Crises to help rural practices. During the COVID pandemic, again following Cyclone Gabrielle, and after the recent weather events in Northland and East Cape, we mobilised our team to arrange locum doctors, nurses and other staff to assist practices that were under duress. Our team were recognised by the Minister with a special COVID response award for our efforts.
Government procurement rules state that the Contract must be reviewed at certain periods, made contemporary to reflect the current state of rural health provision that needs support, and then advertised publicly to get good value for the taxpayer investment. We are now at that point in the cycle, with a new National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Services tender being advertised on the GETS website.
It has been 23 years since that first contract was signed, and as most of you realise, the shortage of clinicians in our rural and remote practices hasn’t improved. Some would say the pressures are worse as many GPs and NPs reach retirement age without natural successors for their practices.
Over the last three weeks, we have been busy putting together a case to retain the Locums Contract to continue offering this vital service. We know that a number of medical recruitment agencies are preparing to bid for the contract, but we believe that our intimate connection to rural practices, rural health workers and rural communities is special and sets us apart in providing a personalised and authentic service.
As part of our proposal, we request a reference or testimonial from you. Please share your experience if you are: a practice that has used our service, a locum or IMG we have placed, or a community supported by us through doctor or NP placements. Your personal stories help us demonstrate the real value we deliver and prove our suitability to continue providing these services.
If this resonates with you, then please send a short one-page letter to me that I will enclose with our proposal.
Thanks again for your help. The team here look forward to serving rural New Zealand for some time to come.
Ngā mihi nui Grant | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | When Rural Communities Become the Emergency Response | | Rural communities across Aotearoa were put to the test when recent severe weather events disrupted power, communications and road access — leaving some regions completely isolated and reliant on local health teams to maintain care.
From Great Barrier Island to the Coromandel and the East Coast, rural practices rapidly adapted to continue supporting their communities despite damaged infrastructure and limited resources. At Aotea Health, generators ran continuously after flooding caused power loss and vaccine storage failure, while staff delivered water and essential supplies to vulnerable whānau. In the Coromandel,
Dr Bryan MacLeod from Coromandel Family Health Centre says restricted road access highlighted how critical transport and preparedness are during increasingly frequent weather events.
Meanwhile, GP Dr Ella Williamson was flown by helicopter into Hicks Bay multiple times to staff disaster relief clinics for communities cut off by slips — delivering care from temporary, resource-limited settings while reconnecting patients with healthcare.
These stories reveal more than emergency response. They demonstrate how rural primary care becomes essential infrastructure when wider systems fail.
Read how rural teams responded, what lessons are shaping future preparedness, and why strengthening rural health resilience matters now more than ever. | | Above: Dr Ella Williamson (left) and nurse Raukura Chesley, who had been flown into Hicks Bay | Above: The helicopter used to fly staff in and out of Hicks Bay | | | | | | | | Advocacy & Sector Update Marie Daly (GM Advocacy) and Becks Doran (Clinical Director) | | It’s been a busy couple of months for our advocacy team as we continue working to make sure rural voices are heard where it matters. Recent submissions have covered a mix of important issues — from PHARMAC’s PRIME medicines consultation and the Firearms Legislation Bill through to the Medical Council’s work on Physician Associates and the Emergency Management Bill.
Staying connected with members is a big part of how we ground our advocacy in real‑world rural experience. Recent visits have taken us to Ashburton, Tinwald, Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Great Barrier Island, Te Puia Springs and Wairoa. Becks will also be joining the NZLocums team on their next round of visits through Te Kuiti, Ōtorohanga, Te Aroha, Matamata, Morrinsville, the Catlins, Gore, Tapanui, Ōtautau and Riverton. Marie has spent time with the Aotea Health team on Great Barrier and is heading to Golden Bay Health Centre next week.
We’ve continued representing rural perspectives across a wide range of national forums — clinical leadership groups, rural hospital and primary care networks, engagements with Health NZ, the Ministry of Health, RNZCGP, ACC, rural pharmacists, and even early innovation conversations with Health X. These are important spaces where rural needs need to be front and centre.
A major focus lately has been rural primary care funding. Grant has been part of a PSAAP working group developing a more consistent national approach to rural funding, based on clear evidence about the additional costs and challenges rural practices face. PSAAP will also be considering a re‑weighted capitation formula reflecting the higher demand rural patients place on general practice, alongside other key factors like age, gender, social deprivation and co‑morbidity. Negotiations begin on 26 February and run through April.
We also helped resolve a funding issue that popped up for a Rural Hospital Medicine registrar in Hokianga. After working with Health NZ leadership, there’s now a clear national policy: all DRHM registrars will be funded, no matter who owns the rural hospital they’re placed in — a great outcome for rural training.
The Rural Urgent Care prototype project is nearing completion, with a full report due late March or early April. The insights from this project are already informing Health NZ’s planning for the wider rollout of RUC services over the next 18 months.
We are also in the discovery phase of developing an advocacy plan to strengthen health workforce data collection at the GCH level, exploring what information is already available through Health NZ and regulatory bodies. Meanwhile, Becks continues to contribute a rural voice to national work on Dementia/Mate Wareware in primary care and to the review of the Health Equity Strategy for regional surgery.
Work has also wrapped up on the new PGY2 primary care training pathway. For the first intake in 2026, 39 graduates have applied for 50 places, and full uptake is expected by 2027. More exposure to general practice is a promising step toward strengthening the future workforce. | | | | PHARMAC decision strengthens rural emergency care | | PHARMAC’s February 2026 decision to fund additional medicines for use in community settings marks a practical step forward for rural urgent care.
Clinical Director Rural Health, Dr Rebekah Doran, says expanded access to methoxyflurane, IV tranexamic acid and ketamine will strengthen emergency and palliative care closer to home — particularly where transfer times are long.
From a frontline perspective, Raglan GP Dr Mike Loten notes the decision removes the financial burden on practices that were previously subsidising these medicines themselves.
Together, both say it’s progress — and a reminder that rural services must remain central to national funding decisions. | | | | | | GCH23 Webinar – What the 2023 Census Means for Rural Health | | | | The updated Geographic Classification for Health (GCH23) has been released, incorporating new data from the 2023 Census.
This classification underpins how rurality is defined across Aotearoa and influences workforce planning, research, funding models, and policy decisions. Changes to classification boundaries can directly impact how communities are recognised — and resourced.
Join this one-hour webinar to: -
Understand what has changed in GCH23 -
See how the 2023 Census data has altered classifications -
Explore implications for rural health planning and equity -
Ask questions directly of the team involved Date: Monday 23 March 2026
Time: 7:30–8:30pm | | | | | | Rural Communities Chapter Connects with Rural Women NZ | |
Members of Hauora Taiwhenua’s Rural Communities Chapter recently met with Sandra Kirby, the newly appointed Chief Executive of Rural Women New Zealand, to explore opportunities for collaboration in support of the Golden Key Project – Te Korowai o te Hapori.
This engagement reflects Hauora Taiwhenua’s ongoing commitment to partnering with organisations that champion rural voices and community-led solutions. We look forward to continuing conversations with Rural Women NZ as the Golden Key Project – Te Korowai o te Hapori initiative progresses, helping ensure rural communities remain connected, supported, and well represented.
Pictured: (From Left) Mark Eager, Sandra Kirby, Grant Davidson and Bill Eschenbach
| | | | | | | | | | | | Nominations Open: Innovation in Rural General Practice Award 2026 | | Nominations are now open for the inaugural Innovation in Rural General Practice Award, recognising outstanding innovation in rural general practice across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Established under the Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network (HTRHN), the Award celebrates a rural practice delivering creative, community-centred solutions to rural health challenges, while strengthening the visibility and value of rural generalism nationally. The Award will be launched at the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference incorporating the National Rural Health Conference in 2026 and presented annually thereafter.
The Award is open to HTRHN organisation members who are rural general practices in Aotearoa New Zealand and can demonstrate innovative approaches that improve patient care, access or outcomes.
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:- Innovation - Originality and creativity in addressing rural healthcare challenges
- Impact - Measurable benefits for patients, communities, and/or practice sustainability
- Scalability - Potential for replication or adaptation in other rural contexts
- Alignment - Consistency with rural generalism principles and community-centred care
Nominees must provide evidence of Hauora Taiwhenua membership and submit either a written application (up to 1,500 words) or a video application (up to six minutes). | | | | | | Peter Snow Memorial Award 2026 - Nominations Open | | The Peter Snow Memorial Award honours the life and legacy of Dr Peter Snow, a respected rural general practitioner from Tapanui who made a significant contribution to rural health in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A former President of the RNZCGP, Dr Snow was deeply committed to improving the health, safety and wellbeing of rural communities through service, research and innovation. The Award recognises individuals who demonstrate the same commitment and impact in rural health.
An individual can be nominated for either an Innovation or Service or a Research Project related to rural health in New Zealand. | | | | | | Rhoena Davis Wāhine Rangatira Women in Rural Health Leadership Award 2026 - Nominations Open | |
The Rhoena Davis Award commemorates the life and legacy of Rhoena Davis, an inspirational leader in Māori and rural health whose advocacy for whānau wellbeing, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and health equity continues to shape the sector.
The award recognises wāhine who have made a profound impact on health equity, strengthened rural health systems, and inspired future generations through leadership, cultural safety and innovation.
Nominations for the 2026 award are now open, providing an opportunity to celebrate outstanding women improving health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Out and About: Connecting with Rural Practices | | Luke Baddington GM Workforce Recruitment | |
The NZMedJobs team is currently organising our next round of rural practice visits, continuing our commitment to building strong, meaningful connections with the communities we serve. Relationship Managers John Ferguson and Jo Husband will be touring the Central North Island, before joining our Clinical Director, Dr Rebekah Doran, for practice visits across the Waikato region on 25–26 February. In March, Relationship Manager Debra Wilson and Dr Doran will be travelling through Otago and Southland from 17–19 March, meeting with practices across the lower South Island. Spending time on the ground with rural practices is a crucial part of our work. These visits provide a valuable opportunity to connect face-to-face with the people we work with every day, to better understand how each practice operates, and to hear directly about the opportunities and challenges faced by rural healthcare teams and their communities. These visits also help us build a deeper, firsthand understanding of rural New Zealand, which strengthens our ability to support and inform doctors and nurse practitioners who are considering a move to rural practice. We would like to thank all the practices who have generously given their time to meet with us — we truly value the opportunity to connect. | | | | | | | | | | Meet Rural Communities Aotearoa 2026 Chairs! | Kia ora fellow Hauora Taiwhenua members. We are delighted to be chairing Rural Communities Aotearoa in 2026. Since 2022, our Chapter has been actively researching, connecting, and planning ways to support health services in our rural communities. This year is bigger than ever. The Chapter, responding to stakeholder feedback has designed to Golden Key Project - Te Korowai o te Hapori. The first pilot is getting underway in February 2026 in two rural communities. The project is all about the community welcoming, connecting and engaging with international locums and rural health students on placements with the result that they want to live and work in rural locations. Once again, we are organising RuralFest. RuralFest is into its 7th year of taking the rural voice directly to politicians and thought leaders. Held at Parliament, the day delivers action-orientated outcomes that guide not just our Chapter but the work of Hauora Taiwhenua as the leading advocate for rural health in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our chapter is a great team of community enthusiasts, a delight to work with and welcome thinkers, doers, strategists, and communicators. If you would like to connect, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Denise and Gill | | | | | | | | | | Member Spotlight: Bob De Soto, New Individual Membership | | Hi everyone, I’m Bob De Soto, a PGY6 Rural Hospital Medicine registrar currently based at Te Nikau Hospital in Greymouth. I grew up in Coromandel Town and have spent most of my training in smaller centres, including Northland, Coromandel as a GP registrar, and a stint in Tasmania. My background includes a degree in psychology and a diploma in paediatrics, which mostly helps me understand toddlers and stressed adults — often at the same time. I have an interest in minor surgical procedures and enjoy the practical, hands-on side of rural medicine.
I joined the Network because rural health is where I feel most at home. I like the scope, the teamwork, and the fact that any given shift can involve a bit of everything. One of the biggest challenges I see is workforce pressure and the need to constantly adapt, but that flexibility is also what makes rural practice so rewarding. You learn to think on your feet, improvise when needed, and appreciate the value of a good team.
If there’s one thing I’d say to others, it’s that rural medicine is incredible if you enjoy variety, autonomy, and strong community connections. It’s busy, unpredictable, and occasionally chaotic — but rarely boring. I’m always happy to connect with others interested in procedural skills, rural career pathways, or swapping survival tips from the front line. | | | | | | Member Spotlight: Virtual Medical Solutions, New Organisation Membership | | Virtual Care That Supports Real Clinical Decision-Making. | Our goal is straightforward: helping rural communities access safe, high-quality healthcare closer to home - now and into the future.
Early telehealth improved access, particularly in challenging circumstances. However, as models mature, expectations around clinical safety are increasing. This is where TytoCare comes in.
TytoCare enables clinicians to perform true clinical examinations remotely, capturing heart and lung sounds, ear and throat images, and other diagnostic data in real time. Through the TytoCare platform, clinician and patient participate in a live video consultation while the patient uses the TytoCare device under guided instruction. This allows clinicians to see and hear examinations as clearly - and in some cases more effectively - than during an in-person visit. | | | | | | Member Benefit: Membership App | | | | Before you start You must be a current member. When you register for membership, you receive a membership number. Don't have your membership number? Contact: ingrid.busby@htrhn.org.nz
Download the App Open the App Store or Google Play Store - Search for: Hauora Taiwhenua Tap Download
Contact Ingrid Busby, GM Membership, to learn more about membership benefits.
| | | | | | | | Finding Her Place in Rural Nursing: Jess McCurdy | | | | A volunteer shift at the Rural Health Hub at Fieldays set Jess McCurdy (pictured, second from right) on the path to a career in rural nursing.
While completing her nursing degree at the University of Waikato, Jess gained experience across orthopaedics, intensive care, rehabilitation, endoscopy, prison nursing, and community care. Yet it was her time at Fieldays that gave her clarity. Assisting with flu vaccinations and bowel health education showed her the power of accessible, community-focused care — where nurses have the time to educate, listen, and support patients.
Seeing healthcare delivered in this way reinforced her values and confirmed that rural nursing was the right fit. When a New Graduate Nurse role in Paeroa was advertised through Health New Zealand, she applied immediately.
Jess is now excited to work in a smaller community where continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients are part of daily practice.
Discover how Fieldays shaped Jess’s rural nursing journey → | | | | | | Abstract Submissions for PMAANZ26 are now open! | | We’re inviting anyone passionate about primary & allied care to share the work, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of our sector.
If you’ve got insights that could inspire practice managers, administrators, and our wider health community, we want to hear from you.
Submit your abstract and be part of the conversation. | | | | | | National Survey on Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Assessment and Management in Older Adults - Help Shape the Future of Pain Management in Older Adults
| | Are you a healthcare professional involved in managing chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) in older adults? We invite you to take part in a research study exploring how clinicians like you assess and manage CNCP, and how you view the potential of AI-based tools in your practice.
This anonymous online survey takes just about 15 minutes to complete and offers a chance to share your insights on: - Current practices and challenges in managing CNCP in older adults
- The usability, effectiveness, and cultural relevance of AI-assisted pain tools
- How these tools might support care for diverse populations, including Māori and Pacific Peoples.
Who can participate?
Healthcare professionals who manage chronic non-cancer pain in older adults (65+ years, or 55+ for Māori and Pacific Peoples) in New Zealand.
Your voice can help improve pain care and guide the adoption of culturally appropriate, innovative tools for Aotearoa New Zealand. | | | | | | From IT to Digital & AI in Health: Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) | | Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) is hosting a one-day Digital Strategy Workshop in Auckland this March, designed for healthcare managers, providers, and practice leaders rather than IT specialists.
Digital expectations in healthcare are rising faster than many organisations’ ability to respond in a structured and safe way. Leaders must balance patient safety, privacy, workforce pressure and equity while operating within fragmented digital environments and tight budgets. | | | | | | Invitation to Support Research on Inclusive Primary Care for Ageing Rainbow Communities | | Researchers from University of Auckland are inviting primary care professionals to contribute to a Health Research Council–funded study exploring how primary health care can better support ageing Rainbow communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Building on discussions held in 2024 and 2025 with members of ageing Rainbow communities through Ageing Proud, the research team is now seeking perspectives from clinicians and primary care providers. The aim is to identify practical barriers and enablers to delivering inclusive, affirming care — particularly informed by real-world clinical experience.
GPs, practice nurses, nurse practitioners, practice managers, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dentists, and osteopaths are invited to participate in a 60-minute small-group discussion, either in person at your practice or online.
If you are interested in contributing, please complete the online registration form below:
These discussions form part of the HRC-funded project “Ageing well for Rainbow communities and their carers in Aotearoa New Zealand (24/933).” | | | | | | 2026 New Zealand Skin Cancer Summit | | Join us for the first Summit under our new name, Skin Cancer NZ (formerly MelNet). We’re bringing the sector together to strengthen how New Zealand prevents, detects, and treats all forms of skin cancer — not just melanoma — while ensuring care is equitable and accessible for everyone.
| | Under the theme Equity in Action: Bridging Gaps for Skin Cancer, the programme features keynote presentations, interactive panels, and skills-based workshops showcasing innovative research, real-world strategies, and collaborative solutions.
The Summit begins with two optional half-day workshops on Thursday 18 June: - Skin Surgery Masterclass (morning) - Advanced Dermoscopy Masterclass (afternoon).
The main conference follows on 19 – 20 June.
Secure your early bird registration by 31 March.
Where: InterContinental, Wellington When: 18 June: Optional Pre-Summit workshops | 19-20 June: Skin Cancer Summit | | | | | | | | 3G Shutdown Information Hub | Mobile networks in Aotearoa New Zealand are turning off 3G. Any phone or device that relies on 3G will stop working once shutdown occurs. This can affect calls, texts, mobile data and the ability to call 111. The shutdown affects all mobile networks, not just one provider. Many people still use older phones, imported phone or devices that rely on 3G. Some will not realise their phone is affected until it stops working.
SHUTDOWN TIMING ACROSS NZ - 2degrees: 3G Networks are now shutdown.
- One NZ: Most regions have now had their 3G shutdown apart from Waikato (24 Feb), Christchurch (3 Feb), Auckland (10 March) and Wellington (17 March); view their schedule here.
- Spark: Their entire 3G network shuts down ON THE 31 March 2026
- Skinny: ON THE 31 March 2026
- Zeronet: from January 2026
If you are supporting someone who cannot afford to upgrade or may lose access to essential services, please help them contact their mobile provider, or contact Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa at support@digitalequity.nz or phone 022 171 9278.
| | | | | | New ACC Medical Certification Dashboard Now Live | | | | ACC has launched a new medical certification dashboard, providing certifying providers with greater visibility into certification practices and return-to-work outcomes across Aotearoa. Replacing the previous Your ACC Dashboard reports, the new tool supports improved transparency and data-informed decision making in patient recovery pathways.
Recent ACC data shows people are taking longer to recover from injury and return to work or independence, alongside variation in certification decisions for similar injury types between practices. The dashboard enables providers to review their own certification patterns, compare performance with regional and national peers, and identify opportunities to support better recovery outcomes for patients and whānau.
Available through CareSuite, the dashboard includes insights on incapacity duration, certification types, and return-to-work timeframes, with filtering by injury type, age, ethnicity, and work category. Using the dashboard for reflective self-audit can also contribute toward RNZCGP CPD requirements. | | | | | | Torohia – Medical Training Survey for New Zealand results are now available! | | Developed by Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand, Torohia provides a comprehensive, national picture of the experiences of doctors in accredited prevocational and vocational training programmes from across the motu. A total of 1,210 doctors participated in the 2025 survey. The Torohia findings are intended to: - identify strengths and areas for improvement, at national, regional, district, and medical college levels.
- inform improvements in medical training environments, including orientation, supervision, teaching, and wellbeing support.
- give a voice to doctors in training, to shape changes that can make a meaningful difference for doctors and, ultimately, for patient care.
What results are available? - Interactive map with a high-level snapshot
- Four national reports covering different trainee cohorts
- Four regional reports containing district-level data about doctors’ experience of prevocational training
- 13 medical college reports on doctors’ experience of vocational training.
🔗 See the Torohia interactive map: www.torohia.org.nz 🔗 Access the Torohia reports: www.torohia.org.nz/results Stay tuned! An interactive data dashboard will be added to the Torohia website in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or feedback about the findings, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Torohia Team by emailing feedback@torohia.org.nz. | | | | | | Rural Access to Radiotherapy: New Insights for Aotearoa Leaning on Fence Posts
| This national study offers a detailed look at how rural whānau experience access to radiation therapy for breast, prostate and lung cancer in Aotearoa.
Its findings challenge some common assumptions and highlight important opportunities to strengthen equitable cancer care for rural communities | | | | | | | | 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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