| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Kia ora tātou
Well, winter has finally arrived! Snow on the mountains (too late, unfortunately, for families in the school holidays), hoar frosts in the inland areas of both main islands, and even frosts in Wellington!
This is all a far cry from the heatwaves I have just returned from in France. 42 degrees is pretty hot to cycle around various Chateau and vineyards in the South of France, but bearable with routes that incorporated rivers, lakes and the Mediterranean, where complete immersion prevented heat stroke. Going walking in the high Alps behind Chamonix and Lake Annecy also resulted in acceptable temperatures, but observing the massive glacial retreat on the slopes of Mt Blanc and Les Drus since my last visit several decades ago was devastating. I managed to time my exit back to NZ before the wildfires started springing up all across France, Spain and other European countries.
Meanwhile, back in NZ the effects of global warming have been just as evident in a different way. Localised flooding events now seem to be almost weekly as the warmer atmosphere holds more moisture and then drops it in short periods of time in our regions. Kaikōura was the latest area to suffer, with SH1 roading cut off both north and south of the town. Well done to the team at Kaikōura Hospital and Healthcare Centre who managed the crisis and supported the local pharmacy, which was impacted by the floods, for the benefit of the local community and out-of-town visitors. Amazing resilience shown by the whole team, especially in the aftermath of recent earthquakes. Lessons from these events just reinforce the need for whole community planning in advance of major events.
The prediction of a developing El Niño weather pattern for the summer means that we can expect increased West Coast rainfall this summer and drought conditions in the East and North. Our rural communities are likely to be the hardest hit yet again, and I am sure there is plenty of planning occurring right now.
The reason for going to France was not just to escape the long nights / short days of a NZ winter, but to attend the 30th WONCA Europe Conference 2026. Held over four days a few minutes walk from the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, the conference attracted over 4000 delegates from countries around the world. Along with my work colleague Amanda, we were there to try to attract trained doctors and nurses to New Zealand. Our stand had a constant stream of curious and interested people who had either visited NZ on holiday or who had strong impressions of the amazing landscape and friendly people there. We had been helped in our promotion through movies such as The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. We came away with a strong list of potential clinicians that our team will continue to engage with to get them to NZ in the next few years. Thanks to those NZ doctors, and the international doctors who had worked in NZ, who dropped by our stand for a chat and spoke so positively about NZ to the people there to enquire about a working pathway.
Back in New Zealand, the constant change in our health systems, workforce shortages and funding arrangements continue to add pressure. The movement around PHOs, without a clear Government Policy on future direction, has only exacerbated stress in some areas. I was fortunate to be chosen as one of four representatives of contracted providers (General Practice Owners) to work with representatives of PHOs and Māori PHOs to negotiate with Health NZ about the 26/27 funding levels for PHOs and practices set through the PSAAP agreement. Can I commend the work of all people involved in these negotiations. Everyone in the negotiations was respectful and considered, even though there was regular disagreement. The amount of work in preparing for the meetings, writing and interpreting complex papers and issues, and then meeting weekly (sometimes in person for full days) was a massive commitment. Getting re-weighted capitation implemented, while managing as well as possible those who suffered through the redistribution of a finite funding pool, was an issue the sector had been seeking for a long time. Not including ethnicity in the calculations was regularly decried by the negotiating team, but had been taken off the table for these negotiations through a Cabinet Decision from the coalition Government. There is a commitment to revisit the capitation formula in two years, which provides the next opportunity to include this key factor.
The next big challenge for the rural sector is to arrive at an acceptable formula for the distribution of rural funding. A working group is currently being formed to guide work on this, and our hope is that at key points in the discussions, we can go to the rural sector for advice and feedback on the best ways to proceed, and what factors are critical to weight in any formula so that the funding ends up where it is most needed. Once again, there is a fixed funding envelope, so any redistribution will result in funding changes for practices. The challenge is to look at, and agree on, the principles of funding need; rather than the impact on any particular practice. We are arguing strongly for the ability of the working group to share information with the rural sector at key points in the discussion. We are also working to ensure that funding allocations to rural practices contracted to offer urgent, unplanned care services, can be known in advance. In this way practices can be aware of the total impact they will see, due to all of the main funding streams that are likely to affect them, in the 27/28 financial year.
I look forward to catching up with many of you at the upcoming GP26 Conference in Auckland.
Take care and welcome to the longer days that are now starting to smile on us.
Ngā mihi Grant | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Behind every rural health service is a story worth telling.
What Is the Reality of the Reality? is a storytelling series from Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, sharing the people, partnerships and communities that shape rural healthcare across Aotearoa. Through real experiences, we explore the challenges, innovation and resilience that define rural health.
This month, we visit Kaikōura to discover how an integrated rural health team responded when severe flooding cut their community off from the rest of the country. | | | | When the Roads Closed, Relationships Stayed Open | | | | What happens when every road into a rural community closes, helicopters can't fly, and patients still need care? For Kaikōura Health Te Hā o Te Ora, the answer wasn't found in emergency plans alone. It was found in years of building relationships, preparing together and knowing that, when disaster strikes, rural communities rely on each other. As torrential rain cut Kaikōura off from the rest of the country, the healthcare team continued caring for patients, supporting evacuees and adapting services to meet the community's needs. While the flood made headlines, the real story was what happened behind the scenes - and what it revealed about the reality of rural healthcare. Angela Blunt, recently retired Health Services Manager at Kaikōura Health Te Hā o Te Ora, says "Relationships are key in an emergency." "If you know your fellow responders well, it's much easier than if you're trying to start from the beginning." It is a lesson that has been reinforced time and again in Kaikōura. The community has lived through the 2016 earthquake, significant wildfires and now another major flood event. Each emergency has strengthened the partnerships between healthcare, emergency services, local government and community organisations, creating a response built on trust long before it is ever tested. For Health Services Manager Nienke Itjeshorst, the flood became an unforgettable introduction to both her new role and the realities of delivering integrated rural healthcare. Having spent 18 years working in local government, including senior leadership roles in emergency management and civil defence, Nienke arrived in Kaikōura with an understanding of how communities prepare for emergencies. She officially began her role on 8 July - just as the flooding event was unfolding. "It was definitely the deep end on all counts," she says. Yet despite the circumstances, one thing immediately stood out. "Those networks start working very quickly," she says. "You're tapping into council, regional teams and Health New Zealand. Everyone already knows how to work together." That coordination wasn't accidental. For years, Kaikōura’s first responders have met regularly, trained together and worked through emergency scenarios. Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John, Health New Zealand, council, Red Cross and other agencies all understand each other's roles before an emergency occurs. Even everyday programmes help build those relationships. Through PRIME responses, local doctors and nurses regularly work alongside police and fire crews, creating trust that becomes invaluable when larger emergencies arise. "People take it for granted," Angela says. "But they become a community of responders. When something happens, you already know who to call." That preparation meant the focus could remain where it belonged - on supporting the community through a coordinated rural health response. As floodwaters threatened the town centre, the local pharmacy was forced to close. Rather than allowing access to medicines to become another challenge for the community, Kaikōura Health Te Hā o Te Ora was able to provide space within the health centre so medications could continue to be supplied to the community. For the team, it wasn't viewed as innovation. It was part of ensuring continuity of care. "We always ask ourselves, 'How do we continue delivering healthcare during an event?'" says Nienke. "We have emergency plans, extra medication and supplies, and we plan for how services can continue, even when circumstances change." | | At the same time, the health centre's wellbeing team worked alongside the Emergency Operations Centre, supporting people who had been evacuated to local welfare centres and ensuring those most vulnerable were identified and cared for.
"We support others, "That's how it works."
For both Angela and Nienke, those wellbeing services represent one of the defining features of rural healthcare. In Kaikōura, where many specialist support services available in larger centres simply don't exist locally, the health centre has intentionally built a multidisciplinary wellbeing team to meet the community's broader needs. "In rural healthcare, you play so many more roles than just being a nurse or a doctor," Nienke explains. | | A number of Kaikōura Health Te Hā o Te Ora staff on Angela's last day. (Angela and Nienke second and third from right, first row) | | | | "We're the only go-to, having those services here isn't an extra - it's essential."
Yet alongside these strengths lies one of rural healthcare's greatest challenges: isolation. When roads closed and helicopters were unable to fly because of the weather, clinicians were faced with a reality familiar to many rural practitioners. Patients needing specialist care could not be transferred immediately, despite everyone knowing they required higher levels of care. "You can prepare for almost everything," says Nienke. "But sometimes you simply run out of options because transport isn't available. That's a real source of stress for our clinicians." | | | | Angela agrees. "Our teams are trained for situations like this, but it's still incredibly stressful when you have patients who need specialist care and you can't move them because the weather won't allow helicopters to fly." For rural clinicians, distance is more than geography. It can influence every clinical decision, every transfer and every hour spent waiting for weather to improve. It is a pressure that many people living in urban centres rarely have to consider. Despite those challenges, neither Angela nor Nienke define the flood by what went wrong. Instead, they talk about what worked. They talk about responders who already trusted one another. About staff calmly adapting as circumstances changed. About wellbeing teams supporting vulnerable residents. About emergency managers coordinating behind the scenes. About years of preparation quietly paying off when the community needed it most. Following the event, agencies came together to review the response. There were lessons, as there always are, including exploring additional four-wheel-drive capability to help transport staff during future events. But overall, the reflection confirmed that the systems, partnerships and planning had stood up under pressure. For Angela, that reinforces an important point about rural healthcare. "We often think about rural healthcare in terms of its disadvantages," she says. "And yes, we have challenges - our isolation, our vulnerability when roads close and not having access to every service a larger hospital has. But we're also advantaged in many ways." "The same sort of response we had here wouldn't necessarily happen in a large urban centre because people don't work alongside each other every day like we do." As the floodwaters receded and life gradually returns to normal, the event left behind more than damaged roads and disrupted travel. It reaffirmed something those working in rural health already understand. The reality of rural healthcare isn't defined solely by distance or isolation. It's defined by the relationships built over years, the preparedness developed long before an emergency, and the unwavering commitment of people who continue caring for their community - no matter what lies beyond the end of the road.
Know a story worth sharing?We're always looking for stories that showcase the people, innovation and realities of rural healthcare across Aotearoa.
If you know an individual, team, service or community with a story to tell, we'd love to hear from you.
Write an email to communications@htrhn.org.nz to get connected with our team. | | | | | | Hauora Taiwhenua welcomes Government investment in rural health workforce | | Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network has welcomed today's Government announcement of new investments to strengthen New Zealand's rural health workforce, describing the package as a significant first step towards addressing long-standing priorities consistently raised by rural communities and clinicians. The Government today announced new funding for Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training, expanded access to Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) training, and a refreshed National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Service. Chief Executive Dr Grant Davidson said the announcement demonstrates the value of sustained advocacy and constructive engagement with Government on behalf of rural health professionals and communities. "For many years we have consistently advocated that improving rural health outcomes requires investment in the people delivering care. Today's announcement recognises that rural clinicians need the right training, support and workforce solutions if we are to provide equitable healthcare for rural New Zealanders." Hauora Taiwhenua also acknowledged the Government's continued investment in the National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Service. Through its NZMedJobs and NZLocums workforce recruitment services, the organisation has supported rural practices for more than 20 years by recruiting permanent clinicians and providing essential locum support to some of New Zealand's hardest-to-staff communities. "Workforce recruitment and retention remain among the greatest challenges facing rural health providers. Expanding the service to include registered nurses and allied health professionals recognises the multidisciplinary nature of modern rural healthcare and will help build more sustainable teams," said Dr Davidson. Another priority advocacy issue for Hauora Taiwhenua has been increased access to diagnostics closer to rural communities. Dr Fiona Bolden, Hauora Taiwhenua Chairperson, said the investment in POCUS training will provide rural clinicians with greater capability to assess and manage patients locally. "Rural clinicians regularly make complex decisions with limited resources. Access to trained use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound supports faster diagnosis, more informed clinical decision-making, and, where appropriate, allows more patients to receive care closer to home while reducing unnecessary travel." The removal of financial barriers to PRIME training is a long-sought investment in rural workforce enablement. "Our members have repeatedly highlighted the importance of PRIME training, particularly in communities where emergency response times can be longer. Removing the personal cost of training is a practical step that will strengthen emergency care capability across rural New Zealand,” Dr Bolden said. While welcoming the announcement, Dr Davidson said it should be viewed as part of a broader programme of investment needed to address longstanding inequities experienced by rural communities. "Today's announcement is a positive step forward, and we acknowledge Minister Doocey and the Government for listening to the rural health sector." "However, there is still more work to do. Rural health services continue to face workforce shortages, funding inequities and increasing demand. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Government, Health New Zealand and our sector partners to ensure rural communities receive the healthcare they deserve." Hauora Taiwhenua will continue advocating for the priorities identified by rural communities, including equitable funding, rural-proofed health policy, targeted IT/technology investment, sustainable workforce pipelines and stronger support for rural providers. | | | | | | | | Northland students discover rural health pathways | | In July, secondary students across Northland gained a first-hand look at the opportunities available within rural healthcare through Hauora Taiwhenua’s Rural School Visit Tour. The four-day journey connected students with rural health professionals, healthcare facilities and communities, showcasing the wide range of careers available and helping students see what a future in health could look like closer to home.
The Rural Health Careers Promotion Programme (RHCPP) aims to inspire the next generation of health professionals by introducing students to the breadth of roles that support rural communities. Through visits to local health services and conversations with people working across the sector, students gain insight into the diverse pathways available across rural health.
The Northland tour was led by student paramedic James Bell, alongside a team of student ambassadors and volunteers who shared their experiences, career journeys and passion for rural health. Over four days, the group visited five kura and two healthcare facilities across the region, creating opportunities for students to connect with health professionals and explore the wide range of pathways available within rural healthcare.
“Overall there was good engagement from all of the students and teachers,” James said. “All of the students were getting engaged and we were also interviewing students afterwards about what they enjoyed and what they want to do in the health sector.”
A key part of the experience was showing students that rural healthcare extends far beyond traditional roles. From clinical teams in hospitals to community-based services, rural health relies on a wide range of professions working together to support the needs of local communities.
During the visit to Bay of Islands Hospital, students gained a greater understanding of the services available within a rural hospital setting and the variety of career opportunities that exist.
“We were all a bit shocked with how much they can actually do and there was a job for everyone of us,” James said. “It is actually becoming more and more common for paramedics to work in rural medical facilities which is really cool.”
The group also experienced the strong community connections that make rural healthcare unique. While travelling through Hokianga, an unexpected conversation with a local community member led to an opportunity to visit Hokianga Health and learn more about the services supporting the area.
“After visiting a school on day three we were catching the Hokianga car ferry and we got chatting to a local who was waiting who turned out to work for Hokianga Health,” James said. “We asked if we could get a tour around the facility which was really cool.” | | | | For James, the tour reinforced the value of giving students the opportunity to experience rural health environments first-hand.
“Overall this was a very good trip and I have a good feeling we are going to see lots of these students working in the field in the future,” he said.
As a student paramedic, James also highlighted the importance of continuing to showcase the full scope of rural health careers, including roles that students may not traditionally associate with healthcare.
Rural communities need a diverse and skilled health workforce, and initiatives such as the Rural School Visit Tour play an important role in helping young people understand the opportunities available. By connecting students with rural health teams and communities, Hauora Taiwhenua is helping grow awareness of the many pathways that can lead to a rewarding career supporting the health and wellbeing of rural Aotearoa. | | Interested in exploring a future in rural health?
The Rural Health Careers Promotion Programme provides opportunities for students to learn more about the wide range of health careers available and connect with people working across rural healthcare.
If you are a student, school or community group interested in getting involved, we would love to hear from you.
Questions? Email our Careers Coordinator: francesca.grovesigal@htrhn.org.nz | | | | | | RuralFest 2026 | Call to Action | | | | At RuralFest 2026, Dr Jane George, Co-Chair of Hauora Taiwhenua's Rural Scientific, Technical, and Allied Health Chapter, delivered a clear call to action for the future of New Zealand's rural health workforce.
"Develop and implement a Rural Health Workforce Plan."
Jane called for a comprehensive Rural Health Workforce Plan, informed by Geographic Classification for Health (GCH) data and backed by a fully resourced implementation programme that supports locally led solutions across workforce attraction, education, training, recruitment, and retention.
A sustainable rural health workforce doesn't happen by chance. It requires long-term planning, investment, and policies that recognise the unique needs of rural communities and the people who care for them.
Listen to Jane's call to action from RuralFest 2026. | | | | | | | | The biting cold of winter has arrived, and in a clear July early‑morning sky the star constellation known as Matariki, Subaru, or the Pleiades is visible. Like the Northern Hemisphere’s pagan New Year celebrations, Matariki signifies reflection, renewal, and the chance to begin again.
The renewal of the Locum Supply Contract by Health New Zealand has provided some assurance of the role that Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network can continue to play in supporting rural communities throughout Aotearoa.
The WONCA Conference we hosted in April was very successful. I believe it helped raise the profile of Hauora Taiwhenua and highlighted the plight of rural health services in New Zealand—not only to the many overseas attendees, but also to representatives from our own health department and the coalition Government.
Grant Davidson, Hauora Taiwhenua’s CE and his team have a solid relationship with the rural team at Health New Zealand and the rural Ministers. This is beneficial but only goes so far.
Notwithstanding the WONCA exposure and our robust relationship, a spending‑constrained New Zealand Government brings significant pressure to bear on health providers nationwide. The challenges faced every day by PHOs are something that I, along with my fellow Board Members, regularly reflect upon and have significant angst with.
Capitation rate changes, medical practices that have—out of necessity—closed their books, and tired, rundown hospital infrastructure barely fit for purpose are pushing health professionals and practices to the brink. It is a nightmarish situation and, quite unbelievably, a New Zealand reality.
The Labour Party’s promise of three free doctors’ visits a year, should they be victorious on 7 November, appears to be a pipe dream.
Regardless of these almost insurmountable challenges, I am in awe of all health professionals who turn up for work week in and week out to care for their ailing community members.
The Board of Hauora Taiwhenua will continue to lobby the Government on behalf of rural health providers and their communities as best we can. As I’m sure you are aware, given the current Government’s tight fiscal policies, this is an uphill battle. | | | | | | | | Rural Communities Report June 2026 - Colin Hannah Reporting on Seasonal Pressures, Rural Resilience and Positive Change in Men's Health | | Grass growth across the Northland region has slowed dramatically. As a result, farmers are increasingly applying nitrogen to fill feed gaps. The ground remains very wet, particularly across the eastern side of Northland. From what I understand, similar conditions extend through the Bay of Plenty and into Gisborne. The major floods in the South Island have wreaked havoc on rural communities across those regions. In Northland, flooding has become an all-too-familiar challenge, with seven significant events already this year. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We understand the impact these events have on farming families and rural communities.
Spring calving on dairy farms is well underway across the country. With this comes high expectations, but also increased pressure as farmers work long hours. It is also the time of year when on-farm injuries tend to increase, particularly when lifting calves or assisting with difficult calvings. Slippery surfaces and wet weather only add to the risks.
Fonterra has downgraded its payment expectations for the new season. This is largely based on excess milk production globally, with four consecutive Global Dairy Trade auctions indicating a downward trend. The New Zealand exchange rate has also reduced the benefit of previously strong dairy returns. Going forward, continued pressure from entrenched on-farm costs is expected to squeeze farm margins. This may lead to more cautious spending across the country during the coming season, despite the financial returns farmers will receive from Fonterra's sale of its consumer business.
The outlook for beef and sheep meat continues to look promising, and combined with improving wool returns, the next couple of years appear positive for sheep and beef farmers.
Fertiliser costs have risen significantly due to the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, and availability has tightened, meaning farmers are having to plan much further ahead for the coming season. Fertiliser for cropping is more expensive and not as readily available as in the past. These costs are likely to flow through to food prices later in the season. Reduced fertiliser use may also affect crop yields, potentially impacting the availability of staple foods such as grain and vegetables.
I have had some time to reflect following Fieldays and the encouraging increase in the number of men visiting the Health Hub. It was possibly the busiest we have seen since the Hub began more than 10 years ago. I think programmes such as Clarkson's Farm have helped normalise conversations around men's health in rural communities. Jeremy Clarkson's frank and honest discussion of his own health challenges may have encouraged more rural men to seek help and engage in conversations about their wellbeing.
The change over the past decade has been remarkable. In the early years, many of the men we spoke with had been persuaded (often reluctantly), by their partners to visit the Health Hub. Those conversations were frequently started by their spouses, and many responses were little more than a few words. This year felt different. More men came in of their own accord, willing to talk, ask questions and engage with health professionals. It's a positive shift, and one that gives me real optimism for the future of rural health. | | | | | | | | Member Spotlight: Linzi Birmingham, New Individual Membership | |
Championing Rural Nursing and Workforce Sustainability With a career spanning more than three decades across the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, Linzi Birmingham has dedicated her professional life to strengthening healthcare for rural communities.
A registered nurse and healthcare leader, Linzi began her career in emergency nursing in the UK, later advancing to become an Emergency Nurse Practitioner. Her passion for rural health was cemented during more than six years leading a rural emergency department in Victoria, Australia, where she witnessed both the resilience of rural communities and the unique challenges they face in accessing healthcare.
| | | |
Throughout her career, Linzi has remained at the forefront of innovation. She was an early advocate for telehealth in Australia and continued that work in New Zealand, serving as Chair and later Co-Chair of the Telehealth Leadership Group's Clinicians' Group. Her leadership has also extended across emergency departments throughout New Zealand, bringing broad experience in clinical leadership and health system improvement.
Linzi first became involved with Hauora Taiwhenua while serving as General Manager of Golden Bay Community Health, where she led the redesign of an integrated rural health service over seven years. During her time in Golden Bay, she also co-founded and chaired the Golden Bay Youth Trust, helping establish a safe and supportive youth hub for the local community.
Now Head of Nursing at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), Linzi is focused on preparing the next generation of nurses while advocating for stronger rural health education.
She believes one of the greatest challenges facing rural healthcare remains workforce sustainability.
"The key challenges for rural health are still evident and there continue to be disparities in accessing adequate healthcare for rural communities."
Linzi says rural clinical placements are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain, with healthcare services often unable to support students due to workload pressures, while travel and accommodation costs create additional barriers for learners.
"This will have a significant impact on the workforce of the future," she says.
Looking ahead, Linzi's PhD research will focus on rural health workforce sustainability, with the aim of developing a dedicated rural health qualification for nurses—helping ensure future nurses are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in rural practice.
Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to improving health outcomes for rural communities and building a sustainable workforce for generations to come.
Ngā mihi, Linzi, for your continued leadership and dedication to rural health.
| | | | Member Benefit: Kora Work Perks – We’re saying ‘tanks’ and helping you save on fuel
| | Want to pay less at the pump? Silly question. Of course you do. | | SOME GREAT NEWS Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network has teamed up with Kora fuel cards to give you 13c off pump price every litre at Waitomo or Mobilcard stations until 30 September 2026. (Then 10c off pump price every litre after that.) Plus, you’ll get extra promotional bonuses through the year.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE? Most Kiwi households save between $300 and $400 a year. Most small businesses save $600 – $800 per year.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Kora fuel cards are like a fuel utility bill. You can choose to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly. There is a monthly membership fee for the cards and its just $1 a month. You can have as many cards on the account as you need!
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A KORA FUEL CARD? 1. It takes less than 5 minutes to apply online. 2. Boom! Once your request has been accepted, we’ll courier your Kora fuel cards to your place.
Watch your money go further. | | | | | | | | | | | | Graduate RN funding now open for 2026/27 | |
Health New Zealand is encouraging primary and community healthcare employers to apply for funding to recruit and support graduate registered nurses (RNs) during their Supported First Year of Practice (SFYP).
The initiative aims to strengthen New Zealand's future nursing workforce while helping graduates transition confidently into clinical practice. Funding is available year-round, with employers able to receive: - $20,000 for each graduate RN employed in a rural setting
- $15,000 for each graduate RN employed in an urban setting
Eligible employers include primary care practices, community health services, aged residential care providers, Hauora Māori and Pacific providers, NGOs, and other community-based health services.
Graduate RNs can be recruited through an employer's usual recruitment process, and funding is available for New Zealand-trained registered nurses who have been employed as an RN for fewer than 90 days. Graduates do not need to have been recruited through the ACE process to be eligible.
The funding supports employers to provide structured supervision, preceptorship, study opportunities and clinical support throughout a graduate nurse's first year, helping to build a confident and sustainable workforce.
For rural communities, investing in graduate nurses is an important step towards strengthening local health services, growing the rural nursing workforce, and improving access to care closer to home.
To learn more about eligibility, applying for funding, or advertising graduate RN vacancies, contact, graduateRN@tewhatuora.govt.nz or click the link below. | | | | | | Seeking rural GPs and urgent care clinicians to take part in a national study | |
The University of Otago Centre for Rural Health, in partnership with Health NZ, is conducting a national study to identify priority point-of-care tests (POCTs) for general practice and urgent care.
We are inviting GPs and urgent care clinicians to contribute their expertise. What’s involved: - 2-3 short online surveys over ~2 months
- Round 1 open now (closes 16 August)
- ~15 minutes for the first survey (later rounds shorter)
Your input will help ensure recommendations reflect real-world clinical needs and support better acute care decision-making. | | | | | | First International Summit: Ultrasound in Family Medicine | |
DAUS (Danish Society for Ultrasound in general Practice), Centre for General Practice at Aalborg University and PLO (The Danish Organization of General Practitioners) expands the annual DAUS meeting and hosts the world’s first international summit on Ultrasound in Family Medicine.
Experience two inspiring days featuring lectures, scientific presentations, interactive workshops, and panel discussions led by 15 leading ultrasound experts in general practice from Australia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Together, we create a space for collaboration, learning, and knowledge exchange.
The conference is aimed at physicians with experience in the use of ultrasound in general practice, as well as physicians who teach or supervise ultrasound.
Day 1 offers theoretical presentations, hands‑on training, and panel discussions, including concrete tools to enhance your own teaching and supervision.
Day 2 focuses on hands‑on training and workshops across numerous scanning modalities, allowing you to refine your existing techniques and acquire new ones.
Stay updated on the website for the latest information. | | | | | | Research Highlights Rural Indigenous Healthcare Experiences | | West Coast pharmacist Tayla Cadigan has published her first peer-reviewed paper, Rural Indigenous Experiences of Healthcare Services: A Scoping Review, in the Australian Journal of Rural Health.
The review examines the healthcare experiences of Indigenous peoples living in rural communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and Canada, identifying common themes that influence access to care and health outcomes. These include distance to healthcare services, experiences of racism, the central role of whānau, communication with health professionals, and the importance of Indigenous-led, culturally safe models of care.
The findings reinforce many of the challenges experienced in rural Aotearoa and highlight the need for health systems that are designed with rural realities in mind. The authors conclude that improving culturally safe, whānau-centred care and embedding Indigenous leadership within health services are critical to achieving more equitable health outcomes.
Congratulations to Tayla on this important contribution to rural health research. | | | | | | Primary Care Health Target Measurement Now Underway | | Health New Zealand has officially begun national measurement of the Primary Care Health Target, marking a significant milestone in understanding and improving access to general practice across Aotearoa.
Nearly 95% of general practices have signed the Interim Primary Care Health Target Information Sharing Agreement, providing the most comprehensive national picture of access to general practice services to date.
Appointment data collected between July and September 2026 will form the first reporting quarter, with national, PHO and district-level results expected to be published later this year.
The data will be used to support: - local planning and service improvement
- validation of results before public reporting
- ongoing improvements to data quality and access to primary care.
Health New Zealand has also released a first-year implementation plan, outlining how it will establish a national baseline, strengthen data systems, and work with practices, PHOs and regions to improve timely access to primary care over time.
For rural communities, reliable access to primary care remains a key determinant of health outcomes. Consistent national data will help identify where improvements are needed and support more informed planning to ensure rural people can access care when and where they need it. | | | | | | Expression of Interest for Rural Procedural Sedation Simulation Course | |
The University of Otago’s Centre for Rural Health is developing a new simulation-based course for rural practitioners of procedural sedation - SPARC (Simulated Procedural sedation and Analgesia in the Rural Context). This course is unique in that it offers simulation-based training in procedural sedation specifically for the rural context. The course will include independent online learning followed by an intensive simulation workshop spread over two half-days to allow travel to and from the course on the days it runs. This year the workshop will be at the Rural Health Academic Centre Ashburton with three choices of dates: 24–25 August 2026 12–13 October 2026 3–4 December 2026 It will be at a level appropriate for those with existing experience of procedural sedation or for those newly developing these skills. We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from people interesting in attending. If you are interested, please use the link below to submit your EOI.
| | | | | | | | | | 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
