| | | | | | | | | | | | HAUORA TAIWHENUA NEWSLETTER | | | | | | Kia ora tātou In these times of constant change, not knowing what might be happening in health from one day to the next, it was exciting to get an invite from Elly and Keith Buswell to the centenary celebrations of Te Kuiti Hospital. I immediately accepted and looked forward to learning about how the rural hospital had managed to survive and thrive for so long.
I drove down from Hamilton on a stunning blue-sky day on November 1st, remarking to myself how lucky we were with the weather as I drove past large lakes in the paddocks after days of heavy rain. I then joined people walking up the hill to the Hospital, all politely asking what job I had been in at the hospital and having to admit I was an imposter! They were very kind and explained their roles as nurses, doctors, admin, and support staff. All with fond memories of a facility that has served their community for so long. | | | | Local MP, Barbara Kuriger, and her husband greeted me warmly as ever as we waited for the Minister of Health and entourage to arrive. Irrespective of your political leanings, Barbara is a staunch supporter of all things rural and the need to have strong health systems in rural communities. Once again, I was reminded that the life of a politician is relentless, with hardly a spare moment for any time alone with family and friends.
The highlight of the day for me was the range of speakers, all sharing their memories of time working in the Hospital. Many of the doctors were international graduates who had applied for positions from the UK, flew to Auckland, drove down to Te Kuiti, and found themselves rostered onto duties the very next day. Many of them brought young families with them who all found themselves in a small rural community on the other side of the world where the seasons were flipped. The warmth of the welcome given to these families by the local community members, and the staff at the Hospital, is a testament to the manaakitanga of the locals. Many were still living in the same community decades after first arriving thanks to being embraced by the locals.
At the same time, the Hospital acted as a training ground for those from the wider area who wanted to become nurses and doctors. Nurses were trained on-site, while doctors could return as house officers and registrars. Other locals were employed in admin and maintenance roles. In its heyday, Te Kuiti Hospital had over one hundred inpatient beds, a thriving surgical staff, and a reputation for quality generalist training. | | | | Speakers talked about the financial pressures that started to come on smaller rural hospitals from the 1970’s which caused many to close. Then in the 1990’s major health sector reforms saw the closure or downsizing of many hospitals, with a centralisation agenda by the Bolger Government – retrenching to large hospitals in the bigger cities. (Slightly ironic as Bolger was operating a sheep and beef farm near Te Kuiti at the time!) Te Kuiti Hospital survived this period thanks to the passion and creativity of the staff at the time. It had to adapt and change. It is now a 12-bed hospital that has a fully integrated general practice, including a 24/7 emergency department. They have recently become involved in hosting students from Auckland Medical School’s rural immersion programme and have Rural Hospital Doctor registrars doing their fellowships.
Tellingly, in 1998, the Alliance Party planted fifty-four white crosses on the lawn of the Stratford Hospital in Taranaki, which had recently closed. The crosses represented hospitals that had closed between 1984 and 1998. Parliamentary candidate Kevin Campbell said, ‘We’re talking about the slow death of our public health system, and this is a way to really show people what’s happening.’
In my mind Te Kuiti looks to be reincarnated to being poised to be a hub of training and rural medicine again but scaled to fit the community needs of 2025.
The bigger conversation revolves around what medical services a community the size of Te Kuiti should have in the 2030s. How can the wider Te Kuiti health community harness local people and train them locally, so that they are more likely to stay and serve that community in the future? These are some of the questions that are being discussed within Health NZ at present.
Simeon Brown, Minister for Health, was the last to speak before the ceremonial tree-planting and obligatory cup of tea and club sandwiches. He reflected on the current Government’s focus on supporting rural health, the new Waikato Graduate Medical School that will be anchored on rural general practice, the wish to create rural training hubs, and the work going into strengthening rural urgent and unplanned care. Te Kuiti seems ideally structured and located to provide a pivotal role in all these initiatives. | | | | Simeon had driven from Auckland to attend the centennial but was visiting his sister after the meeting. She had recently moved with her family to live in Te Kuiti. That connection to a rural New Zealand community may well provide some great family discussions that could lead to positive decisions for rural health in general. I am sure that the Te Kuiti community are doing their manaakitanga and making Simeon’s family feel welcome for the next 20 years or so!
Thanks to Elly and Keith Buswell and the staff of Te Kuiti Hospital for the invite and for making an imposter feel welcome. AR | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Revision of Rural Health New Zealand Snapshot 2024 – Calling for Input. | |
The first publication of the Revision of Rural Health New Zealand Snapshot in 2024 was carried out in a relatively short time period with major assistance from Otago and Auckland Universities. It represented the collation of various sources of key rural health research, along with the then recent establishment of the GCH which gave geo-spatial data upon which to filter health data. The resultant “Snapshot” has been widely utilised and valued by various groups, including Hauora Taiwhenua, advocating on behalf of rural communities for better resourcing of rural health initiatives in order to close health gaps between rural and urban populations. We are planning to update this important document in time to release a new 2026 version at the Rural WONCA Conference in Wellington in April. Working with researchers from universities, and our Research and Education Chapter, we will be pulling together all applicable data, along with a new version of the GCH based on 2023 Census Data. We welcome hearing from any of our members on applicable research / data that may be useful in painting an accurate picture of rural health in New Zealand. Please feel free to get in touch with us to point us towards important references that would help achieve the next iteration of the Snapshot. All enquiries to: communications@htrhn.org.nz | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | From the Board: From One Chapter to the Next. By Debi Lawry | |
Kia ora koutou.
It is with a heart full of gratitude and a mind rich with memories that I write this final ‘Board Update’ for our newsletter. After 50 years nursing, 15 years working in rural health, 11 years involved with the Rural Hospitals group (now Chapter), eight years involved with Rural Nurses group (now Chapter) and three years serving on the board of Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network the time has come to retire and step down from my official duties.
When I think back on my rural career, from my first days working with the dedicated team at Dunstan Hospital in Central Otago to the complex policy discussions in the boardroom, one constant has remained: the profound respect I hold for the people who live, work and receive care in rural communities. You have taught me what true resilience, innovation and community spirit look like. I have seen first-hand the unique challenges you face, but I have also been endlessly inspired by your strength and determination. | | | |
Serving on the board of Hauora Taiwhenua has been a great honour. It has allowed me to continue my passion for rural health, shifting from management and professional leadership within parts of Otago and Southland to the broader landscape of advocacy and strategy. I am truly proud of what we have accomplished together. The voice of rural health is now being heard and HTRHN is a key advisor / advocate for all rural issues from critical workforce shortages to implementing a digital strategy and most crucially to achieving equitable health outcomes. The progress we have made is real, and it will make a difference in people’s lives.
While I am stepping down from the board, I am not stepping away from the cause. The mission of Hauora Taiwhenua is as vital today as it has ever been. The fight for equitable health services and better health outcomes for rural people, particularly rural Māori is an ongoing battle. There will always be setbacks and disappointments, but rural health is stronger because of our organisation, every Chapter member, every staff member and every board member counts and collectively we will improve the lives and health of rural communities.
Never underestimate your impact – the stories you tell, the groups you contribute to and the influence you have all matter. They change minds.
Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. This keeps us positive and moves us towards a healthier, stronger rural Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Keep listening to the community. Your greatest strength has always been your connection to the people you serve. Let their voices be your guide.
In retirement I look forward to watching Hauora Taiwhenua continue to grow and thrive from the sidelines – as a proud supporter, a keen reader of this newsletter and a forever advocate of rural health.
Thank you for the trust you placed in me. Thank you for your partnership, your dedication, and your friendship. The work continues and I know the future of rural health is in the best hands.
Ngā mihi nui Debi | | | | | | | | Katikati Medical Centre: Resilient Rural Care in Action | |
Following our feature on how our NZMedJobs & NZLocums recruitment team supports rural and urban practices across New Zealand, we’re taking a closer look at what that ‘impact’ looks like within general practice — through the story of Katikati Medical Centre, a Bay of Plenty clinic that has adapted and thrived despite ongoing GP shortages. For over 20 years, our recruitment team has been connecting rural communities with the doctors and nurse practitioners they need. But behind every placement is a story of teamwork, resilience, and the drive to keep healthcare local. Katikati’s experience shows how those partnerships translate into real outcomes for patients and practice teams alike.
"Our success comes from being fluid and adaptable” “Our success and resilience come from being fluid and adaptable to the environment around us,” says Keren Hoogwerf, Practice Manager at Katikati Medical Centre.
“Working in a rural practice is distinctly different from an urban one. We don’t have secondary services readily available, so some patient presentations are quite acute.”
To meet their community’s needs, the team closely monitors acute appointments while maintaining space for regular bookings. Earlier this year, Katikati introduced GP phone triage, initially as a pilot. The results were immediate: patients were directed to the right care pathway faster, and staff reported reduced stress and smoother workflows. The practice also strengthened its relationship with Hato Hone St John, hosting emergency care training sessions for the wider team.
“These sessions not only educate our staff but also build confidence in critical situations,” Keren explains.
Overcoming challenges with recruitment support Like many rural practices, Katikati Medical Centre has faced significant GP shortages — compounded by the retirement of two long-serving GP owners and the lingering pressures of COVID-19.
For a time, the practice had to close its books to new patients, reviewing that decision each month.
“If it hadn’t been for the support from NZLocums, we would not be in the stronger position we are today,” says Keren.
“Their team was responsive, understanding, and genuinely committed to connecting us with the right clinicians. After exhausting other recruitment avenues, NZLocums introduced us to several applicants — some have since joined our practice. Their guidance along the way has been invaluable.”
If your practice is seeking GP or NP support, NZMedJobs & NZLocums can help here. “Continuity of care is critical for our patients” Continuity of care allows patients to build trusted relationships with their GPs, ensuring consistent and informed treatment. The GP triage system helps preserve this by ensuring acute patients are seen promptly, while regular patients can still access their own GP when appropriate. Many appointments are for patients aged 65 and over, who may find travel to Tauranga difficult. Accessibility remains a core focus for Katikati. The practice operates on weekends and most public holidays, providing acute care for those who might otherwise go without. “Being open seven days a week gives reassurance and stability for our patients and their families,” Keren says. “It’s about being there when our community needs us.” Practice-led success, supported by NZMedJobs & NZLocums Katikati Medical Centre’s story demonstrates how partnership can shape rural healthcare. With our recruitment team’s support, the practice has been able to sustain its workforce, maintain quality care, and focus on developing services that meet the community’s needs. “The greatest reward,” says Keren, “is knowing that our patients can rely on us — that we’re here, and we’ll keep being here.” | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Aotearoa Meets HLTH 2025 - Chanel’s Story On Film | | After returning home and taking time to reflect, Chanel Brocherie has pulled together a short vlog capturing the standout moments from her trip - from HLTH 2025 in Las Vegas to the delegation visit with Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Houston.
In her video, Chanel shares what she saw, what inspired her, and how the experience has shaped her thinking about digital innovation and its potential for rural communities in Aotearoa.
You’ll see behind-the-scenes glimpses, key insights, and some of the technologies that left the biggest impression. Her reflections offer a grounded look at how global ideas can translate into meaningful change here at home - particularly when it comes to access, equity, and the role of AI in supporting our rural workforce and whānau. | | | | | | Spark Accelerate - Cam Dickey | | We’re pleased to share a reflection from rural health student Cam Dickey, who recently attended the Spark Accelerate conference. Cam’s experience highlights the vital role of innovation, collaboration, and digital solutions in shaping the future of healthcare for rural Aotearoa. Here’s what he had to say:
Attending the Spark Accelerate conference was an incredible experience and a real eye-opener into the future of health innovation. It was inspiring to see how technology, creativity, and collaboration can come together to address some of the unique challenges facing rural communities in Aotearoa. | | | | One of the key takeaways for me was how digital solutions, ranging from mobile health services to telemedicine platforms, all help bridge the gap for people living in remote areas. It was encouraging to see so many projects focused on improving access to care, supporting healthcare professionals, enhancing patient outcomes in rural settings and getting a glimpse into the landscape of technologies that will shape rural healthcare in the near future.
I particularly enjoyed the interactive sessions, which provided practical insights into integrating technology into everyday healthcare practice. From discussions on data-driven decision-making to innovative community engagement strategies, the conference highlighted both the opportunities and the responsibilities we have as future healthcare providers. As a medical student, it was motivating to see how early-stage ideas can evolve into real-world solutions with meaningful impact. The experience has reinforced my passion for improving rural health and has given me a broader perspective on how innovation can complement clinical practice to better serve communities.
A huge thank you to Spark for their support and for creating a platform where students, professionals, and innovators can connect, learn, and inspire each other. I look forward to taking the lessons from the Spark Accelerate conference into my own journey in healthcare and contributing to the ongoing effort to strengthen rural health in Aotearoa | | | | | | | | Membership Benefit - Tatai Whetu App | | One of the many benefits of being a Hauora Taiwhenua member is access to unique resources that support your personal and professional growth in rural health. One such taonga is our Tātai Whetū app – a free educational resource designed to guide and inform you in tikanga Māori.
Developed by Hauora Taiwhenua, the Tātai Whetū app helps you build confidence in applying tikanga in real-world settings. Whether you’re attending a formal pōwhiri, facilitating a hui, or engaging one-on-one with patients or whānau, the app gives you the tools to navigate these interactions respectfully and appropriately. The app covers both formal and informal protocols, helping you understand the purpose and structure in various Māori cultural settings.
This is more than just an app—it's part of our collective journey towards better understanding, stronger relationships, and more culturally safe care. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Member Spotlight: Bronwen Shepherd New Individual Membership | Tell us about yourself and why you decided to become a Member of the Network. I am a Regional Manager and Pharmacy Director for Green Cross Health overseeing multiple rural community pharmacies across Aotearoa.
My role is to support our pharmacists and teams to deliver safe, sustainable, and patient-centered care in environments that are often resource-limited and geographically isolated. A key focus of mine is expanding scope of practice and pharmacist involvement in multidisciplinary care, so we can respond to the evolving needs of our communities.
I joined the Network because I believe rural pharmacies are fertile ground for innovation. Out of necessity, we find creative solutions to complex challenges every day — whether that’s providing after-hours healthcare access, supplying essential medicines to rural hospitals, or collaborating closely with GPs, nurses, and allied health providers to ensure continuity of care. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A Century of Care in Te Kūiti | |
One hundred years after its doors first opened, Te Kūiti Hospital remains a cornerstone of health and wellbeing for the King Country – a place where generations have been cared for, trained, and supported. The centenary celebration brought together community members, staff, leaders, and the Health Minister to honour a legacy built on service, resilience, and local innovation.
A Hospital Built for Its Community Plans for a hospital in Te Kūiti began as early as 1903, but construction was delayed until after World War I. The foundation stone was laid on 18 July 1925, and by February 1927 the first patients were admitted. The original hospital housed twenty-one beds, eight isolation beds, and nursing accommodation, later expanding with a maternity annex to manage the post-war baby boom of 350–400 births a year. | | | |
Through the mid-20th century, Te Kūiti Hospital grew rapidly. New wards, operating theatres, a laboratory, specialist units, staff housing, and a nursing school were added. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the hospital operated with 105 beds – a scale unimaginable today, where modern models of care allow the same population to be served with just twelve. Growing Their Own: A Rural Training Tradition Rural training became a defining part of the hospital’s identity. Nursing education began onsite in 1944 with “Nursing Aids,” young trainees who worked six days a week and attended evening lectures that were often cancelled due to workload. Over the decades, the programme evolved into Nurse Aids, then Community Nurses, and eventually Enrolled Nurses. At its height in the 1970s, the training school supported 46 students. Although the school closed in 1989 after national training caps were introduced, Te Kūiti’s legacy as a rural learning hub has endured. Senior Lecturer Jewel Barlow Armstrong from the University of Waikato School of Nursing and Midwifery says rural placements remain a priority:
“We already place nursing students at Te Kūiti Hospital and in district and public health nursing services. Expanding rural placements is a key focus for us.”
A Turning Point: Integrating Rural General Practice and Hospital Care In 1993 when the hospital services were seriously under threat because of difficulty in recruiting and funding doctors to meet the needs for continuing services, Te Kuiti General Practitioners amalgamated to form Te Kuiti Medical Centre and relocated to an existing building adjacent to the hospital ( a redundant Geriatric unit) The General Practitioners were contracted by the then DHB, to provide inpatient and 24 hour ED services to the hospital. This integrated model continues today and is widely regarded as one of the most efficient and sustainable models of care for small rural hospitals. The close relationship between the Medical Centre and the Rural Hospital has supported teaching for Rural Hospital Medicine Registrars, Rural General Practice Registrars, PGY2 doctors, and Nurse Practitioners – strengthening the rural workforce pipeline. | | | |
Looking Ahead: Innovation for the Next Century At the centenary celebration, Health Minister Simeon Brown outlined new initiatives aimed at strengthening rural hospitals like Te Kūiti. These include improved access to diagnostics, on-call pharmacy support, and digital tools enabling real-time clinical guidance. As part of Aotearoa’s new Graduate Medical School, Te Kūiti will become one of six hub hospitals supporting placements for medical students and other health professionals. This next phase signals a renewal of Te Kūiti’s long history of training local talent. For many students, rural placements are where they find a sense of purpose and connection – and, often, where they choose to stay. Honouring the Past, Strengthening the Future For a hundred years, Te Kūiti Hospital has adapted to meet the needs of its community – from maternity care to modern diagnostics, from onsite nurse training to integrated rural practice. Its story is one of determination, innovation, and deep local commitment. As Te Kūiti begins its second century, the hospital stands not just as a reminder of the past, but as a living example of how rural communities can shape their own future in health.
| | | | | | | | Staying connected: why rural communities must prepare for the 3G shutdown | |
As New Zealand's telecommunications industry prepares to shut down 3G networks from the end of 2025, everyone needs to ensure they stay connected. Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ, is urging all New Zealanders, particularly those in rural areas, to check their devices immediately.
"We're sharing this important message because staying connected is not just a convenience, it's essential," says Craig.
"For rural communities, reliable connectivity can mean the difference between accessing healthcare, running a business, or calling for help in an emergency. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind in this transition."
The shutdown affects more than just mobile phones. Medical alarms, security systems, vehicle trackers, and various Internet of Things (IoT) devices used in agriculture and business operations may also rely on 3G technology. For example, if your farm business depends on connected devices for anything from soil monitoring to livestock tracking, you need to check if it's compatible.
Why we're upgradingThe move to 4G and 5G isn't simply about keeping up with technology trends, it's about delivering better, faster and more reliable connectivity for everyone. By shutting down the older 3G network, telecommunications providers can redirect resources and radio spectrum to expand 4G and 5G coverage, particularly in rural areas that need it most. This means faster speeds, better call quality, and greater network capacity where Ne... | | | | | | | | Voluntary Bonding Scheme 2025 intake | |
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has opened applications for the Voluntary Bonding Scheme (VBS) 2025 intake, with a strong focus on primary and community healthcare.
The Voluntary Bonding Scheme (the Scheme) is offered every year to encourage and retain recently qualified health professionals in the specialties, settings and communities that need them most. This year’s intake includes: - newly qualified (2024) Nurse Practitioners in primary and community healthcare and aged care settings nationwide
- new graduate (2024) Registered Nurses in primary and community healthcare and aged care settings nationwide
- new or recent (2022-2024) graduate Pharmacists in Pharmacies and Primary Care Practices in Rural and Regional Community settings
- rural and regional General Practice trainees, in targeted communities
- new graduate (2024) midwives nationwide
- new graduate (2024) Anaesthetic Technicians, Radiation Therapists, Medical Physicists, and Sonographers working for Health NZ
- new and recent graduate (2022-2024) Dentists and Oral Health Therapists in rural and regional community practice or for Māori and Pacific services
Applications close in four weeks, closing Sunday 21st December 2025 - so please action quickly if you wish to be considered. More details, including eligibility and category information, are available on the Health NZ website below.
| | | | | | | | NZ Primary Healthcare Awards - Entries for 2026 open soon! | | | |
We’re delighted to announce that entries for the 2026 New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora will open on 1 December 2025.
Why enter? - Gain recognition across the sector for your mahi – your team’s efforts deserve to be seen
- Strengthen your reputation for innovation and excellence
- Network with other professionals, organisations and decision-makers in primary care
Celebrate the positive impact that you are making on the health of our whānau and communities
We are excited to announce 2 new categories in the 2026 Awards line-up:
- Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) of the Year
- Rural General Practice of the Year
We have also made a small change to another award category that we hope will make it more inclusive for administrators. Practice or Business Manager of the Year is now named Practice Manager or Administrator of the Year.
If you have any questions, please email our team at nzphawards@thehealthmedia.co.nz.
Ngā mihi nui for your extraordinary contributions to primary healthcare. We look forward to seeing your entry and celebrating the best of Aotearoa’s primary care sector.
| | | | | | | | Age Concern Waikato Expands Services into Rural and Remote Communities | |
Age Concern Waikato has taken an exciting step forward in extending its services to older people living in the rural and remote areas of the Waikato. This expansion includes communities such as Te Kauwhata, Huntly, Ngāruawāhia, Raglan, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti, Putaruru, Tirau, Morrinsville, Matamata, Te Aroha, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and surrounding districts.
Recognising that people are living longer and that older adults in rural areas deserve the same access to services as those in cities, Age Concern Waikato has appointed Monique Jeffs as its first Rural Development Specialist (March 2025). Working alongside Martin Popperwell, Hamilton Social Connector, Monique is focused on developing strong connections and support networks for older people across the region.
“Our vision is to ensure that every older person, no matter where they live, feels connected, supported and valued,” says Monique.
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