Our history dates back 30 years to our beginning as the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network. Over that time, the Network has worked in partnership with other rural health groups including Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand, Rural Nurses New Zealand, New Zealand Rural Hospital Network and Students of Rural Health Aotearoa to advocate for a better future for rural health. In 2022, the Network and its partners decided to come together as one collective organisation to advocate with a united voice for rural health.
The Hauora Taiwhenua Council is made up of representatives selected and appointed by each Chapter.
Our skill-based board consists of the Chair elected by the Council, who works alongside four people elected by Council and two people appointed by Te Rōpū Ārahi.
Te Rōpū Ārahi, our Treaty partners work alongside the Board as part of our commitment to enacting the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Our vision is healthy and thriving rural communities.
Our strategic objectives are:
Hauora Taiwhenua offers membership to both organisations and individuals with an interest in rural health.
We represent the breadth of the rural health sector and rural communities through our nine chapters.
Our Chapters are:
As a member of Hauora Taiwhenua, you will be a part of a collective rural voice advocating for the health and wellbeing of rural New Zealanders.
In your chapter, you will become part of a community of like-minded rural health professionals who can provide support and advice.
Through your chapter you can interact with members and contribute to the latest conversations taking place in your chapter’s forum.
All members will receive a monthly Hauora Taiwhenua newsletter as well as regular important sector updates.
An organization-wide forum will also enable members from all chapters to connect with each other, share ideas and collaborate.
Expand your knowledge and skills by attending member events, webinars and conferences through your Chapter and as part of the wider Hauora Taiwhenua community.
Members also have significantly discounted registration to our annual National Rural Health Conference.
Through our member app, you will have exclusive access to a range of discounts including discounts on technology, outdoors and home & living brands.
Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network holds a contract with the New Zealand Government to provide a rural support and recruitment service, which we do through our NZLocums & NZMedJobs team.
NZLocums & NZMedJobs
Our NZLocums & NZMedJobs team recruit national and international doctors and Nurse Practitioners for fixed-term and permanent roles in rural and urban general practices throughout New Zealand.
Hauora Taiwhenua runs a Rural Health Careers Promotion Programme in partnership with the Students of Rural Health Aotearoa (SoRHA) chapter. This programme, supported by Te Whatu Ora, aims to promote rural health careers to all rural young people and inspire them to pursue careers in health.
