Over recent months, our clinical advocacy work has continued to focus on ensuring rural perspectives are reflected in national policy and regulatory decisions.

In December, Hauora Taiwhenua submitted formal feedback to PHARMAC on the availability of emergency medicines in rural PRIME locations. This submission advocated for expanding access to critical emergency treatments, including the use of ketamine and intravenous tranexamic acid, recognising the realities of delayed transport times and limited on-site resources in rural settings. This work was led to ensure that rural clinicians are appropriately supported to deliver timely, life-saving care where distance and isolation remain significant factors.

Alongside this, we are currently progressing work on a forthcoming submission in response to the Medical Council of New Zealand’s consultation on the regulation of Physician Associates (PAs) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Following the Minister of Health’s announcement in April 2025 confirming that PAs will be regulated, with the Medical Council as the responsible authority, it is important that rural voices are clearly heard as this framework is developed.

To inform Hauora Taiwhenua’s submission, we are gathering feedback from members across our network via a survey, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are captured. The consultation closes on 1 February, after which we will collate member feedback and prepare a submission that reflects the opportunities, concerns, and implications of PA regulation for rural health services and workforce sustainability.

We will share further updates once the PA submission has been finalised, including key themes raised by members and how these have been represented. As always, thank you to those who take the time to contribute – your insights are critical to strengthening rural health advocacy at a national level.

Becks Doran