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21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference, 10-13 April 2026: Read More – WONCA 2026 | Home

Award Descriptions
At Hauora Taiwhenua, we proudly honour the individuals, groups, and initiatives that shape the future of rural Aotearoa. Our awards programme recognises those whose hard work, leadership, and innovation strengthen the health, resilience, and vitality of our rural communities.
Each award reflects our deep commitment to celebrating the contributions that often go unseen but are felt across generations. By partnering with like-minded organisations, we shine a light on the outstanding achievements that inspire others to lead, serve, and uplift rural life.
Through these awards, we celebrate not only excellence but also the spirit of rural New Zealand — resilient, connected, and dedicated to a thriving future.

Peter Snow Award

Awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to rural health in NZ. 

Selection committee vote on awardee based on nomination forms submitted. 

Recipient receives a medal and $500. 

The awardee is presented with their medal at a special ceremony during the annual Rural Health Conference dinner. 

Nominations currently closed.

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Te Waka Kotahitanga

Awarded to the best bureaucrat for contribution to rural health. 

Recipient receives the Waka (held for one year and passed onto the next recipient). 

The Waka is presented to the awardee at a special ceremony during the annual Rural Health Conference dinner. 

Nominations currently closed.

Hauora Taiwhenua Emerging Rural Researcher Award

The award recognises members of Hauora Taiwhenua who are positively impacting rural communities, rural health systems and/or rural workforces. 

The awardee must be a current Hauora Taiwhenua member. 

Individuals can be self-nominated or nominated by a member of Hauora Taiwhenua. Selection is made by the Research and Education Executive Committee. 

Awardee receives a 12-month membership to Research Accelerator, valued at NZD$479 (sponsored prize by Research Accelerator). 

The awardee is presented with the award at a special ceremony during the annual Rural Health Conference dinner. 

Nominations currently closed.

 

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Hauora Taiwhenua Emerging Rural Educator Award

The award recognises members of Hauora Taiwhenua who are positively impacting rural communities, rural health systems and/or rural workforces. 

The awardee must be a current Hauora Taiwhenua member. 

Individuals can be self-nominated or nominated by a member of Hauora Taiwhenua. Selection is made by the Research and Education Executive Committee. 

The winner of the Emerging Educator Award will be supported in their professional development through a tailored prize that could include mentorship or attendance at a suitable event (up to $500, sponsored by Hauora Taiwhenua).  

The awardee is presented with the award at a special ceremony during the Annual Rural Health Conference dinner. 

Nominations currently closed.

Mobile Health Group | Hauora Taiwhenua Rural NZ Health Scholarships

Four scholarships awarded per year, worth $5,000 per scholarship. At least one awarded student must be of Māori/Pasifika ethnicity. 

Awarded to first year tertiary students studying medicine, nursing and allied health supporting living costs and study resources. 

Nominations currently closed.

 

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Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Student Research Scholarships

Two scholarships awarded per year, worth $5,000 per scholarship. 

Awarded to any health students, to support a 12-week elective/studentship, and/or research placement within a rural community of the student’s choice (intended to help cover living expenses). 

Nominations currently closed.