Click here to read the Aotearoa New Zealand Declaration on Rural Health 2026!
"Rural health is a shared responsibility. As a Network we believe that a joined-up approach, through local partnerships can produce and deliver locally driven solutions." Grant Davidson, Chief Executive, Hauora Taiwhenua
Read more about the reality of rural health by accessing our 2024 Rural Health New Zealand Snapshot.
“These findings are an indictment on the low priority that has been given to the health and wellbeing of rural people by this and previous Governments.
We presented this report to Minister Doocey (Assoc Min Health – Rural, Min Mental Health) and Minister Patterson (Minister for Rural Communities) at Parliament on the 7th of May, seeking the Government’s support in prioritising our rural families/whānau in future budgets and planning. It is long past the time for rhetoric.
We need to see action and priority given to funding the higher cost of health delivery in rural and remote parts of New Zealand which is further complicated by social deprivation and the larger percentage of over 65-year-olds who live rurally.
We made it very clear to them that the provision of a telehealth service to underserved whanau with limited access to technology and data, while needing wrap-around primary health care, was not the answer.”
As leaders in your community, you have the opportunity to speak for your community.
Join other local authority Mayors as Member for the discounted price of $1,200 +gst for 12 months membership.
As a member of the Network, we can offer you access to targeted communications platforms, a seat at the table for advocacy events, discounted attendance at local and international conferences and membership to 25 of your team.
By signing up you will be a member of the Rural Communities Aotearoa chapter. The Chapter are active and engaged in advocacy and events across the country.
We host a unique advocacy platform each year. Join as a Member to workshop with politicians at RuralFest.
Your special membership offering allows you to name 25 of your team to receive membership to the Network with full membership benefits.
Our Members App offers a variety of discounts to products and services.
We have designed a package for Councils that offers both an opportunity to investment in the fiscal future of the Programme and become a member to the Network.
Annual investment: $5,000 +gst
Last year 3,800 secondary school students took part in our Rural Health Careers Promotion Programme visiting rural secondary schools to promote rural health as a career choice.
Tertiary Health Students volunteer their time to share their student journey, skills they have learnt and most importantly engaging the students in discussions about their futures. This programme has been breaking down stereotypes and dispelling barriers to tertiary education for many years. Sadly, this programme is no longer funded by Health NZ. Another casualty of system change, but we don’t want to lose traction. We know the programme works.
We are dedicated to continuing to support the pipeline of young rural students entering health careers.
Become a Programme Partner to keep this programme alive and kicking.
E mea ana te kōrero. Pani a te pai ki te pai. Ka puta te hua o te pai.
A saying comes to mind. If you spread good things with kindness. Then you will see the fruits of your work.
Every year hundreds of tertiary health students are placed in rural practices and hospitals for stints in clinical experience.
Mostly students are supported with accommodation for the time of their clinical placement but not always. Travelling to their placement from either Auckland or Dunedin is also an expense that they can incur. Students are resourceful and faculty staff supportive but it’s an added stress.
We are reaching out to Mayors and Councillors to ask how local businesses could support the students. Is there budget friendly accommodation or transport options in your area that could offset the cost for the placement? local support,
We know that student who connect and enjoy their stay in a rural town want to go back.
If your Council is able to help with student support, please get in touch with us at enquiries@htrhn.org.nz.
We’d love to connect.
Complete the registration form below. There is an opt in tick box to support the Rural Health Careers Programme.
We will then be in touch with information about paying your invoice. Once you’ve paid your invoice, you will be notified via email that your membership has been approved and this will grant you immediate access to all member benefits.
If you have any issues completing the form below, please get in touch with us enquiries@htrhn.org.nz.
Rural General Practice Survey 24
Rural Health New Zealand Snapshot 24
Hauora Taiwhenua Annual Report 24
“It was a privilege to go on the rural school visits programme. I loved visiting all the different schools and interacting with the students there. It made me look back on my own time as a student in a rural high school and my own big dreams, and how far I have come since. I hope that visiting the schools sparked some interest in health and inspired students, and by seeing us health care professionals in training, the high school students see that pursuing a health career is possible”
