21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference, 10-13 April 2026: Read More – WONCA 2026 | Home
“Rural communities across New Zealand continue to face significant shortages of GPs and rural hospital doctors. Many rural clinicians are nearing retirement, while fewer doctors are choosing to train, work, or settle long-term in provincial areas.
Evidence consistently shows that positive rural experiences – especially during training or short-term placements – make doctors far more likely to return, or to stay.
The Golden Key Project was created to turn short rural placements into meaningful, memorable experiences that encourage long-term commitment to rural practice.”
The Golden Key Project is currently in its pilot phase, with locum placements forming the initial focus. Learnings from this phase will help refine the model before expansion to medical students and broader regions.
We are excited to announce that the Amberley and Golden Bay pilots are live.
The remaining locations for the pilot are being confirmed in collaboration with community and sector partners.
Rural communities seeking sustainable healthcare solutions
Locum doctors interested in rural practice
Medical students considering rural careers
Organisations committed to strengthening rural health access
The Golden Key Project pilots a community-led welcome model for:
Rather than focusing only on clinical placement, the project supports communities to provide wrap-around hospitality and connection, helping doctors and their families feel part of the place — not just temporary visitors.
This may include:
Doctors add immense value to rural towns while on placement. However, experiences that feel isolating or transactional often result in doctors not returning.
When communities actively welcome locums and students:
Attitudes towards rural work shift
Professional satisfaction increases
Long-term retention becomes more likely
The Golden Key Project is built on the understanding that belonging, relationships, and lifestyle play a critical role in workforce decisions.
The Golden Key Project is delivered through collaboration between:
It complements existing rural immersion and training programmes run by New Zealand medical schools and aligns with future workforce planning, including upcoming cohorts from the NZ Graduate School of Medicine.
If you’d like to learn more about the Golden Key Project, explore partnership opportunities, or express interest in participating, please get in touch.
Contact Gill at:communities@htrhn.org.nz
