Click here to read the Aotearoa New Zealand Declaration on Rural Health 2026!
“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 Te Korowai o te Hapori was created to turn short rural placements into meaningful, memorable experiences that encourage long-term commitment to rural practice.”
Te Korowai o te Hapori – 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 pilot is live.
The remaining locations for the pilot are being confirmed in collaboration with community and sector partners.
Rural communities seeking sustainable healthcare solutions.
Long term NZMedJobs recruited GPs interested in rural practice.
Organisations committed to strengthening rural health access.
Te Korowai o te Hapori 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 GPs:
Attitudes towards rural work shift
Professional satisfaction increases
Long-term retention becomes more likely
Te Korowai o te Hapori – Golden Key Project is built on the understanding that belonging, relationships, and lifestyle play a critical role in workforce decisions.
Te Korowai o te Hapori – Golden Key Project is delivered through collaboration between:
If you’d like to learn more about Te Korowai o te Hapori – Golden Key Project, explore partnership opportunities, or express interest in participating, please get in touch.
Contact Gill at:communities@htrhn.org.nz
