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Advocating for Change: The Pharmaceutical Society’s Vision for Rural Healthcare

The Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) is the professional association representing over 3,000 pharmacists from all sectors of pharmacy practice as well as students, interns and technicians.

Member Spotlight: Nicky Stanley-Clarke

I am registered social worker and a senior lecturer in the School of Social Work at Massey University. I have a background as a social worker working in several statutory social service settings including health (mental health), child protection and young justice. I have been teaching social policy and clinical social work at Massey University since 2006.

Changing Entry Criteria for a Pharmacy Masters Degree: A New Pathway at the University of Waikato

The University of Waikato has launched an innovative, accelerated Master's program in Pharmacy Practice, offering a fresh pathway for science graduates who wish to transition into a pharmacy career. This exciting new program, the first of its kind in New Zealand, is led by the newly appointed Head of the School of Pharmacy, Professor Rhiannon Braund—an energetic and passionate educator. “I just love teaching and being with students,” she says. The students at Waikato are indeed fortunate.

Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network delighted with the announcement of a third Medical School at Waikato University focussing on rural doctors.

Hauora Taiwhenua is excited by the Prime Minister’s long-awaited announcement of the support for a third medical school at Waikato University. It is well known that New Zealand is suffering from an acute shortage of family doctors, and that shortage is the most pronounced in rural areas. Going into the last election, the National Government had promised to fund a proposal from Waikato University that put forward a very different approach to the existing two Medical Schools at Auckland and Otago. The proposal was to offer opportunities to existing graduates and provide a significant part of the training in rural and regional New Zealand. The coalition Government had asked for a detailed business case before continuing that commitment. Cabinet has today given the green light, meaning that the Waikato proposal could show positive financial, as well as medical, outcomes for the country.

RuralFest 2025 Brings Rural Voices to Parliament

Wellington, July 16 – Rural health and community leaders gathered at Parliament today for RuralFest 2025, a powerful event dedicated to amplifying rural voices and shaping the future of health policy in Aotearoa. Welcomed by blue skies in the capital, attendees shared their priorities, successes, and urgent calls to action directly with members of the Coalition Government and Opposition. The event, hosted by Hauora Taiwhenua’s Rural Communities Chapter, aimed to ensure rural perspectives are front and centre in the lead-up to the 2026 election.

Announcing our newest partnership! Hauora Taiwhenua & MFAS – Supporting Your Financial Wellbeing

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Medical Financial Advisory Services (MFAS) - specialists in financial planning advice for health professionals. Our new relationship with MFAS is more than just a member benefit; it provides trusted and reliable financial advice for HTRHN members, tailored for every age, stage and across all health vocations.  This relationship will also provide financial support to promote the work of HTRHN.

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Medical Financial Advisory Services (MFAS) – specialists in financial planning advice for health professionals.

Our new relationship with MFAS is more than just a member benefit; it provides trusted and reliable financial advice for HTRHN members, tailored for every age, stage and across all health vocations.  This relationship will also provide financial support to promote the work of HTRHN.

 

Financial Advice for HTRHN Members

MFAS understands the unique challenges faced by rural practitioners, built from many years of experience in the health sector, assisting medical professionals to achieve financial success.

You will have access to state-of-the-art illustrative software to clearly project future financial positions. Such clarity promotes better decisions and financial resilience, no matter what age or stage.

Ensuring you have a sound financial plan to deliver on your aspirations, protecting your family’s lifestyle and well-being with appropriate insurances, and securing the right loans and debt structures for your situation are key financial decisions – and can be tough to make on your own.

MFAS expert advice takes the guesswork out of finding a financial planner, putting you in the hands of trusted professionals with industry-specific knowledge.

We are confident this new relationship will support you in the pursuit of your financial goals, enabling you to remain focused on your patients and professional ventures, with peace of mind that your financial wellbeing is in good hands.

Member benefits include:

  • Clear illustration of your progress towards achieving your long-term objectives, which advice is regularly measured and adjusted to keep pace with life.
    No fee for preparation of comprehensive financial strategy.
  • Personalised service (no call centre!) and available for after-hours meetings.
  • Wholesale management fees.
  • No advice fees on KiwiSaver.
  • No KiwiSaver fund management fees for family under the age of 18.
  • Advice on international Pension Transfers, no transfer fees.
  • No fees for Insurance Advice.
  • No fees for Mortgage Advice.

 

Ongoing Services include:

  • Six monthly briefing & reporting on Advised Portfolios.
  • Annual reporting on KiwiSaver & Wealth Builder accounts.
  • App based investment information.
  • Review meetings as requested.
  • Annual Tax Statement.
  • Annual Insurance reviews.

 

MFAS is committed to helping you build financial resilience and peace of mind throughout your health career.

Book your free MFAS consultation here

 

In Case You Missed It

MFAS recently hosted a webinar introducing their team and services, with tips for managing income (both pre and during retirement) and your insurances, and how these can be adjusted over time to secure your future financial position – specifically in rural health settings.

Watch the recording here

We’re proud to partner with organisations like MFAS that prioritise the wellbeing of our rural health workforce—both on and off the job.