Inspiring Gisborne Rangatahi into Rural Health Careers

Hauora Taiwhenua recently wrapped up the Gisborne leg of its Rural Health Careers Promotion Programme (8–12 September), with a team of passionate tertiary health students visiting local schools, practices, and community spaces to inspire rangatahi into health careers.

Delivered in partnership with Students of Rural Health Aotearoa (SoRHA), the programme connects rural high school students with young role models studying medicine, nursing, midwifery, allied health, and other disciplines. Supported by Primary Health Organisations, the initiative creates a unique space for rangatahi to explore their options and see a future for themselves in health — and, importantly, in serving their own communities.

Sasha Rodenko, Gisborne Tour Leader, said the experience highlighted both the potential and the determination of students in smaller, often overlooked communities.

“Although the schools we visited had only a small population of students, many were invested in learning more about our disciplines — from medical imaging and psychology to optometry and occupational therapy. What stood out most was their eagerness to step outside their comfort zones, try hands-on activities, and their strong desire to return home one day to serve their communities. Their passion reminded us of our own ‘why’ for choosing rural health.”

The group was warmly welcomed into Ngata Memorial College and Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School with waiata and traditional greetings. “It was a privilege,” Sasha reflected, noting how the volunteers’ response, led in te reo by fellow student Micaiah (Ngāti Porou), created a moment of mutual respect and connection.

The school visits also opened space for deep, real-world conversations about health inequities. Students spoke openly about conditions affecting their communities, including keratoconus — a relatively rare condition but one more prevalent among Māori.

“As an optometry student, hearing their lived experiences of keratoconus resonated with what I’d learnt at university, but with a rural lens,” Sasha explained. “It made the teaching more meaningful for them, and for me as well.”

The Gisborne tour also included visits to local health providers such as Mātai Medical Research Institute, which sparked enthusiasm among volunteers and highlighted the breadth of career opportunities available in rural settings.

As Hauora Taiwhenua continues rolling out its 2025 school visits, the Gisborne tour has shown the power of connection, storytelling, and shared purpose in growing the next generation of rural health professionals.