Member Spotlight: Fiona Chamberlain

I am a Registered Nurse and live in Ōmārama, a small rural town in the South Island with a population of roughly 300. My nursing career spans more than thirty years, covering secondary, primary and aged care sectors, Māori health, management and governance, serving for twelve years as an elected member of the Wairarapa District Health Board. After some time away from frontline nursing, I have returned and am now working as a practice nurse while also pursuing postgraduate study. I work at Kurow Medical Centre, where our team provides care in Kurow, Twizel, and the Omarama Community Centre. This experience has truly reignited my passion for primary care.

I recently joined Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network and did so recognising how the network strengthens the collective voice of rural health professionals. I like how the network provides a platform to support study, research, and advocacy. It also gives me the chance to stay connected to the broader policy, funding, and strategic perspectives specific to rural primary care. I feel like it’s an exciting time to be working in rural health, and it is energising to be associated with a group actively driving positive change, innovation, and equity for rural health after years of it being overlooked.

My partner is a glider pilot and instructor – yes that’s a plane with no engine – and much of our leisure time is spent soaring in the mountains, enjoying overnight boating trips on Lake Benmore, fishing and enjoying the vast scenery. We have windy, hot dry summers and the winters are beautiful (and cold) so we like to spread our wings with trips away to somewhere warm when we can. Two of my children are nurses – one living and working in Brisbane whilst completing her master’s in palliative care, and another a new graduate about to start in a NETP position at Te Wao Nui, the children’s hospital in Wellington. I must admit I am so stoked they chose this awesome profession.

Rural healthcare certainly brings with it a unique set of challenges, and the work here can sometimes feel isolating (Twizel is two hours by road to the nearest hospital). With mountains, lakes, and the Alps to Ocean cycle trail, our practice cares for both locals and plenty of travellers from here and abroad so we get exposure to a variety of presentations and learn a lot. But we work collaboratively with our colleagues in secondary care—who are just a phone call away for support and advice. I have great support from our GP/RN employer, and they are super encouraging of nursing and professional development.

I author a regular article for our practice, “Wellness Matters,” which is published in the Twizel Update, Ōmārama Gazette, Kurow Bugle, and Duntroon Digger. Through these articles, our team can connect more closely with the community, sharing timely health promotion information—often tailored to the season or current health concerns—to help people stay informed and proactive about their wellbeing.

If you do head through Ōmārama – rather than just passing by, be sure to stop and take a closer look and check out the Clay Cliffs, lakes, mountains, cycle trail, eateries and glorious hot tubs.