21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference, 10-13 April 2026: Read More – WONCA 2026 | Home
75 plus members of the rural communities of Horowhenua, Tararua, Kapiti and Manawatu joined Minister Doocey in Levin for a korero on the rural health and wellbeing.
This community event is the first of 12 events in rural communities across the motu. The Rural Road Show is aimed at health workers, rural health advocates, local community leaders and members of the public. It is an opportunity to reflect on progress against the Rural Health Strategy and identify areas where further improvements to implementation can be made.
The event, starting at 12noon, opened with a welcome from Hauora Taiwhenua’s Chief Executive, Dr Grant Davidson. Dr Davidson said “We were delighted when just a few months ago Minister Doocey agreed to do a rural tour. To turn this commitment into reality in a short space of time shows the commitment that the Minister has towards getting it right for rural.”
Minister Doocey took the floor first presenting on the purpose of the roadshow and the Government’s priorities. He acknowledged the challenges faced daily by those living and working rurally and championed working together for solutions and action.
Members of the communities then heard from Ministry representatives Helen MacGregor, Chief Clinical Advisor, and Deborah Davies, Group Manager Regional System Integration – Planning, Funding and Outcomes, Central Region.
Following the formal presentations Dr Davidson opened the floor to questions for the Minister and his team. It was a unique opportunity for community to be able to share time with the Minister in a relaxed way, sharing lunch afterwards and further having time to connect, network with colleagues and post feedback and thoughts.
The Ministers team will report back to communities in due course, and we look forward to hosting the road show around the country.
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced today he will be coming to 12 rural locations across the country on a Rural Health Roadshow, starting this week in Levin.
“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health and mental health outcomes, particularly for the one in five living in our rural communities,” Mr Doocey says.
“The Rural Health Strategy was published in 2023 and sets the direction for improving the health of people who live in rural communities. The rural health road show is an opportunity for me to hear from the public and those working in rural health about how well the strategy is being implemented.
“We know access to health care within rural communities, or being supported to access care when required, are key issues for rural communities. That’s why I want to hear from our rural communities who are accessing health care services directly about what’s working well and what’s not, I also want to hear from those who are working in rural health.”
Some initiatives are already in train. Late last year, the Government provided accreditation to Te Tai o Poutini West Coast to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine Training and awarded scholarships to 27 health care students to boost the future rural health workforce.
The Government is also improving access to primary care including access to 24/7 digital care, training more new doctors and investing to increase the number of nurses in primary care. Primary care providers will receive up to $20,000 per nurse employed in rural areas.
“We are prioritising rural communities as part of Health New Zealand’s roll out of Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction Services. It’s about bringing mental health and addiction support in over 400 general practices across the country,” Mr Doocey says.
“Early feedback I have received so far from rural health agencies is that they are keen to be involved in the roadshow, and they appreciate the opportunity for the voices of rural communities to be heard.
Note for editors:
Join your local community roadshow event to ensure your voice is heard. To register, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website
Rural Health Roadshow locations and dates:
