Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network This is the official page for Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network is a collective organisation to advocate for the health and wellbeing of rural New Zealanders. Our history dates back 30 years to our beginning as the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network. Over that time, the Network has worked in partnership with other rural health groups including Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand, Rural Nurses New Zealand, New Zealand Rural Hospital Network and Students of Rural Health Aotearoa to advocate for a better future for rural health. In 2022, the Network and its partners decided to come together as one collective organisation to advocate with a united voice for rural health. Hauora Taiwhenua offers membership to both organisations and individuals with an interest in rural health. We represent the breadth of the rural health sector and rural communities through our nine chapters. Our Chapters are:

Rural General Practice
Rural Nurses New Zealand
Rural Hospitals
Rural Midwifery and Maternity
Rural Communities
Rural Health Research and Education
Whānau Whanui
Rural Scientific, Technical and Allied health
Students of Rural Health Aotearoa

Rural Realities: Dr Orna McGinn on the NZWIM Workforce SurveyConnection, purpose, and community remain at the heart of w...
16/11/2025

Rural Realities: Dr Orna McGinn on the NZWIM Workforce Survey

Connection, purpose, and community remain at the heart of what keeps doctors in medicine — even amid growing pressures on New Zealand’s health workforce.

As Chair of New Zealand Women in Medicine (NZWIM) and a rural GP on Waiheke Island, Dr Orna McGinn brings a grounded rural perspective to the latest NZWIM Workforce Survey — exploring what sustains doctors, what drives attrition, and how connection can strengthen workforce resilience.

“Connection keeps people healthy. That’s true for our patients, and it’s true for us as clinicians. If we can rebuild those connections — across systems, sectors, and communities — we’ll build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.”

Read the full story: https://zurl.co/0Y8oo

Final Call – Noho Marae Sign-ups Close Today!Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience Hauora Māori alongside fe...
13/11/2025

Final Call – Noho Marae Sign-ups Close Today!

Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience Hauora Māori alongside fellow students and rural health advocates. Immerse yourself in learning, connection, and culture — all fully funded.

Applications close 5pm today — get your form in now!

Apply now: https://zurl.co/IDQL3

Member Spotlight: Lisa deWolfeFrom rural Maine to Kaitaia, Physician Associate Lisa deWolfe has dedicated her career to ...
13/11/2025

Member Spotlight: Lisa deWolfe
From rural Maine to Kaitaia, Physician Associate Lisa deWolfe has dedicated her career to improving access to quality, whānau-centred healthcare. As a leader in the emerging Physician Associate profession, Lisa is helping shape the future of rural health in Aotearoa.

“All providers in healthcare need to work together to empower patients to seek the care they deserve and need.”

Read Lisa’s full story: https://zurl.co/geDVh

11/11/2025

What brings doctors from around the world to Kaitaia? It’s the hands-on experience, the close community, and the chance to make a real difference. Hear from international clinicians who now call the Far North home.

Watch the full story: https://zurl.co/PG6ES

Keynote Speaker Announcement: Professor Sir Collin TukuitongaWe are privileged to welcome Professor Sir Collin Tukuitong...
10/11/2025

Keynote Speaker Announcement: Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga

We are privileged to welcome Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, a distinguished Niuean Public Health Medicine Specialist and one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading voices in Pacific and global health, to RuralWONCA26.

Sir Collin currently serves as Associate Dean Pacific and Co-Director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – the Centre for Pacific and Global Health at the University of Auckland. His career spans decades of leadership in public health — from national policy and international development to advocacy for equity and wellbeing across the Pacific region.

With deep expertise and lived understanding of the challenges facing Pacific and rural communities, Sir Collin’s work continues to shape the future of public health in Aotearoa and beyond.

Join us in Wellington to hear his insights on equity, leadership, and reimagining health systems for all.

Learn more & register: https://zurl.co/YNYkx

Due to demand, we have excitingly extended our closing date for our applications for our Noho Marae at Harataunga Marae,...
10/11/2025

Due to demand, we have excitingly extended our closing date for our applications for our Noho Marae at Harataunga Marae, Kennedy Bay. The new closing date is this Friday 14th November. Deepen your understanding of Hauora Māori through a two-night immersive experience, including:

- Participate in interactive workshops
- Share your story and inspire rangatahi
- Korero with Māori health providers
- Immerse yourself in Tikanga Māori

This fully funded opportunity runs from 1-3 December 2025. A chance to learn, connect, and grow alongside others passionate about rural health and equity.

Apply now: https://zurl.co/IDQL3

For more information, contact emily.murrayragg@htrhn.org.nz

Stepping Outside the Box: Amy Devlin’s Nurse Practitioner JourneyWhen Raglan-based Nurse Practitioner Amy Devlin set out...
09/11/2025

Stepping Outside the Box: Amy Devlin’s Nurse Practitioner Journey

When Raglan-based Nurse Practitioner Amy Devlin set out to find a rural placement, she wasn’t looking for convenience — she was looking for challenge, connection, and growth.

That opportunity came on Great Barrier Island, where Amy spent two weeks alongside Nurse Practitioner Tania Kemp and her team at Aotea Health — learning first-hand what it means to deliver care in one of Aotearoa’s most remote communities.

“It’s a completely different way of working. The team there are amazing — they manage with what they have and keep their patients safe. It’s inspiring.”

Now back in Raglan as the town’s first Nurse Practitioner, Amy brings that same rural resilience and adaptability into her daily practice — helping shape the future of rural nursing and community care.

Read Amy’s full story: https://zurl.co/z48rB

Minister Doocey Wraps Up Rural Health Roadshow in WhakatāneWhakatāne marked the thirteenth and final stop on Minister Ma...
06/11/2025

Minister Doocey Wraps Up Rural Health Roadshow in Whakatāne

Whakatāne marked the thirteenth and final stop on Minister Matt Doocey’s Rural Health Roadshow, co-hosted by Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network.

Over the past several months, the Roadshow has travelled from Gore to Kaitaia, bringing together rural communities, clinicians, and advocates to share local experiences and help shape the Government’s approach to rural health and wellbeing.

“These roadshows have given me the invaluable chance to hear directly from rural communities and those working in rural health about what’s working well and where barriers remain,” — Minister Matt Doocey

The insights gathered are already leading to tangible outcomes — including a new initiative delivering free blood tests for nearly 24,000 residents in Te Anau and Wānaka.

Hauora Taiwhenua acknowledges the commitment of Minister Doocey, Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson, and every local host who helped ensure rural voices remain at the heart of national decision-making.

Read the full wrap-up: https://zurl.co/pNmXz

Keynote Speaker Announcement: Dr Viviana Martinez-BianchiWe are honoured to welcome Dr Viviana Martinez-Bianchi — Presid...
05/11/2025

Keynote Speaker Announcement: Dr Viviana Martinez-Bianchi

We are honoured to welcome Dr Viviana Martinez-Bianchi — President-Elect of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) to RuralWONCA26.

Based at Duke University as Associate Professor and Director for Health Equity, Dr Martinez-Bianchi is a family physician, educator, and advocate whose work has shaped equitable health policy and strengthened primary care worldwide.

From founding LATIN-19, the Latinx Advocacy Team and Interdisciplinary Network for COVID-19, to advising state and national leaders on vaccine equity and Medicaid access, Dr Martinez-Bianchi brings a deeply human, systems-level perspective to building fairer health futures for all.

Join us in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, as she shares her vision for equity, leadership, and the next era of global family medicine.

Learn more & register: https://zurl.co/5qyby

04/11/2025

We’ve created a series of short videos highlighting the unique strengths of Kaitaia Hospital - from the vibrant local community to the dedicated team delivering care in the Far North.

Fresh air, whānau connections, and a rural hospital that’s part of everyday life - Kaitaia is a great place to raise tamariki. From school visits to emergency care, the hospital is always close by, supporting kids and their families through every stage.

Full video: https://zurl.co/OMUOC

04/11/2025

Not sure if you’re protected against measles? Here’s how to check:

💻 Use the online tool
It guides you through what to look for based on your age and vaccination history. Find it here: info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles-immunity -if-you-are-immune-to-measles-12096

💻 Log into My Health Record via your My Health Account to view your immunisation records (available for most people vaccinated after 2005).

👩🏽‍⚕️ Ask your doctor, nurse, healthcare provider or hauora provider. They can check your records or advise if you should get vaccinated.

📱 Call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 (Mon–Fri 8:30am–9pm, weekends 8:30am–2pm) for support. Interpreters, Māori kaimahi or disability advisors are available.

✅ Other places you can check include your online patient portal (e.g. Manage My Health), your childhood health book such as your Plunket or WellChild Tamariki Ora book, calling your local lab as they might have records of measles immunity tests you've had in the past.

✈️ If you grew up overseas, contact your previous doctor or healthcare clinics to see if they have your immunisation records.

💙 No records? Not sure? It’s safe for most to get another dose of the MMR vaccine and it’s free for most people in NZ.

This Measles Immunisation Week (3–7 Nov), take action to protect yourself and your whānau.

Experience Hauora Māori with us!Deepen your understanding of Hauora Māori through a two-night immersive experience at Ha...
03/11/2025

Experience Hauora Māori with us!

Deepen your understanding of Hauora Māori through a two-night immersive experience at Harataunga Marae, Kennedy Bay.

- Participate in interactive workshops
- Share your story and inspire rangatahi
- Korero with Māori health providers
- Immerse yourself in Tikanga Māori

This fully funded opportunity runs from 1–3 December 2025. A chance to learn, connect, and grow alongside others passionate about rural health and equity.

Apply now: https://zurl.co/IDQL3

Applications close 10 November 2025

For more information, contact emily.murrayragg@htrhn.org.nz

Address

Level 2, 88 The Terrace
Wellington
6140

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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