Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

03/06/2026

Whilst enjoying a day out in the Wairapapa our Rural WONCA attendees leapt to assist an injured pedestrian providing medical support whilst an ambulance arrived.

As rural health practitioners that’s just a normal day. Never off-duty because they love their job. As rural practitioners, they often find themselves working 7 days a week and giving their all to their communities.

Being able to attend a conference such as Rural WONCA 2026 gives our rural practitioners “guilt-free” time with a profound cause. To recharge, reconnect and share and learn.

It was a joy to host you all in Te Whanganui a Tara at the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference.

02/06/2026

Hauora Taiwhenua is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr Martin Hudson.

Martin was a highly respected rural doctor who dedicated his career to caring for his community in Motueka and the wider region. He touched the lives of countless patients, colleagues, friends, and whānau through his compassion, professionalism, and commitment to rural healthcare.

Our thoughts are with Martin's family, friends, colleagues at Greenwood Health, and the Motueka community during this difficult time.

Please see Greenwood Health's post below for further information.

It is with immense sadness that Greenwood Health is sharing the news that Dr Martin Hudson died unexpectedly on May 28th.

Martin was finishing his regular sea swim at Kaiteriteri Beach when he suddenly collapsed. Sadly, attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

It gives his family and close friends much solace that Martin was out there doing what he most loved when this occurred.

Martin was a very much loved and respected doctor, friend and colleague and we will miss him dearly.

A commemoration event will be held, the details of which will be shared in the Practice and on the GH website. We are also setting up a memorial website for friends and family to share their contributions.

28/05/2026

Clutha Health First: A Community-Owned Healthcare Success Story

In the heart of the Clutha District, Clutha Health First – Hauora Tahi Ki Iwikatea stands as a powerful example of what communities can achieve when they come together to protect and shape their own healthcare future.

Born from the loss of hospital services in the 1990s, the community responded with determination—creating a bold, innovative model that brought healthcare back under one roof.

Today, Clutha Health First delivers fully integrated care for around 20,000 residents, including general practice, maternity, inpatient services, urgent care, diagnostics, and specialist clinics—all locally based to reduce travel and improve continuity of care.

It also continues to lead innovation in rural health, from the Mobile Surgical Bus to digital health systems and simulation-based training, ensuring rural communities receive high-quality, modern care.

At its core, this is a story of community ownership, resilience, and pride—showing what’s possible when rural communities refuse to let essential services disappear.

Read the full story: https://zurl.co/bc8e1

28/05/2026

There’s something poetic about gathering at Tākina while Wellington delivered everything it’s famous for — sunshine, raging southerlies, torrential rain, calm moments, and bursts of energy in between.

Congratulations to Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre on the release of this beautiful new video, capturing the meaning behind Tākina — to encounter, engage, connect, and create new knowledge together.

Over four unforgettable days at Rural WONCA 2026, we saw exactly that brought to life.

From hongi between colleagues and friends, to shared laughter, dance, workshops, embraces, and conversations across cultures — people arrived from every corner of Aotearoa and across the globe, bringing their own stories, worldviews, and lived experiences to Wellington.

And just like the winds described in the kōrero behind Tākina, those ideas and connections will continue travelling far beyond these walls — across the motu and around the world.

No matter what the weather brought outside, the warmth, manaakitanga, and exchange of knowledge inside remained constant.

https://zurl.co/cpE19

26/05/2026

Peer Support Training Grant: Funding still available for the current funding round

Careerforce is offering a free Peer Support apprenticeship programme specifically designed for individuals who are already in roles where their lived experience is helping others.

This programme allows participants to turn their valuable lived experience into a nationally recognised qualification at no cost. By earning a Peer Support qualification, they’ll not only gain new skills but also continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, all while staying in their current role.

Careerforce is offering this programme with zero enrolment fees via a grant funded by Health NZ Te Whatu Ora. Applications for this funding round of the Peer Support Training Grant close at the end of June 2026.

More information is available here: (https://zurl.co/aDDbN)

24/05/2026

Supporting Rural Men’s Wellbeing on the Ground

Hauora Taiwhenua member Samantha McBride is delivering practical, peer-led wellbeing support to rural men across the South Island through her GrowUSwell programme—backed by the Rural Wellbeing Fund.

Delivered in workplaces and communities, the programme focuses on real-life pressures like stress, sleep, and isolation, using simple tools and a strong peer approach that builds trust, connection, and open conversation.

Early impact is already clear, with men reporting healthier habits, stronger connections, and real changes in how they support each other.

Read more: https://zurl.co/YbbQh

20/05/2026

What a day at RuralFest 2026.

Today, rural leaders, clinicians, policymakers, community organisations, and advocates came together at Parliament to share ideas, challenge thinking, and keep rural health firmly on the national agenda.

From workforce and access challenges through to innovation, equity, and community-led solutions, the conversations throughout the day reflected both the realities facing rural communities and the determination to create positive change.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, supported, and helped make the day such a success. Together, we continue advocating for healthy and thriving rural communities across Aotearoa.

19/05/2026

RuralFest 2026 is underway today at Parliament, bringing together rural leaders, health professionals, policymakers, community advocates, and organisations from across Aotearoa.

Hosted by our Rural Communities Chapter, the day is an opportunity to elevate rural voices, strengthen connections, and continue important conversations around equitable healthcare, workforce sustainability, and thriving rural communities.

We’re looking forward to a day of kōrero, collaboration, and advocacy at the heart of government.

19/05/2026

Our Chapters thrive on collective wisdom. Don't just watch from the sidelines, join our whānau, share your journey and let's shape the future of rural health side-by-side. Become a member today at https://zurl.co/2q81k

Check out these photos of some of our Chapter Chairs at Strategy Day, mapping out their Chapter workplans for the coming year.

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19/05/2026

We’re proud to share that Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network has been named a finalist in the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards for the FMG Rural Champion Award — a national recognition of the growing impact of our work alongside rural communities and the primary sector.

This nomination shines a light on the collective effort behind strengthening farmer wellbeing and rural health outcomes across Aotearoa. From the Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub at Fieldays, to national advocacy through the Rural Health Snapshot and RuralFest at Parliament, this recognition reflects the commitment of our members, partners, volunteers, and rural health workforce working every day to reduce inequities and support thriving rural communities.

As an organisation, we don’t take this recognition lightly — it belongs to everyone working across rural health to ensure no community is left behind.

Read the feature, on Page 70, here: https://zurl.co/eamX7