Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

"What does it look like when a Nurse Practitioner can truly work to their full scope?"

For Australian NP Michelle Woods, the answer was found in rural New Zealand.

After more than 20 years practising across the United States, Australia and New Zealand, Michelle says working in New Zealand allowed her to experience a level of autonomy, integration and collaboration that ultimately "filled her cup" and reminded her why she became a Nurse Practitioner.

From practising to full scope and managing complete episodes of care, to becoming part of a rural community and multidisciplinary team, Michelle's story highlights the opportunities available for Nurse Practitioners considering a move across the Tasman.

Read Michelle's story here: https://zurl.co/XmUjB

As the dust settles on Fieldays 2026 and we have a moment to reflect, we want to say thank you.

Over four incredible days, the Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub welcomed thousands of visitors through its doors for health checks, wellbeing advice, conversations, challenges, and plenty of laughs along the way.

A huge thank you to our future rural health workforce – the Waikato University nursing students, supported by Leanne Ryan, University of Waikato Bachelor of Nursing Programme Coordinator; the University of Auckland Rural Medical Immersion Programme (RMIP) students, supported by Dr Dinesha Kumarawansa and Dr Alex Macleod; and our SoRHA medical students who joined us on Saturday. Your enthusiasm, professionalism, and willingness to engage with Fieldays visitors helped make the Hub a welcoming and valuable experience.

We are also grateful to Helen MacGregor, Dr Becks Doran, Dr Sarah Clarke, Colin Hannah, and the Rural Support Trust team for generously sharing your expertise, supporting health checks, and helping connect visitors with the advice and support they needed throughout the event.

A huge thanks to Mobile Health Group, whose incredible work brings the Health Hub to life. From planning and logistics through to delivery on the ground, their team works tirelessly behind the scenes to create a space where rural New Zealanders can access free health checks, wellbeing advice, and important health conversations. We simply couldn't do it without them.

We also extend our thanks to the Fieldays team for providing a platform to connect with rural New Zealand at one of the country's most iconic events.

Together, we had hundreds of meaningful conversations, encouraged people to take positive steps for their health, and reinforced the importance of accessible healthcare for rural communities.

Until next year, thank you for helping make Fieldays 2026 such a success.

Last week, Hauora Taiwhenua Chief Executive Dr Grant Davidson was at the launch of the new regional medical training model for Waikato medical students, which will see clinical placements delivered across rural and regional Aotearoa from 2029.

Grant was also interviewed by 1News on the significance of the initiative and what it means for strengthening the rural health workforce pipeline.

The model represents an important shift in how and where future doctors are trained — bringing learning closer to the communities they will go on to serve.

Watch the 1News story and interview here: https://zurl.co/UJHOX

Book Spotlight: Kiwi Health Heroes

We often hear about Kiwi innovation—but how often do we stop and think about its impact on healthcare?

From disposable syringes to medical imaging breakthroughs and search-and-rescue advances, New Zealanders have quietly shaped health systems around the world.

Kiwi Health Heroes brings these stories to life.

💬 Which NZ health innovation do you think more people should know about?

📚 Explore this title in our Rural Health Resources collection.

🎥 **Girls’ Flight Out | A journey for life-saving care**

What does access to healthcare look like when your nearest screening service is 870km away?

*Girls’ Flight Out* is a 28-minute documentary following wāhine from the Chatham Islands as they travel every two years to Canterbury for breast screening — a journey that is practical, emotional, and deeply human.

The film moves between humour, connection, and the realities of rural health access, showing the strength of community and the determination behind staying well.

The film will premiere as part of **Doc Edge 2026 – Shorts: Steps of Courage**.

It’s a powerful reminder that rural health access is not just about services — it’s about the journeys people make to reach them.

More info: https://zurl.co/czRUc

Fieldays 2026 | Rural Health Political Panel

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at the Hauora Taiwhenua Health Hub for our panel discussion on Ensuring Rural Communities get Great Health Outcomes.

A special thank you to Steve Abel, Hon Matt Doocey, Daniel Eb, and Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall, for sharing their perspectives and engaging in a constructive kōrero about how we can achieve better health outcomes for rural New Zealanders.

Unfortunately, Hon Mark Patterson was unable to join us on the day, but we appreciate his willingness to be involved.

Rural communities deserve equitable access to healthcare, a sustainable workforce, and services designed around local needs. Conversations like these are an important step in keeping rural voices at the centre of national decision-making.

For those that missed the session or want to watch it back? The wonderful team at Mobile Health Group were on hand to record the session. View the recording here: https://zurl.co/EbaiK

What do you think should be the top priority for improving rural health outcomes in Aotearoa?

We’re live at Fieldays 2026!

In partnership with Mobile Health Group, the Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub is open and ready to provide free health checks, practical wellbeing advice, and a chance to connect with our team.

We’ve got three action-packed days ahead at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event, and we can’t wait to meet you.

If you're at Mystery Creek, come and say hello!

Funding is still available for the current round of the Peer Support Training Grant.

Careerforce is offering a free Peer Support apprenticeship programme for people already using their lived experience to support others in their communities.

Participants can gain a nationally recognised qualification at no cost, while continuing to work in their existing role and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

This programme is funded through a grant from Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, with zero enrolment fees for eligible participants. Applications close at the end of June 2026.

Find out more here: https://zurl.co/jzjnz

Just 1 Day to go until Fieldays kicks off in Hamilton!

GM Advocacy Marie Daly, Clinical Director Becks Doran and Operations Manager Robyn Fell will be down at the Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub, along with a number of our Student Volunteers.

It's the perfect opportunity to get your annual health and wellbeing WOF done.

A big thank you to Mobile Health Group for all their support!