Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

20/02/2026

We are proud to welcome Professor Kura Paul-Burke as a keynote speaker at the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference.

A respected Māori health leader, Prof Paul-Burke brings a vital lens on equity, leadership, and Indigenous health futures.

Register now: https://zurl.co/TNG4u

19/02/2026

Rural WONCA 2026 | Pre-Conference Webinar

Tuesday 27 January 2026 | 6:00pm NZDT

Join us for the second webinar in our WONCA Rural 2026 Pre-Conference Series, exploring how interprofessional education, leadership development, and community partnership can strengthen recruitment, training, and retention of the rural health workforce.

We are thrilled to welcome an outstanding panel of international rural health leaders who bring deep expertise, practical insight, and a shared commitment to strengthening rural workforce pathways. This webinar will feature perspectives grounded in real-world experience and global collaboration.

Speakers:
• Dr Jane George
• Dr David Schmidt
• Dr Christie Rodda
• Prof Ian Couper

Register now: https://zurl.co/TNZRw

18/02/2026

Experience the South Island after Rural WONCA 2026 🏔️

From Golden Bay and Kaikōura’s rugged coastline to alpine passes, West Coast communities, glaciers, Wānaka and Queenstown, this South Island tour pairs breathtaking landscapes with real conversations about rural healthcare delivery. Meet clinicians serving remote coastal towns, alpine villages and fast-growing rural regions, and experience the resilience that defines healthcare in the south.

End your Rural WONCA journey with unforgettable scenery and shared experience.

Explore the tour details: https://zurl.co/v1LUX

18/02/2026

Discover the North Island beyond Rural WONCA 2026 🌿

From the vineyards of Martinborough and the manaakitanga of Hurunui-o-rangi Marae, to geothermal Rotorua, the Coromandel coast, and a farewell atop Auckland’s Sky Tower, this North Island journey blends culture, landscape and rural healthcare insight. Along the way, connect with clinicians serving farming, coastal and iwi communities, and experience the places that shape rural life in Aotearoa.

Extend your conference experience and explore the heart of the North.

Explore the tour details: https://zurl.co/v1LUX

17/02/2026

At Kaikōura Health (Te Hā o Te Ora), teamwork is at the heart of everything. Staff adapt, support one another, and collaborate seamlessly with allied health colleagues to ensure the best care for patients, both in the hospital and the community.

Watch full video: https://zurl.co/c0omG

17/02/2026

Discover Aotearoa Beyond the Conference
Extend your RuralWONCA26 experience with our Post-Conference Tours — designed to immerse you in the landscapes, culture, and communities that define rural Aotearoa. From coastal journeys to alpine explorations, each tour offers a deeper connection to the whenua and the people who call it home.

Whether you're seeking adventure, reflection, or a taste of New Zealand’s rural life, these guided experiences are the perfect way to round out your time in Aotearoa.

Explore the full range of tours: https://zurl.co/v1LUX

16/02/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Professor David McCormack as a keynote speaker for the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference.

Prof McCormack offers deep insight into rural health policy, systems leadership, and workforce sustainability.

Register now: https://zurl.co/rHZPZ

13/02/2026

We’re honoured to welcome Professor Dee Mangin as a keynote speaker for the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference.

A global leader in primary care, Prof Mangin brings bold thinking on equity, evidence, and better health systems.

Register now: https://zurl.co/VvNnD

12/02/2026

In the media | The Golden Key Project

Our Board Member, Rural Communities Chapter member, and Mobile Health Group CEO, Mark Eager, spoke with RNZ’s Checkpoint about innovative solutions to rural doctor shortages - including the recently launched Golden Key Project – Te Korowai o te Hapori.

With significant workforce gaps facing rural communities, the conversation explored how connection, community, and creative thinking may be just as important as recruitment strategies. At the heart of Golden Key is a simple idea: people are more likely to stay when they feel genuinely welcomed and connected to place.

Listen to the full interview here: https://zurl.co/7ungL

Click here for more information on the Golden Key Project: https://zurl.co/9Ykp2

There's a shortfall of at least 130 rural GPs nationwide.

12/02/2026

Mobile Health group chief executive Mark Eager wants a matchmaking app to help doctors in rural communities find love.

12/02/2026

Today is your last chance to register with Earlybird rates for Rural WONCA 2026!

Earlybird Registration closes today!

Join us in Wellington, New Zealand in April 2026, where rural health meets the world.

Register now: https://zurl.co/ejsP1

11/02/2026

Rural WONCA FLIGHT Grant & Rural Ambassador Program
Medical students and young family doctors passionate about rural health can gain hands-on experience in a rural clinic, critically evaluating real-world health service models.

- USD $1,000 to support travel and accommodation
- Minimum 5-day placement (flexible duration) in a pre-approved rural clinic, completed ahead of the Rural WONCA Conference or Global Rural Health Summit
- Placements available at Hauora Hokianga and Kaikōura Health

The program develops emerging rural health leaders, encourages knowledge sharing, and builds critical understanding of rural health systems - with recipients presenting their learnings at the conference or summit.

Click for the full information, and how to register: https://zurl.co/YamZz