Rural Health Roadshow Hits Ōamaru as Govt Expands Access to Care

The roadshow aims to ensure rural voices are heard and reflected in the Government’s implementation of the Rural Health Strategy.

Associate Minister of Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey is continuing his national rural health roadshow, arriving in Ōamaru today to engage with local residents, health workers, and community leaders on the challenges and opportunities in rural healthcare delivery. The roadshow aims to ensure rural voices are heard and reflected in the Government’s implementation of the Rural Health Strategy.

This visit follows earlier stops in Levin, Wairoa, and Wānaka, where Minister Doocey has met with health practitioners, farmers, local officials, and everyday New Zealanders to gather firsthand feedback on the state of rural health services.

“The rural health roadshow is an opportunity for me to hear direct feedback from the public and those who are working in rural health about what’s working well and where the barriers may be,” said Mr Doocey. “It’s also a great opportunity to assess how well the Rural Health Strategy is being implemented.”

Addressing Long-Standing Gaps in Rural Healthcare

New Zealand’s rural and remote communities — home to around 20% of the population — have historically faced limited access to healthcare, with barriers such as distance, provider shortages, and after-hours service gaps contributing to poorer outcomes compared to urban areas.

In response, the Government is rolling out several initiatives as part of a wider health reform strategy, many of which are being highlighted and discussed during the roadshow.

Budget 2025: Major Investment in Urgent and After-Hours Care

A central highlight of the Government’s rural health push is a $164 million investment over the next four years to bolster urgent and after-hours medical services. This funding will help ensure that 98% of New Zealanders — including those in rural areas — can reach urgent care services within one hour’s drive from their home.

This investment is intended to decompress emergency departments, extend rural medical centre hours, and support mobile and telehealth units in under-served areas.

More Doctors, Nurses, and 24/7 Digital Access

Minister Doocey also pointed to progress being made in primary care delivery. Measures include:

• Expanding medical training opportunities, particularly for rural general practice.

• Growing the number of nurses working in primary healthcare settings.

• Improving access to 24/7 digital consultations, allowing rural residents to speak with qualified health professionals regardless of location or time of day.

“We are ensuring our hardworking rural Kiwis have options — whether that’s visiting a clinic or accessing digital health services at any hour,” said Doocey.

Boosting Mental Health Support in the Heartland

Recognising that mental health is a growing concern in rural areas, especially among the farming population, the Government has earmarked:

• $3 million over four years to enhance access to both primary and specialised mental health services in rural areas.

• A doubling of the Rural Wellbeing Fund, taking the investment to $4 million over the next four years. This fund supports community-led mental health and resilience initiatives tailored for rural populations.

“At Fieldays, farmers told me clearly that access to health — especially mental health — is one of their top concerns. We are listening and responding with tangible support,” said Doocey.

Continued Dialogue and Community Engagement

The rural health roadshow is not just about announcements — it’s about building trust, receiving direct feedback, and creating ongoing dialogue with rural communities.

“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care,” Doocey stated. “This roadshow is part of the Government’s commitment to listening and learning from rural communities to improve both physical and mental health services.”

He added that the engagement so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and more stops are planned as the Government continues to collect insights that will inform policy development, funding priorities, and implementation of rural health reforms.

Looking Forward

The roadshow is set to continue across other parts of New Zealand, reinforcing the Government’s view that rural healthcare solutions must be grounded in local voices and needs.

As Minister Doocey visits Ōamaru today, the focus will remain on identifying barriers to care, celebrating local innovations, and ensuring every rural Kiwi has access to the health services they need and deserve — no matter where they live.