Story by Mike Bain/cvnznews.com.
The first stage of a major programme to strengthen urgent and after‑hours healthcare in rural New Zealand has been completed, with upgraded services now operating in Golden Bay, Tūrangi, Twizel, Te Kūiti, Coromandel and Great Barrier Island. Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says the rollout marks an important milestone in delivering care closer to home for remote communities.
“Access to healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for people in rural and remote areas. Our Government is committed to ensuring New Zealanders can get the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they live,” Doocey said.
Budget 2025 allocated $164 million to expand urgent and after‑hours care nationwide, with the goal of ensuring 98 percent of New Zealanders can reach these services within an hour’s drive. The six pilot sites have helped shape a model that will eventually be extended to 70 rural locations.
Doocey says the early results show the value of locally led solutions. “People in rural areas often travel long distances for care and rely on small teams supporting large regions. Already, the first phase shows the difference locally led approaches can make, with faster care, better access to treatment, and stronger links between rural health services.”
Several improvements have already been introduced across the pilot communities. Point‑of‑care blood testing is now available at all six sites, allowing clinicians to run essential tests immediately rather than sending patients to hospital. Point‑of‑care ultrasound has also been rolled out, with 16 rural clinicians trained to use the equipment, helping reduce unnecessary transfers.
Access to after‑hours medicines has improved, with Tūrangi and Twizel now offering on‑call pharmacy support through telehealth and local pharmacists. Ambulance services have also been strengthened, including 24/7 coverage in Twizel over the holiday period, with further work underway with Hato Hone St John on long‑term options for the Mackenzie District.
Integrated workforce models are being expanded too, with Extended Care Paramedics now embedded in local teams in Golden Bay and Great Barrier Island, easing pressure on small practices.
An additional 30 rural locations will receive strengthened services this year, including expanded testing, ultrasound access, after‑hours medicine support and integrated paramedic care. The programme complements wider efforts to grow the rural health workforce, including new training hubs and the upcoming medical school at the University of Waikato.
