Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey, has announced he will visit 12 rural locations across the country as part of a Rural Health Roadshow, starting this week in Levin.
“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health and mental health outcomes, particularly for the one in five living in our rural communities,” Mr Doocey says.
“The Rural Health Strategy was published in 2023 and sets the direction for improving the health of people who live in rural communities. The rural health road show is an opportunity for me to hear from the public and those working in rural health about how well the strategy is being implemented.
“We know access to health care within rural communities, or being supported to access care when required, are key issues for rural communities. That’s why I want to hear from our rural communities who are accessing health care services directly about what’s working well and what’s not, I also want to hear from those who are working in rural health.”
The Rural Health Roadshow locations and dates are:
o Levin – 16 April
o Wairoa – 1 May
o Wānaka – 1 July
o Oamaru – 2 July
o Hanmer Springs – 7 July
o Gore – 8 July
o Tūrangi – 6 August
o Kaitaia – 7 August
o Hāwera – 23 September
o Te Kuiti – 24 September
o Greymouth – 30 September
o Thames – 1 October
To register, visit the Ministry of Health’s website.
