Rural Health Roadshow Reaches Wānaka: Ministers Hear Community Concerns

Wānaka is the latest stop in New Zealand’s national rural health roadshow, a community-focused initiative led by Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson. With Wānaka expected to host the largest turnout of the tour so far, the event represents a critical opportunity for government officials to engage directly with healthcare professionals and residents about the state of rural health services.

A Listening Tour with Impact

The rural health roadshow, which previously stopped in Levin and Wairoa, aims to foster face-to-face dialogue with rural communities. The objective is not only to gather feedback but to measure the effectiveness of the Rural Health Strategy, a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to equitable health services across New Zealand.

“The roadshow is an opportunity to hear direct feedback from the public and those working in rural health,” said Mr Doocey, who also holds the Mental Health portfolio. “It’s also a great opportunity to assess how well the Rural Health Strategy is being implemented.”

Mark Patterson echoed this sentiment, stating:

“It’s important we understand both the challenges and the opportunities so we can work together to improve access and outcomes in the rural setting.”

Community Engagement and Shared Concerns

Wānaka’s event is drawing a broad range of stakeholders, including local clinicians, district health providers, Māori health advocates, and everyday residents. Concerns that have surfaced across earlier roadshow stops—such as doctor shortages, long travel times for treatment, limited mental health resources, and digital connectivity—are anticipated to dominate discussions here as well.

The roadshow comes on the heels of New Zealand’s Fieldays agricultural expo, where Mr Doocey reported hearing widespread concerns about healthcare access from rural attendees. These engagements have further validated the need for direct ministerial outreach to understand localized health challenges.

Government Investments Backing the Strategy

In conjunction with the roadshow, the Government has unveiled a number of key investments targeting rural health improvements:

• $164 million over four years earmarked in Budget 2025 to expand urgent and after-hours healthcare. This initiative is projected to bring 98% of Kiwis within one hour’s drive of such services.

• Expansion of 24/7 digital primary care access, aimed at reducing wait times and geographic barriers.

• Increased investment in medical workforce training, including programs to bring more doctors and nurses into primary care roles across rural New Zealand.

In response to rising mental health needs in rural areas, Mr Doocey also announced:

• A $3 million mental health investment over four years, intended to fund community-level support services.

• The doubling of the Rural Wellbeing Fund to $4 million, reinforcing local initiatives focused on psychological health, resilience, and outreach.

“This Government is committed to improving and increasing access to support in rural and remote communities,” Mr Doocey emphasized.

Community-Centric Policy Making

What sets the rural health roadshow apart is its hands-on, consultative approach. Rather than relying solely on reports or secondhand assessments, the ministers are meeting with New Zealanders on the ground—listening to frontline workers, community advocates, and patients themselves.

This approach ensures that future health policy is shaped by real experiences, not just statistics. It also strengthens trust and transparency between government and the communities it serves.

Looking Ahead

The insights gained from Wānaka and future roadshow stops will feed into ongoing refinements of the Rural Health Strategy. Ministers Doocey and Patterson are expected to continue touring regions throughout the winter, gathering feedback to ensure that healthcare access for rural and remote populations improves measurably.

The rural health roadshow is a timely and practical step toward building a health system that works for all New Zealanders—regardless of postcode. With financial investment now paired with grassroots engagement, the government’s rural health strategy is beginning to take tangible form. Communities like Wānaka are helping to shape that future—one conversation at a time.