Govt ministers in Kaitāia to hear community health needs as part of rural roadshow

Matt Doocey, Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health, will be in Kaitāia. Photo / NZME

As part of a nationwide rural health roadshow, aimed at listening to communities and improving access to health and mental health services, two ministers will be in Kaitāia today.

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey, and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson will be at the Te Ahu (Little Theatre Room), corner of Mathews Ave and South Rd (SH1) Kaitāia, the next stop on the rural health roadshow happening across the country.

Doocey said the roadshow was about listening to rural communities.

“It’s a chance for me to connect directly with the public and health professionals working on the frontline in rural areas to hear what’s working, where the gaps are, and how the Rural Health Strategy is being received on the ground.”

Since launching the roadshow in Levin, the minister has met with rural communities in Wairoa, Wānaka, Oamaru, Gore, Hanmer Springs and Tūrangi.

Patterson said he looked forward to hearing stories and experiences from Kaitāia residents.

“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.”

The roadshow builds on the Government’s broader plan to strengthen rural healthcare.

Budget 2025 committed $164 million over four years to improve access to urgent and after-hours care, meaning 98% of Kiwis will be able to access these services within one hour’s drive of their home.

“Milestones like the first total knee replacement surgery completed in Kaitāia in May this year represented a major step forward in expanding advanced surgical care closer to home,” Doocey said.

“Mental health support is a key focus for this Government. A recent $3m investment over four years will expand access to primary and specialist mental health services in rural areas. The Rural Wellbeing Fund is also being doubled to $4m, ensuring more communities receive the support they need.

“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality healthcare and this Government is committed to improving health and mental health outcomes, including for the one in five living in our rural communities.

“The level of engagement we’ve seen at each stop has been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to hearing directly from the Kaitāia community today on how we can keep strengthening rural healthcare together.”