Research highlights struggle for good health outcomes in rural areas
According to Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network’s Rural Health New Zealand Snapshot 2024, those in rural areas have poorer health outcomes than those in urban areas.
Health Minister Andrew Little has done an about turn and agreed to having a separate, legally-binding rural health strategy in the Pae Ora Health Futures legislation, which comes into effect in July.
Initially, a special strategy for rural was in the bill - along with strategies for Maori, Pacifica, women and people with disabilities. However, rural was taken out by the Labour Party majority on the select committee.
This led to a chorus of criticism to Labour's health reforms and the fact that 'rural' was not seen as a priority.
Critics said the new structure that is supposed to deliver better health outcomes for NZ wouldn't do this for people who live in rural regions.
Chair of the Rural General Practice Network, Dr Fiona Bolden strongly criticised the omission of 'rural' saying it was outrageous and left 750,000 people enrolled in rural practices out in the wilderness. National's health spokesperson, Dr Shane Reti opposed the move, as did Act's Brooke van Velden who proposed an amendment to the bill calling for the rural health strategy to be reinstated in the bill.
Little has now effectively rejected his own party's recommendations from the select committee and is now claiming Labour's 'rural caucus' convinced him to change his mind.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.