Backing Our Frontline Rural Health WorkforceHon Matt DooceyAssociate Minister of Health30 July 2026Rural communities across New Zealand will benefit from three new investments that will support the rural health workforce and help more people access care closer to home, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. That’s why we're backing rural clinicians with the training, support and workforce they need so people can access more care locally," Mr Doocey says. "When someone needs urgent care in a rural community, having a highly trained clinician nearby can make all the difference. "Strong rural health services rely on a strong workforce. We are backing the frontline so rural New Zealanders can access the care they need, without the unnecessary burden of long travel times.”