The Government says residents of the Coromandel will see the benefits of a new approach to rural healthcare, with the peninsula confirmed as one of six pilot locations to complete the first phase of strengthened urgent and after-hours care services.
The Coromandel pilot is part of a wider rollout across Golden Bay, Tūrangi, Twizel, Te Kūiti and Great Barrier Island, aimed at delivering healthcare closer to home for rural and remote communities.
Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said today that access to timely healthcare remains one of the biggest challenges for rural New Zealanders, with the new model designed to reduce long travel times and pressure on hospitals.
“Access to healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for people in rural and remote areas. Our Government is committed to ensuring New Zealanders can get the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they live,” Mr Doocey said.
Faster care closer to home
Budget 2025 includes a $164 million investment to strengthen urgent and after-hours care nationwide, with the goal that 98 per cent of New Zealanders can access these services within a one-hour drive of home.
In the Coromandel, the pilot has helped shape how rural health services will be delivered across up to 70 locations nationwide, using locally led solutions tailored to community needs.
Key improvements introduced at pilot sites include:
- Point-of-care blood testing, allowing clinicians to run essential tests on site without sending samples away or transferring patients to hospital.
- Point-of-care ultrasound, with rural clinicians trained to use the technology to support faster diagnosis and decision-making.
- Improved access to after-hours medicines through new pharmacy and telehealth arrangements.
- Expanded ambulance and paramedic support, easing pressure on small rural practices and improving urgent care capacity.
Mr Doocey said the early results show how locally designed services can make a real difference for rural communities.
“People in rural areas often travel long distances for care and rely on small teams covering large regions. Already, this first phase is delivering faster care, better access to treatment, and stronger links between rural health services.”
More upgrades on the way
An additional 30 rural locations are set to receive upgraded services this year, including further expansion of point-of-care testing, ultrasound capability, improved access to medicines, and integrated paramedic support.
The rollout also builds on wider efforts to strengthen the rural health workforce, including new rural training hubs and the establishment of a new medical school at the University of Waikato.
“The results from the first six sites show what’s possible when rural providers are supported to design solutions that work for their communities,” Mr Doocey said. “The momentum from this first phase will help strengthen urgent and after-hours care for years to come.”
