Govt Awards Scholarships to 27 Healthcare Students to Boost Rural Health Workforce

"All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality healthcare, and this government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five Kiwis living in rural areas," said Mr. Doocey.

Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey has announced a positive step forward in addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities, with scholarships awarded to 27 healthcare students.

"All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality healthcare, and this government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five Kiwis living in rural areas," said Mr. Doocey.

Increasing and retaining the health workforce remains a key priority for the government. The scholarships, announced by Rural Women New Zealand, range from $2,500 to $5,000, helping students from rural backgrounds continue their studies in fields such as medicine, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, pharmacy, Māori nursing, and applied counselling.

“We know that access to healthcare in rural communities—or support to reach care when needed—is a critical issue. To improve rural health outcomes, we must invest in growing the rural health workforce,” Mr. Doocey explained.

The scholarships, funded by a $90,000 investment from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, aim to address this need. Mr. Doocey congratulated the 27 students and expressed his hopes for their long and fulfilling careers in healthcare.

These scholarships are seen as a crucial step in ensuring that rural communities have the healthcare support they need, both now and in the future.