Rural Health National Clinical Network
Improving healthcare and outcomes for all those living in rural communities
Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
Rural communities experience specific health challenges. People living rurally can experience worse health outcomes and access to healthcare can be challenging. This is especially so for rural Māori and those living in remote communities. Rural communities are recognised as a priority population group for these reasons.
The Rural Health National Clinical Network is dedicated to addressing these challenges and improving the care and outcomes for all those living in rural communities. Together, we can make a significant positive impact on rural health across Aotearoa.
We aim to:
- develop national standards and models of care
- identify ways to eliminate variation in equity, service access, quality and outcomes
- develop innovative, efficient, and evidence-based solutions that will inform investment and workforce planning
- develop and maintain systems to monitor progress towards goals and objectives.
Seeking members to join the network
We are keen to hear from rural healthcare professionals who would like to join our network and help with this important māhi.
The benefits of joining include the opportunity to:
- Collaborate with a passionate team dedicated to reducing health inequities
- Contribute your expertise to shape rural health in New Zealand
- Network with other healthcare professionals around the country and share best practices
- Make a positive difference in the lives of rural whānau.
Nominations for the National Rural Health Network are open until Sunday 20th October 2024.
Strategic priorities
The Rural Health National Clinical Network will be guided by the five priorities of the Rural Health Strategy, which are:
- considering rural community as a priority group
- prevention, paving the path to a healthier future
- services are available closer to home for rural communities
- rural communities are supported to access services at a distance
- a valued and flexible rural health workforce.
Meet our Co-leads
Neta Smith
Neta Smith
Neta Smith – (Maiden name – MuruPaenga) – Operations Manager, Kaitaia in Northland.
Ko Neta Smith toku ingoa
Ko Jesse Murupaenga toku Matua
Ko TePaia tai Puhi roa Maaka toku Whaea
No Ōturu / Muriwhenua ahau
Ko Ngāti Kurī, Te Aupōuri, NgāiTakoto, Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Rēhia, me Tainui oku iwi
Ko Pepeha toku kainga noho
No Oturu ahau
Ko Mamaru te waka
Ko Te Parata te tangata
Ko Maunga taniwha to maunga
Ko Rangaunu te awa
Ko Oturu te marae
Ko Te Mataara te Whare tupuna
Ko Ngati Kahu to iwi
Ko Ngai Tohianga te Hapu
No reira tena koutou katoa
My name is Neta Smith. I am a local Māori wahine having completed my primary and secondary schooling at Kaitaia. Currently the Operational Manager at Kaitaia Hospital and Service Manager for Mid and Far North Mental Health and Addiction Services.
I am married to Greg Smith, and we have five tamariki and twelve mokopuna. I have lived in Kaitaia all my life only going away to complete my nursing training. In my 43rd year of employment at Kaitaia Hospital I have a wide breath of knowledge and experience working in the health sector. I am passionate about our community and over the years have worked hard to retain and increase health services in the Far North.
“Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi”
“With your food basket and my food basket, the people will prosper”
Dr Jo Scott-Jones
Dr Jo Scott-Jones
Dr Scott-Jones co-owns a rural general practice in Ōpōtiki where he has worked for over 30 years, he has been a leader in PHO and rural health organisations, the Rural General Practice Network, Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practice. He is currently a member of the WONCA (World Organisation of Family Doctors) Working Party on Rural Practice executive, and a WONCA Fellow, he is an active member of Hauora Taiwhenua, and RNZCGP Rural Chapter. He is the Clinical Director of Pinnacle and a member of the GPNZ Primary Care Clinical Leaders' Forum. He is an Honorary Associate Professor in Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, Waikato University.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Rural Health National Clinical Network, please email ruralhealthnetwork@tewhatuora.govt.nz