On October 29th, an event at the South Taranaki Council Chamber marked the announcement that Hāwera Hospital will host three fifth-year medical students for a full year of rural medical undergraduate training, starting in February next year.

This initiative is part of the Rural Medical Immersion Programme (RMIP), designed to enhance healthcare services in Rural New Zealand.  Hāwera has been selected as one of four rural training sites in the North Island, in collaboration with the University of Auckland and Health New Zealand. This opportunity has been embraced and welcomed by local doctors and the Taranaki Foundation, both integral supporters of this programme. It aligns with the Foundation’s vision of increasing regional impact through community support.

Hannah Lawn is the lead Academic Coordinator to manage the student placements and to deliver their training curriculum. The medical students will engage in a ‘hands-on’ approach to learning, working closely with health providers to learn what it is like to care for patients in a rural setting like Hāwera.  Dr. Lawn emphasised the significance of this programme for the Taranaki region, stating, “By investing in training for our rural communities, we not only enhance healthcare access but also foster a sense of belonging that encourages health professionals to remain in rural health.”  Key factors influencing retention include exposure to the rural lifestyle, familiarity with the healthcare system, and strong relationships within rural communities.

Ainsley Luscombe from the Taranaki Foundation added, “Students in the Rural Medical Immersion Programme will gain valuable insights into local industries in Hāwera and develop a deeper understanding of regional health disparities. This exciting initiative, which we are proud to lead, marks the beginning of many more impactful initiatives in South Taranaki, supported by our community.”

This programme represents a collaboration between healthcare, education and central government. A key factor in its success will be the ongoing community engagement—both financially and socially. The students’ experiences during their 12-month period are important, not only during their time at Hāwera Hospital but also in their down time and being able to enjoy and experience what the region has to offer.

Three medical students are set to arrive in Hāwera in January 2025, a couple of weeks before their placement begins, and they will be provided with a fully furnished house. Next month, a call to action will go out to the community, requesting donations of high-quality furniture—such as beds, couches, and drawers—to help furnish the home.