Rural healthcare needs urgent help from new Government – mayor
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Rural healthcare needs urgent attention from the incoming Government, says Hurunui mayor Marie Black.
A shortage of GPs and health workers in the Hurunui district is a growing concern, she said.
The National Party campaigned on a promise to establish a third medical school with a rural focus at Waikato University.
Recruiting GPs, nurses and support workers to work in rural communities has been a major challenge in recent years.
Black, who previously worked as a Plunket health worker in the region, said the demographics of the Hurunui district provided both challenges and opportunities.
There was no public transport in the district, while an ageing population meant more than 25% of the population was expected to be over 65 by 2051.
Young people had to sit driving tests in Rangiora, which meant travelling to medical appointments could be a challenge for young and old.
More retirement villages were being proposed for Amberley to support the ageing population, which meant retaining and attracting GPs, nurses and support workers was vital, she said.
Black suggested medical students could be bonded to work in rural communities after they graduate, with part or all of their student loan wiped.
‘‘They used to do that with teachers, so perhaps we could look at that with medical students.
‘‘We will keep a watching brief as the new government is formed. It will be interesting to see where it lands.’’
She said living and working in the Hurunui also provided opportunities with the rural lifestyle.
There was a desire to give back and look for community-led solutions, she said.
An example of this was the Hawarden-Waikari Community Vehicle Trust, which provided transport to medical appointments.
Of the district's five health centres, four were community owned and ratepayer funded.
Black hosted a group of third year Otago Medical School students in August to give them a rural perspective on healthcare.
‘‘It was surprising how little they knew about living in a rural area.’’
The initiative has been running for 10 years, with the students visiting medical centres, St John, the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust and a local preschool.
The Kaikōura district faced similar challenges, with its over 65 population also expected to increase to 25% over the next 30 years.
Takahanga Marae hosted 13 tertiary health students from around Aotearoa in June on a three-day Noho Marae visit.
The initiative was a partnership between Te Tai o Marokura, a Maori health and social service provider in Kaikōura, and Hauora Taiwhenua / Rural Health Network’s careers programme.
Lisa Kahu, of Te Tai o Marokura, said the initiative had been running for several years to encourage young doctors, nurses and dentists to work in rural communities.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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91% Yes
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9% No
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