New Zealand Rural General Practice Network Inc
Welcome
The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network Inc (the Network), a not for profit incorporated society, is the only nationwide membership-based organisation in New Zealand to represent the interests of rural general practice and, in particular, rural health workforce issues.
Initially the Network was established by a small group of enthusiastic general practitioners wishing to provide a support network for GP colleagues. From its small beginnings, the Network has grown into a professional organisation, headed by a chief executive and governed by an executive board.
The Network's Executive Board is comprised wholly of rural practitioners, all currently practising. The Board's combination of general practitioners, rural nurses and rural nurse specialists ensures the Network's daily operations reflect the reality of front-line rural primary health care.
Recent milestones achieved by the Network have included:
- The successful lobbying for $32 million over three years for the rural workforce through Rural Recruitment and Retention and Reasonable Roster funding.
- Joint negotiation of the Rural Primary Care ACC contract with improved payment schedules.
The Network administers the only rural recruitment service of its kind funded by the New Zealand government to ensure rural communities have access to quality health care. NZLocums is a recruitment service for eligible rural practitioners needing to recruit a locum, or secure a long term or permanent appointment.
There are special benefits for members and the Network's annual conference is a great opportunity to get together and work through many of the issues facing rural health in New Zealand. Full membership is open to all rural GPs, locums, medical officers of special scale, practice nurses and rural nurses and rural nurse specialists. We welcome as Friends of the Network all others who have an interest in rural health. 
