Travelling over an hour, managing fuel costs, and taking time away from work and family are among the main barriers facing Ōtorohanga residents seeking healthcare, according to a new report from Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board.
The 68-page Ōtorohanga Hauora Report highlights how limited access to local diagnostic and specialist services, compounded by transport and cost-of-living pressures, makes it difficult for some whānau to receive timely care.
The publication forms part of the Hauora Report Series by Te Tiratū, which examines health delivery across localities in the Tainui waka rohe. While the town has primary healthcare and a strong network of community support, the findings identify significant service gaps beyond basic care.
A primary concern outlined in the document is the lack of local diagnostic services, forcing residents to travel elsewhere for X-rays and imaging.
“Because we don’t have medical services like X-rays and diagnostic imaging in Ōtorohanga, whānau have had to go to either Waikato Hospital, which is an hour away and quite expensive for them, or they go to Te Awamutu or Te Kūiti Hospital if they’re able to get appointments,” says local resident and Te Tiratū Tumu Whakarae, Brandi Hudson.
“As soon as kaumātua have to travel, that’s a real big issue. Young māmā also need a lot of wraparound support with transport.”
The report notes that practical hurdles often cause individuals to delay seeking treatment until conditions worsen. This trend occurs alongside rising rates of long-term health issues, such as diabetes, and a reduction in visiting specialist services.
“We’ve seen an increase in diabetes and at the same time we’ve seen a decrease in podiatrists able to come to the community,” Hudson says.
Socioeconomic factors further compound these challenges. The median personal income for Māori aged 30 to 64 in Ōtorohanga is $45,100, compared to $48,700 nationally for the same demographic.
“One of the major signs we’re experiencing at the moment is that many whānau are turning up for the food banks, and we were very concerned about hiding in the background is a lot of stress from the rise in the cost of living like fuel costs that have been really difficult,” Hudson adds.
Service gaps were also recorded in mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors. Specialist treatment is frequently based outside Ōtorohanga, while post-treatment support pathways remain limited once individuals fall outside eligibility thresholds.
To address these issues, the report outlines key recommendations:
- Diabetes & Long-Term Conditions: Establish a dedicated 0.6–1.0 FTE support role based in Ōtorohanga.
- Diagnostic & Imaging Services: Introduce a weekly mobile imaging service and a mobile ultrasound clinic in town, alongside transport support bundled directly with diagnostic referrals.
- AOD Services: Appoint a permanent local AOD clinician and fund a 6-to-12-month structured relapse-prevention follow-up programme.
- Transport Assistance: Provide funded transport vouchers for young māmā.
Despite these hurdles, Hudson emphasizes the community’s existing strengths, including strong local connections and peer support networks.
“Ōtorohanga is a very well-supported community by its own people. But we need a health system that recognises the realities of rural life. Whānau shouldn’t have to choose between paying for fuel, taking time off work or getting the healthcare they need. Bringing more services closer to home would make a real difference.”
The report is one of ten locality studies being developed by Te Tiratū across the Tainui waka rohe, combining regional health data with insights from the Whānau Voice engagement programme to outline local priorities, challenges, and assets.