Tararua residents call for locally owned health clinic
Wednesday 23 September 2026 · 1 outlet · 2 reports · updated In this story Kieran McAnulty
Following the resignation of six staff members from the Pahīatua Medical Centre, community members are advocating for a locally controlled clinic. The resignations occurred during a meeting with Omnihealth management after nurses expressed concerns regarding stress and understaffing.
Key facts
4 facts
- Six nurses resigned from Pahīatua Medical Centre on Monday.
- A total of 81 staff members have left Tararua Health Group over the last two years, including three departing GPs.
- Malcolm Mulholland led a public meeting at Tararua College Hall on Tuesday night.
- Health NZ is conducting a review of Pahīatua Medical Centre and an audit of Dannevirke Community Hospital.
The full story
1 min read · 1 outlet
Approximately 160 people attended a public meeting at Tararua College Hall on Tuesday night to discuss local healthcare. Attendees advocated for replacing OmniHealth with a community-based trust to give the district control of the Pahīatua Medical Centre.
The meeting followed the resignation of six nurses during a Monday meeting with OmniHealth managing director Mark Willis. These nurses reported that concerns regarding stress and understaffing had not been addressed.
Wairarapa-based Labour MP Kieran McAnulty attended the meeting and suggested that establishing a trust is a realistic option. He stated, “The people in the room tonight were very clear that they want to get rid of OmniHealth”.
Health NZ central region director Geoff Gwyn said the agency has commissioned a review of the Pahīatua Medical Centre and a second audit of Dannevirke Community Hospital. Findings from the Pahīatua review are expected early next week.
Compiled from reports by The Post.
