Thu Sep 19 06:16:00 UTC 2024: ## Rural Nursing Student Awarded Scholarship to Help Tackle Healthcare Barriers
**Whakatāne, New Zealand** – Jessica Matenga-Barnes, a nursing student from Whakatāne, is one of 27 recipients of a Health NZ-funded scholarship aimed at bolstering the rural health workforce.
The 36-year-old, born and raised in Reporoa, is passionate about improving healthcare access for rural communities. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges rural residents face in reaching appointments, she feels strongly about addressing these “barriers.”
Matenga-Barnes, currently in her second year of a nursing degree at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from Rural Women New Zealand. This financial support will help her focus on her studies, alleviating the financial strain of travel, groceries, and essential materials.
Her journey towards nursing began after the sudden death of her grandfather in 2013. The experience ignited her curiosity about the human body, leading her to pursue a career in health and wellbeing.
Matenga-Barnes is currently undertaking a five-week placement at Whakatāne Hospital, where she enjoys the environment and the opportunity to learn from experienced nurses and doctors.
She hopes to eventually work in a hospital setting, ideally in Rotorua, or to pursue district nursing. Her goal is to make healthcare more accessible for rural communities by addressing transportation barriers and increasing cultural competency.
The scholarships, totaling $90,000, were funded by Health NZ and are designed to encourage future healthcare professionals from rural backgrounds to continue their studies. Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey praised the initiative, calling it a “positive step forward” in boosting the rural health workforce.
“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality healthcare and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five living in our rural communities,” he stated.
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