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Travelling long distances for specialist health services will be easier for more Wairarapa people.
Around 2000 people in the Wairarapa DHB area are expected to take advantage of the government's new travel and accommodation programme, says Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer.
"I'm urging Wairarapa people to find out if they're eligible to use the scheme by contacting the DHB. It offers financial help for people tackling the high cost of long distance or frequent travel for specialist care."
Ms Beyer's call follows Rural Affairs and Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor's announcement today of the new National Travel and Accommodation policy, worth $36 million a year.
"The Labour-Progressive government is committed to ensuring rural New Zealanders get a fair go and reversing the cutbacks of the previous National-led regime. It's about making sure rural people aren't disadvantaged by distance," said Ms Beyer.
The government expects over 100,000 people nationally to take advantage of the new policy, up from around 30,000 using existing schemes.
Ms Beyer said the announcement is part of a raft of initiatives delivering good news to rural communities.
"We've just announced a fund of almost $137m to help improve drinking water for rural people. The rural health workforce is being safeguarded with almost $11m a year, and one stop shop access to government services is available through over thirty Heartland Service Centres across the country.
"I know from meeting Wairarapa families that the government's extension of the Paid Parental Leave to self-employed parents will be very popular. We've also secured the Sustainable Farming Fund for the social, economic and environmental viability of rural communities."
Rural sector skills shortages are also being targeted through the 1100-strong Modern Apprenticeships Scheme, easing industries such as agriculture, horticulture and forestry, she added.
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