The University of Waikato and Hiroshima University are deepening academic ties through a cross-cultural health partnership focused on rural and ageing communities. Their joint work, which includes on-the-ground fieldwork and policy exchange, was highlighted at the recent National Rural Health Conference.
Mutual Learning to Strengthen Health Policy
Te Ngira Institute for Population Research and Hiroshima University are leading a cross-country initiative aimed at addressing health system delivery gaps through shared expertise. “We’re aiming to learn from each other’s strengths to help inform better health policy,” said Dr Jesse Whitehead, Senior Research Fellow at Te Ngira.
The project is working on co-developing models that prioritise equity and climate resilience, with both countries confronting ageing populations and rural health pressures. “Japan is already a super-aged society, with well over 21% of its population aged 65 and over — a milestone New Zealand is expected to hit by the early 2030s,” noted Dr Whitehead.
Insights from Japan’s Emergency Preparedness
The Waikato team travelled to Japan to observe healthcare delivery and emergency preparedness in late 2024. A standout observation was Japan’s highly coordinated Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) system, which rapidly deploys healthcare professionals directly to disaster sites.
“The level of preparedness is remarkable,” Dr Whitehead said. “Doctors and firefighters arrive on-scene together, enabling immediate triage and reducing preventable deaths. It’s a system New Zealand can learn a lot from.”
Another notable innovation was Japan’s use of medical scholarships to address rural workforce shortages. “Each prefecture or region offered two students a scholarship to cover all costs for their medical degree, in return for a commitment to working locally. It’s an interesting model that works in their context,” he said.
New Zealand Models Influence Japanese Perspectives
Researchers from Hiroshima University reciprocated with a visit to New Zealand in early 2025, where they explored several aspects of the country’s health system.
The delegation was especially interested in chronic pain management, the general practice model, and culturally grounded approaches to care.
“In Japan, most patients see specialists directly when they’ve an immediate concern. Preventative medicine is predominantly done through annual medicals for all citizens during work time,” Dr Whitehead explained. “The idea of having a GP as the first point of contact was unique to our guests.”
Joint Response to Shared Systemic Challenges
The project highlights how both countries face common systemic challenges: ageing demographics, rural workforce shortages, and growing climate-related risks. Health inequities affecting Indigenous and rural populations are also front of mind.
The collaboration is driven by the goal of creating practical, community-focused solutions. “By learning from each other, we’re creating pathways to more responsive, equitable, and resilient health systems — not just for Japan and New Zealand, but for rural and Indigenous communities worldwide,” said Dr Whitehead.
A transnational partnership is offering early insight into how health systems can adapt to ageing populations and climate pressures, with Japan and New Zealand exchanging knowledge and co-developing policy.