For Elsbeth Purdue, a first-year Health Science student at the University of Otago, the journey into healthcare is deeply personal – shaped by her rural upbringing, her Māori heritage and a strong desire to give back to the communities that have supported her.
One of 16 recipients of this year’s Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network Scholarship, Elsbeth says receiving the scholarship has been both an honour and a turning point as she begins her studies in Dunedin. Having moved from Queenstown to Dunedin in 2026 she has embraced the challenges that come with both university life and relocating to a new city. “So far, it’s been even more interesting and challenging than I ever could have expected,” Elsbeth says. “Moving here has brought new people, new opportunities and a whole new environment alongside the academic demands of Health Science.”
Despite the workload, Elsbeth is thriving. She says the variety of subjects has broadened her understanding of health and strengthened her motivation to pursue a career that makes a meaningful difference. At the heart of that motivation is her connection to her rural roots.
Growing up in Queenstown, Elsbeth witnessed first-hand the realities – and challenges – of accessing healthcare outside of major centres. It’s an experience that continues to shape her career aspirations today – to be part of the solution, with aspirations to eventually return to a rural or community-based setting. “The people and values within my community have played an important role in shaping who I am,” she says. “As I continue my studies, I see myself hopefully back in a rural setting, where I would have the opportunity to give back to the communities that helped shape me as a person and support those future generations.”
A pivotal moment that deepened her understanding of rural health inequities came when her sister suffered a serious accident. “…my sister broke her back. She and my terrified mum were urgently packed into a helicopter and flown to Christchurch,” she recalls. “It was a big wake-up call about how distance can affect access to healthcare. Because treatment was not locally available, my whole family was facing not only travel but a huge uncertainty. It was extremely hard for me to be away from my sister and my mum during this time, while being so worried for her.”
While her sister thankfully made a full recovery, the experience left a lasting impression. “It made me realise the additional barriers rural families face. That’s what really solidified my desire to go into healthcare – to one day return and support these communities.”
That vision is already taking shape. Elsbeth has a strong interest in dentistry, drawn to its unique balance of science, practical skills and patient interaction. “Dentistry might sometimes be overlooked, but I believe dentists can make a real impact on people’s wellbeing, even in small ways,” she says. “There’s still a real need for skilled professionals in this field.”
For Elsbeth, rural health is about equity – ensuring people can access quality care regardless of where they live. “For me, rural health is about creating a system where all people have the opportunity to maintain their health, regardless of where they live or their background. Growing up in a rural community, I have seen how strong, resilient and interconnected these communities can be, but I am also aware of some of the challenges they face. Accessing healthcare can often involve longer travel times, fewer available services, and greater difficulty accessing specialist care compared to larger urban centres,” she says. “As a Māori student, I am also conscious of the health inequities that continue to affect many Māori communities.”
Receiving the scholarship has played a crucial role in enabling her to pursue these ambitions. Beyond easing the financial pressure of university, it has allowed her to fully focus on her studies – a significant benefit in what she describes as an “extremely demanding” first year.
“I felt so honoured and proud to be a recipient, and to receive something that gave me more of an ability to represent my Māori heritage and rural community in such a challenging environment. I knew Health Science first year would be difficult, but receiving such a generous scholarship really lifts a weight off your shoulders. It was also so encouraging to know that others believed in my potential and were willing to invest in my future. This scholarship has given me an even greater sense of motivation to work hard and make the most of the opportunities presented to me.”
She also hopes her journey encourages other students from rural backgrounds to consider careers in health. “I would absolutely encourage any student considering a career in rural health to explore it thoroughly and not to underestimate the value of their own rural background, and the impact that could have on others. Growing up in a rural community gives you experiences, perspectives and understanding that are so important within healthcare.”
“The support it has provided me is more than just financial, it is a reminder that there are people out there who believe in your potential and want to see you succeed.”
As Elsbeth continues her studies, her commitment remains clear: to build a future where rural and Māori communities have better access to healthcare – and where the next generation can thrive.
Main photo: Elsbeth with her sister, Caitlyn, enjoying a kayaking trip down Dart river (Te Awa Whakatipu).