An Auckland University programme could be the answer to our rural doctor shortage.

For nearly 10 years the scheme's been sending fifth year medical students to Northland to gain experience

Now Bay of Plenty and Taranaki will be benefiting.

Initiative founder Professor Warrick Bagg said students who spend time in the regions are four times as likely to move back for work.

"It's starting to fill the gap, those students who started in 2008 are now just about finishing their specialist training.

"We've had many stories of students who are wanting to go back in Northland and other regional and rural parts of New Zealand."

LISTEN ABOVE AS WARWICK BAGG SPOKE TO THE MIKE HOSKING BREAKFAST