The Bush Nursing Association promoted the placing of trained nurses in remote communities. In 1920 it received funds from the disbursement of the Red Cross surplus after World War I which made it possible to begin recruiting. The Southern Division petitioned the Government to take over administration of the scheme in 1921 to avoid periodic disorganisation due to resignation of officers. The Government took over the Bush Nursing Centres in 1922, renaming it the Bush Nursing Service. The Northern and Southern Bush Nursing Associations continued to exist as fund-raising organisations. On 1 January 1957 the name was changed to the District Nursing Service as part of a reorganisation of nursing services within the Health Department. Administration of the Centres was transferred to the local Hospital Boards in 1968.