Future of rural health strengthened by global event

Purpose and partnership

The Rural WONCA conference was hosted by Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network with support from its Te Tiriti partners Te Rōpū Ārahi, Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand. Conference Innovators (CI) delivered the very first NZ Rural GP Network Conference in 1997 - now the National Rural Health Conference hosted by Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network. This long-term relationship continues to grow and develop, building year on year. Partnering with Haoura Taiwhenua in the delivery of Rural WONCA to facilitate meaningful connections and create opportunities for engagement is paramount to our purpose as PCOs.

Education and engagement

The opportunity to showcase the mana of our rural health professionals and the mahi of our healthcare community to the world while managing many moving parts was an exciting challenge for the CI team. Across the four days, the conference welcomed 987 attendees from 39 countries to Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre. The complex programme was driven by the theme; Whānau Ora: Integrating mātauranga Māori indigenous knowledge with rural health for a thriving future, and featured plenary and panel sessions, keynote presentations, up to nine concurrent sessions and workshops, posters sessions, meetings and an exhibition. In addition, a special workshop was held to further develop the WHO Global Plan of Action on the Health of Indigenous Peoples.

Warm welcome

The core purpose of events is bringing people together. Ensuring oversees attendees are welcomed and hosted requires attention to every small detail. At Rural WONCA, careful consideration went toward making each moment special, providing Manaakitanga at every opportunity. From the official pōwhiri led by local Te Āti Awa to bespoke kai, daily cultural performances and an emotional and memorable closing waiata by the Pātea Māori Club, the very best of Aotearoa’s culture, cuisine and people was highlighted throughout, delivered with warm Kiwi hospitality.

Lasting legacy

The Aotearoa New Zealand Declaration on Rural Health 2026 - a national roadmap setting out six priority areas to strengthen rural health systems, improve access to care, and support a sustainable rural workforce in New Zealand was launched during Rural WONCA. The Declaration sets out what needs to happen next to address the inequities facing rural communities.

Also unveiled during Rural WONCA was the GRACE initiative (Global Rural Health Action, Collaboration and Excellence), a new global initiative aimed at improving health outcomes for rural communities through international collaboration, policy advocacy and sharing practical solutions.

Both initiatives showcase the power of events to deliver a legacy which resounds beyond the conference and will in this instance strengthen national rural health sustainability and help drive meaningful global action.

Feedback

“Just wanted to thank you and your fantastic team for going above and beyond for an amazing conference which will hopefully have a lasting long term positive impact on rural health in NZ and globally. You were always there coming up with solutions and could really rely on you to get everything sorted. It has been a pleasure working with you.”

Dr Fiona Bolden, Chair, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

“A special thank you goes out to our dedicated Rural WONCA members for their unwavering commitment and passion. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the entire team of Hauora Taiwhenua, the various organizing committees, the team at Conference Innovators, our generous sponsors, and the New Zealand public for their exceptional warmth and hospitality. Your collaborative efforts were instrumental in making this gathering a resounding success.”

Dr Pratyush Kumar, Chair, Rural WONCA