Wellington welcomed nearly 1000 delegates from 40 countries to the 21st World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA) World Rural Health Conference.

The event brought health professionals, researchers, indigenous leaders, and rural communities together at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre to help shape the future of rural healthcare worldwide.

New Zealand was chosen thanks to its strong rural demographic, indigenous and community-led health initiatives, and demonstrated commitment to rural health equity.

Wellington’s position as political and healthcare hub of the country helped deliver tangible outcomes: a new national roadmap and a major new global initiative, both aimed at improving health outcomes for rural communities.

Hauora Taiwhenua Chief Executive Dr Grant Davidson said: “Too often policies are designed for urban systems and adapted later for rural communities. Hosting the conference in Wellington, the capital of Aotearoa New Zealand, provided an accessible opportunity for members of parliament to attend, present their policies, and hear directly from those affected by policy.”

Host city Wellington delivered value beyond the convention centre, with delegates experiencing world-class biomedical research through site visits to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Gillies McIndoe Research Institute.

The conference also provided a unique platform to focus on New Zealand’s innovative approaches to integrating Māori health models within its healthcare system.

Dr Pratyush Kumar, Chair of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice (WWPRP), said: “New Zealand definitely brought fresh ideas, indigenous wisdom.

“I think the biggest learning from this conference would be to unlearn what you have learned and know new things, understand new realities.”

The conference was hosted by Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, with support from Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.

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