10 – 13

APRIL 2026

TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA

WELLINGTON

AOTEAROA

NEW ZEALAND

Whānau Ora: Integrating Mātauranga Māori, indigenous knowledge with rural health for a thriving future

Nāku te rourou nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi

With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive

Kia ora, Welcome!

It is a real pleasure to share that the full programme for the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference is now live. With the programme finalised, you can begin shaping your visit to Wellington through the sessions you will move between, the conversations you will join, and the people you will meet.

We are thrilled to be welcoming a remarkable group of keynote speakers, including leaders from WONCA and, on our opening day, Sir Ashley Bloomfield and Sir Colin Tukuitonga, whose insights into public health and equity will set a powerful tone for the conference. Our political panel will also return, offering a valuable chance to hear directly from those shaping the future of health policy in New Zealand.

Registration is open, and as you plan your time with us I encourage you to explore the range of Social Events, as well as options such as the Whānau Pass and Wellness Pass, all designed to help you make the most of your week in New Zealand.

If you are coming down-under for the first time, take advantage of our Post-Conference Tours of New Zealand. These tours are hosted by an experienced travel guide and will provide a unique experience to visit rural, regional and urban New Zealand towns and cities. Visit tourist attractions, walk lush bush trails, soak in hot mud, and meet local rural medical teams. The tours have been designed to make it easy for you. It’s a bucket-list tick.

If you need a letter of invitation to support your visa application, please click here to view the process.

A reminder, that the WONCA scholarships are open. Click here to read more or follow our socials.

Please watch our promotional video here.

Ngā mihi nui,

Dr Fiona Bolden
Chair - Hauora Taiwhenua & Chair - Host Organising Committee

Host Partners

Hauora Taiwhenua host
WONCA host
WWPRP host

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters