You brought your basket, and we brought ours — and what a bounty it has been. Our baskets, our hearts, and our minds are full. We are deeply grateful.

Rural WONCA 2026 was designed to elevate the voices of rural health care: the people who live and work rurally, and those who advocate for change across government and its agencies. Throughout the conference, we heard that health outcomes in rural areas around the world closely mirror those here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Globally, rural communities are less likely to access general practice or hospital services, and inequities are most pronounced for Indigenous peoples living in remote rural areas.

Through keynotes, panels, oral presentations, posters, videos, and conversations shared over kai, there was a strong and collective agreement: if we want different outcomes, we must be prepared to change how things are done. This principle is profoundly relevant for Indigenous peoples across the world.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have been able to leapfrog our policy response to rural health by learning from, and building on, international experience. Together, we advocated for and secured formal recognition of rural communities. Rural populations are now acknowledged as a priority in national health legislation through the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022. In addition, New Zealand rural researchers have developed the Geographic Classification for Health (GCH), providing a long-needed method to make rural health visible, measurable, and to hold systems accountable for rural health outcomes. We know this progress is not reflected everywhere, and we remain committed to supporting you — our global rural health champions — to continue this essential work.

There were many highlights across the conference, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We witnessed standing ovations for our cultural performers, robust and engaged participation during the political panel, and genuine awe at the catering — accompanied by spontaneous applause for the catering team. There were tears, hugs, and a constant hum of conversation that spoke to connection, reflection, and shared purpose.

At the conclusion of this conference, we will be producing the Aotearoa New Zealand Declaration. This declaration will ensure that the conference — and all of you — leave a lasting legacy for rural people in this country, while also contributing to the international statements from previous World Rural Health Conferences that continue to guide global rural health action.

We acknowledge Te Āti Awa, through Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, as tangata whenua of Te Whanganui a Tara. We honour their mana whenua and enduring relationship with this place, and we thank them for the opportunity to gather here. We also acknowledge and value our Te Tiriti partners, Te Rōpū Ārahi, and trust they feel the depth of our respect and appreciation.

A special acknowledgement is extended to the teams at Rural WONCA, Hauora Taiwhenua, the Conference Committees and Conference Innovators, whose dedication and hard work brought this conference to life.

Together, under the protection of Tākina, as the winds blew and the storms rage, we invited you to pause, rest, and enjoy our hospitality. You shared your knowledge and your energy. Participated fully, learnt deeply, explored with curiosity, and unite in common purpose.

As we say Haere rā, we wish you well on your journey home, carrying with you the friendships and connections made here. If we work together from the ground up, we can sustain one another toward healthy rural communities for all.

Ngā mihi nui,

Dr Fiona Bolden
Chair, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network & Chair, Host Organising Committee