The New Zealand capital hosted around 1,000 international delegates for the health conference, which provided an opportunity to highlight how it integrated Māori knowledge within its healthcare system
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Wellington welcomed nearly 1,000 delegates from 40 countries to the 21st World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA) World Rural Health Conference.
Taking place at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, from April 10 to 13, 2026, the global event brought health professionals, researchers, indigenous leaders, and rural communities together to help shape the future of rural healthcare worldwide.
The conference was hosted by New Zealand’s national rural health advocacy organisation, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, with support from Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
New Zealand was chosen thanks to its strong rural demographic, indigenous and community-led health initiatives, and demonstrated commitment to rural health equity.
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.”
Unlearning what you have learned
The conference theme, Whānau Ora: Integrating mātauranga Māori indigenous knowledge with rural health for a thriving future, provided a unique platform to focus on New Zealand’s innovative approaches to integrating Māori health models within its healthcare system.
The conference opened with an official pōwhiri welcome, and incorporated Ahi Kā, a hub reflecting the Māori concept of hauora, or holistic wellbeing, where delegates could engage with Māori art, weaving, massage, and tā moko (traditional tattoo).
A special workshop was held to further develop the WHO Global Plan of Action (GPA) on the Health of Indigenous Peoples. Conference speakers included Dr Diana Kopua and Mark Kopua, founders of Mahi a Atua, an approach to healing and mental health grounded in Māori indigenous knowledge.
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.”
Value beyond the venue
Host city Wellington provided value being the convention centre, with delegates able to experience world-class biomedical research through site visits to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute.
The proximity of Tākina Wellington Convention Centre and surrounding hotels in the city’s compact CBD allowed delegates to make the most of Wellington’s scenery through morning networking walks along the picturesque waterfront and up Mount Victoria.
Social activities included tours of movie effects experience Wētā Workshop, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary, the Wairarapa wine region, and a harbour cruise.
Immediate past chair of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice, Dr Bruce Chater, said: “Wellington’s a great city. It’s walkable. It has wonderful facilities, wonderful restaurants. It’s also just got a lovely feel to it, you feel safe, you feel welcomed.”
Achieving action for rural health
Beyond the learning, the conference resulted in action for both the local and global rural health sectors.
The Aotearoa New Zealand Declaration on Rural Health 2026 was launched, a national roadmap setting out six priority areas to strengthen rural health systems in New Zealand.
The GRACE initiative (Global Rural Health Action, Collaboration and Excellence), a major new global initiative focusing on international collaboration, policy advocacy and sharing practical solutions, was also unveiled.
Dr Pratyush Kumar noted: “GRACE is about turning shared knowledge into coordinated global action, and Aotearoa New Zealand is an ideal place to lead that conversation.”
For information on hosting your next conference in New Zealand, visit businessevents.newzealand.com
