Wellington wins Rural WONCA 2026 Conference

The Conference theme is Whānau Ora: Integrating mātauranga Māori indigenous knowledge with rural health for a thriving future.

The successful conference bid was led by Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network with support from its Te Tiriti partners Te Rōpū Ārahi. Effective advocacy from Business Events Wellington (BEW) and Tourism New Zealand Business Events, and endorsement from the New Zealand health sector and government ministries, led to a winning proposal.

Hauora Taiwhenua’s bid was chosen over strong international competition, thanks to its focus on indigenous health frameworks, community-led health initiatives, and New Zealand’s demonstrated commitment to rural health equity. The international selection committee was particularly impressed by the focus on New Zealand’s innovative approaches to integrating Māori health models within its healthcare system.

Fiona Bolden, chairperson of Hauora Taiwhenua, says: “Hosting Rural WONCA 2026 in Wellington provides an unparalleled platform to highlight the innovative and community-driven strategies we’ve developed to support rural and Indigenous health. We will be working closely with our rural Māori members and health colleagues to share our success stories and extend this opportunity to our rural health peers across the South Pacific and other First Nations peoples around the world, to join these conversations and learning opportunities. It's about fostering global conversations that drive equity and inclusivity in healthcare systems worldwide.”

The relevance of this conference to New Zealand has never been greater, Fiona says, with increasing recognition of health disparities and the urgent need for culturally responsive care. The country’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and the UN Sustainability Development Goals will provide robust conversations on shared learnings.

Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, was selected for its dynamic blend of cultural diversity, strong health sector partnerships, and its status as the political and healthcare hub of the country.

BEW manager Irette Ferreira says: “The city’s world-class facilities, including the brand-new Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, coupled with the city’s accessible and compact layout, make it an ideal location for international delegates. We look forward to welcoming healthcare professionals from around the globe to our city.”

The conference is expected to deliver an economic impact of $2.7m to Wellington.

Tourism New Zealand global manager Business Events Penelope Ryan says: “Welcoming the Rural WONCA Conference not only brings valuable thought leadership in healthcare to New Zealand, it supports year-round tourism by bringing international visitors to our shores in April, after our peak summer season.”

Dr Grant Davidson, chief executive Hauora Taiwhenua, adds: “This is the first time the global rural health conference for family doctors has been hosted by New Zealand, and we are very proud to be able to provide this unbeatable opportunity to our rural health community.”

About Hauora Taiwhenua

Hauora Taiwhenua is New Zealand’s leading rural health network, advocating for equitable healthcare access and outcomes for rural communities. Through partnerships with Te Tiriti partners and a commitment to indigenous-led solutions, Hauora Taiwhenua champions health equity both nationally and internationally.

Date published: 8 April 2025