Tēnā koutou katoa,

It is my great pleasure, as Chair of Hauora Taiwhenua, to warmly welcome you to the National Rural Health Conference 2027. Each year, this conference is a highlight on our calendar – a time when our rural health whānau comes together to reconnect, reflect, and recharge.

There is something truly special about walking into this gathering and being greeted by familiar faces – colleagues, mentors, and friends who share a deep commitment to improving hauora outcomes for our rural communities. Alongside these reunions comes the joy of meeting new faces, hearing fresh perspectives, and strengthening the connections that underpin our collective work.

Our conference has long been a place of learning, sharing, and collaboration. It is where ideas are tested, innovations are sparked, and real-world experiences are brought to life. Whether you are presenting, attending workshops, or simply engaging in kōrero between sessions, every conversation contributes to the strength of our rural health network.

We are incredibly proud of the success of last year’s conference, where we achieved an outstanding 96.6% satisfaction rate. This remarkable result is a reflection of you—our attendees—whose energy, openness, and willingness to share made the event so meaningful. Thank you for bringing your knowledge, your curiosity, and your passion. You are what makes this conference truly exceptional.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors. Your ongoing support is vital. Without your commitment, we simply could not deliver an event of this scale and quality, nor continue to support the advancement of rural health across Aotearoa. Your partnership enables us to reach and serve our rural communities in meaningful ways—ngā mihi nui.

As we look ahead, I encourage you all to begin planning for the next conference. Save the date, ensure you can allocate your continuing professional development (CPD) time, and start exploring funding opportunities to support your attendance. And importantly, consider sharing your work—our conference thrives on the generosity of those willing to present their insights and experiences. If you have a story, a project, or a learning to share, now is the time to start shaping your abstract.

We are already looking forward to gathering again in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where I have no doubt we will experience another inspiring and enriching conference together.

Thank you for being part of this community, for the work you do every day, and for your unwavering commitment to rural health.

Mauri ora and see you in Christchurch for another wonderful conference.

Dr Fiona Bolden, Chair, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network