Call for abstracts
Abstract submissions close Friday 30 October 2026
Drawing on the priorities of the Aotearoa NZ Declaration 2026, which calls for equitable rural healthcare, stronger rural research and innovation, workforce development, and rurally led solutions, the National Rural Health Conference Committee invites abstracts for presentation at the National Rural Health Conference 2027: Rural Health Equity through Empowering Primary Care Teams.
We welcome submissions that showcase research, innovation, practical solutions, and collaborative approaches that strengthen health outcomes for rural communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
This is an opportunity to share knowledge, evidence, and lived experience that can help shape a more equitable and rurally responsive health system. We particularly encourage contributions that reflect the principles of rural proofing, Māori and indigenous leadership, multidisciplinary teamwork, workforce sustainability, digital innovation, and community-driven models of care that enable rural New Zealanders to thrive.
Sub themes
- Whiria te Tangata – Weaving Stronger Rural Primary Care Teams
- Te Ara ki Te Hauora - Community lead solutions for rural equity
- Kia Tupu te Kākano – Growing and Sustaining the Rural Health Workforce
- Mātauranga ki Mua – Knowledge, Innovation, AI and Digital Futures
- He Oranga Whenua, He Oranga Tangata, He Oranga Hapori – Thriving People, Thriving Places, Thriving Communities
How to submit your abstract
We welcome abstracts for the following presentation types:
- Oral – 20-minute presentations + 5 Q&A.
- Lightning Talk – A storytelling format where a presenter has 5minutes to present with Q and A at the end of the session
- Workshops – presented on Thursday 29 April 2027
- Posters – Posters will be displayed in the foyer on electronic screens.
Please note all abstracts must be submitted electronically. When composing your abstract, please carefully follow the guidelines below. Note that you should indicate your preferred presentation format and with which of the conference themes listed above you think your abstract best aligns.
Guidelines
- Maximum of 250 words.
- Do not insert any tables or figures as your abstract will be as plain text, rather than an uploaded document.
- Check spelling and grammar. Submitted material will be published in conference materials - the abstract should, therefore, contain no errors.
- Standard scientific abbreviations may be used - non-standard abbreviations should be included in parenthesis after the first use of the full word.
- Do not indent paragraphs.
- Present sufficient data to support conclusions - it is unsatisfactory to use statements such as "data will be presented" or "results will be discussed".
Terms and conditions
The decision to accept an abstract is at the discretion of the Conference Programme Committee.
All Conference presenters (and co-presenters) must be registered to attend the Conference and are responsible for their own expenses (including but not limited to travel, accommodation and meals - except those provided as part of registration).
Key dates
- Abstract submissions open: Monday 31 August 2026
- Registrations open: Thursday 15 October 2026
- Abstract submissions close: Friday 30 October 2026
- Notification of acceptance into the programme: From Monday 14 December 2026
- Early bird registrations close: Monday 15 March 2027
A reminder of our conference fundamentals
Conference values
- tūhononga/connection
- ranga wairua/inspiration
- mātauranga/knowledge
- tupuranga/growth
Our Conference theme
Rural Health Equity through Empowering Primary Care Teams
