Thursday, 28 March 2024 10:55

Talking rural health

Written by  Staff Reporters
Hauora Taiwhenua chair Dr Fiona Bolden discusses the upcoming National Rural Health Conference significance in addressing rural healthcare challenges. Hauora Taiwhenua chair Dr Fiona Bolden discusses the upcoming National Rural Health Conference significance in addressing rural healthcare challenges.

As the National Rural Health Conference 2024 approaches, Fiona Bolden, chair of Hauora Taiwhenua, and Grant Davidson, chief executive of Hauora Taiwhenua, talk about the conference's significance in addressing rural healthcare challenges.

Fiona Bolden a long-term advocate for rural health, shared her perspective on the conference's mission and impact, highlighting its role in fostering collaboration and support among rural health professionals.

"As chair of Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, it's absolutely crucial for the National Rural Health Conference to thrive," she stressed. "It's the one platform where all rural health stakeholders can come together, sharing stories, extending support, and shining a light on the significance of rural healthcare.”

Bolden explained that the conference offers hardworking health providers a much-needed break from their daily grind, providing them with opportunities to learn, connect with their rural community, and foster a sense of camaraderie and empowerment.

Davidson shared the significance of this being the first conference following the full transformation of the countrywide rural health sector groups into one organisation, Hauora Taiwhenua. He noted that at this year’s conference there is a greater diversity of attendees, reflective of the organisation’s unified voice, and the broad spectrum of abstracts received, representing various rural communities, midwifery, and students.

He sees this conference as a platform for the new era of rural health, embracing diversity and unity.

Reflecting on the conference’s value, Bolden highlighted its role in facilitating conversations with policymakers, advocating for adequate funding and resources for rural health services. She emphasised the need for policymakers to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by rural communities and work towards sustainable solutions.

“As rural health professionals, we can often feel invisible to urbanbased politicians who dictate our funding and the survival of our rural services,” she explains.

“We deeply care about our communities and the provision of healthcare to them. It’s crucial for politicians to be aware of the inequities in rural health outcomes, the lack of adequate funding, and the ongoing under training of future rural health workers. Face-to-face interaction with politicians demonstrates basic respect for our communities and healthcare professionals, offering hope for the future amidst great change.”

Looking ahead, Bolden emphasised the importance of building resilience in rural communities, particularly in the face of climate- related disasters and other challenges. She highlighted the role of Hauora Taiwhenua in facilitating these efforts and empowering rural healthcare providers and communities.

Being based in the Coromandel, Bolden felt the effects of Cyclone Gabriel and she noted that a year on, the community is definitely recovering better.

“With these vital transport routes reconnecting us and enabling the tourist influx which the Coromandel economy is so dependent upon to return over this summer.”

The conference’s approach to addressing disasters impacting rural communities, such as Cyclone Gabrielle, was further highlighted by Davidson. He says this year’s panel discussion is a dedicated session focused on extracting lessons from past disasters like Gabrielle and the pandemic, with a particular emphasis on preparedness and response strategies for climate emergencies.

Throughout the conference personal, organisational, national, and international lessons will be shared with each conversation playing its part in encouraging preparedness.

Anticipating buzz conversations at the conference, Davidson highlighted three major themes.

Firstly, discussions surrounding climate change and proactive responses are expected. Secondly, conversations about the evolving health system and strategies to ensure rural health emerges stronger amidst changes are anticipated. Lastly, the importance of collective strength and connectivity within the organisation, councils, and chapters, aiming to maximise their impact in the coming year.

When asked to describe this year’s conference in three words, Davidson replied: “Support, Learning, and Excitement.”

Event Details

What: National Rural Health Conference 2024

Where: Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wellington.

When: April 5-6.

Register online at www.nationalruralhealthconference.org.nz/register

More like this

Rural GP's inspiring legacy

The legacy of Dr Peter Snow continues to inspire as the recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Peter Snow Memorial Awards were announced at the recent National Rural Health Conference.

Addressing rural health workforce

One month out from the National Rural Health Conference 2024, we caught up with keynote speaker Dr Cath Cosgrave. She is an internationally awarded 'rural change-maker', strategic advisor, trainer, coach, presenter, and evaluator based in Australia. With this broad set of skills, we asked her how she would sum up her work.

Digitalising rural healthcare

When it comes to rural healthcare in New Zealand, there is no one more tuned in than John Macaskill-Smith, CEO of Spark Health.

Rural health conference coming!

OPINION: This year's National Rural Health Conference, being held in Wellington, has attracted a record number of interested rural health experts passionate about improving equity for rural communities in all ares of health and wellbeing.

Featured

Govt limits forestry conversions

Farmers have welcomed the Government’s move designed to limit farm to forestry conversions entering the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Beef genetics survey

New Zealand's primary sector is being called on to help shape the future of the country's industry by sharing views and insights about the availability and use of genetic tools.

Consider a career in hort

OPINION: As the fourth generation of my family working in horticulture, I’m proud to be continuing the legacy and honoured to do so carrying the current title of the Young Grower of the Year 2024.

National

Pork imports furore

Pork farmers says a significant influx of imported pork is causing them concern.

TB testing in-house

OSPRI will carry out on-farm TB testing, following AsureQuality's decision not to renew their contract.

Machinery & Products

Expo set to wow again

Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo…

A year of global challenges

As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Loud noises!

OPINION: One of the strongest arguments for Act’s Treaty Principles Bill is probably its opponents’ total inability to raise a…

Barks like a dog

OPINION: Landcorp is putting a brave face on its latest result, highlighting its progress on KPIs like climate change and…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter