21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference, 10-13 April 2026: Read More – WONCA 2026 | Home
We are thrilled to announce that Aotearoa New Zealand will host the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference in 2026 — an event focused on the health and wellbeing of those that live and work rurally.
Internationally the WONCA World Rural Health Conferences provides a proven platform for rural communities and professionals to present, question and share solutions, advocate and agitate for positive outcomes for rural whanau and develop a legacy for healthy and thriving rural communities.
We spoke with Professor Bruce Chater, Chair of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice. Reflecting on his role Bruce says, “For me, it’s an important chance to influence international policy through the World Health Organisation, to establish the evidence for good practice — as professionals, administrators, and governments — and to learn from and inform different jurisdictions.”
Through WONCA’s global footprint, Bruce has a front-row seat to the key discussions shaping rural healthcare internationally. “Equity is at the heart of it — ensuring access to good quality, local primary care,” he explains. This includes acute, emergency, hospital, and preventive/public health services. Other major themes include workforce recruitment and retention, and the crucial principle of “rural solutions by rural for rural.”
As hundreds of rural clinicians, academics, researchers, community leaders, executives and government agencies gather in Wellington, Bruce hopes the conference will centre around exchanging solutions and advocating with intent. He sees this moment as an opportunity to spark new ideas and strengthen the global rural health movement. Through his many roles Bruce has shaped international policy, strengthened evidence for best practice, and connected rural health leaders across borders.
New Zealand’s Rural Health Strategy 2023, set the long-term direction for improving the health of rural communities over the next ten years. The five priorities outlined in the Strategy have informed the strate
gic direction of Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network (the Network), the host of next year’s Conference. Bruce suggests that the 2026 Conference will be a critical opportunity to action negotiations that will inform the reforms and deliver a legacy for New Zealand’s rural communities led by the Network.
Bruce’s leadership journey spans decades and his actions have changed the landscape of rural healthcare. “I’ve been privileged to help establish organisations like Rural Doctors Queensland and Australia, the National Rural Health Alliance (Australia), serve on the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority Board, and develop a funding model for rural hospitals,” he says. He was also the fourth President of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine during its successful bid for accreditation and holds the honour of being Australia’s first Professor of Rural and Remote Medicine — achievements recognised by awards including the Order of Australia Medal.
Bruce steps down from his Rural WONCA role in 2024 so New Zealand is fortunate to be able to capitalise on his knowledge and expertise not just with the Conference but in all rural health jurisdictions.
When asked what gives him hope for the future, Bruce’s answer is clear: the next generation. “We need rural leaders who will become policymakers — who bring the wisdom of rural to government locally and internationally,” he says. His call to action is simple yet powerful: rural by rural, for rural, supported by tailored rural training at every level.
“I’m looking forward to seeing your beautiful land, talking with rural health professionals and communities, learning from you, sharing with you, and advocating for you.”
