21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference, 10-13 April 2026: Read More – WONCA 2026 | Home
We work with our members to identify priority needs in rural health and promote actions to be taken.
We support research in identifying key issues in rural health, develop knowledge about them and disseminate relevant information to those with an interest in rural health.
Our work involves promoting and encouraging the coordination of the training and education requirements of the rural health workforce.
We aim to provide feedback to government and local authorities on the health impact of policies and services in rural communities to ensure rural and locality proofing principles are applied and reported on.
Our goal is to provide effective representation and leadership on rural community health and wellbeing issues.
By collaborating with other groups, we will develop and strengthen strategic alliances with the potential to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
Wellington, July 16 – Rural health and community leaders gathered at Parliament today for RuralFest 2025, a powerful event dedicated to amplifying rural voices and shaping the future of health policy in Aotearoa.
Welcomed by blue skies in the capital, attendees shared their priorities, successes, and urgent calls to action directly with members of the Coalition Government and Opposition. The event, hosted by Hauora Taiwhenua’s Rural Communities Chapter, aimed to ensure rural perspectives are front and centre in the lead-up to the 2026 election.
The morning session saw strong representation from the Coalition, with Minister of Health Simeon Brown, Associate Minister of Health (Rural) Matt Doocey, Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, and National MP Barbara Kuriger attending. Kuriger, described as a key pioneer behind the RuralFest initiative, was instrumental in making the event a reality.
In the afternoon, Dr Ayesha Verrall, Jo Luxton, and Glen Bennett joined the kōrero, offering perspectives from the Opposition benches and reinforcing cross-party engagement on rural health issues.
Throughout the day, discussions focused on the state of rural healthcare, barriers to access, and opportunities for community-led solutions. The event highlighted the need for long-term political commitment to workforce development, equity, and rural-proofed policy.
As the day wrapped up, organisers expressed deep appreciation for the open and solutions-focused conversations. RuralFest 2025 marked a significant step in ensuring that the lived realities of rural Aotearoa are heard, understood, and reflected in the decisions that will shape our nation’s future.
Gill champions workforce development and through workforce, making a difference to the lives of whānau, families and communities in Aotearoa.
In her day job, Gill manages System Capability for National Emergency Management Agency, professionalising and building the emergency management workforce in Aotearoa.
Gill is a strong advocate for enhancing rural wellbeing and believes in whanaungatanga, building relationships and working collaboratively. Her approach is to build on strengths and share solutions. She brings extensive experience in fostering collaboration and partnerships between communities and elected stakeholders.
Mark is the Chief Executive of Mobile Health and with his team is responsible for providing elective day surgery via the Mobile Surgical Unit – Te Waka Hauora, running My Health Hub providing continuing professional development for health practitioners and operating the NZ Telehealth Resource Centre.
With a strong focus on providing health services to rural communities through his work, Mark is a strong advocate improving equity of access to healthcare for rural New Zealanders.
Mark brings to Rural Communities decades of expertise and understanding of how to achieve effective collaboration with entities such as Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health, Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ, and Primary Care Organisations.
Bill is currently the Chief Executive of Waitaha PHO. Prior to this role, he was a Client Manager with South Link Health where he was responsible for rolling out Primary Health Organisations in the upper South Island.
Having developed strong community linkages with a number of organisations including Territorial Local Authorities, Bill brings experience in forging partnerships which support the continuation of rural and remote rural primary care services through the developments of community networks.
Bill brings a strong business acumen and depth of experience to rural communities through strong stakeholder relationships with Canterbury District Health Board, Canterbury Alliance, Ministry of Health, New Zealand Rural General Practice Network, National Rural Health Advisory Group, St John Ambulance, Whanau Groups and most recently Hauora Taiwhenua.
I am Federated Farmers of New Zealand Northland President.
In this capacity I am a member of Federated Farmers National council to whom the board reports.
I work with 4 councils in the Northland region in my capacity as President and multiple government departments including Health, our regional health board, Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry of Social Development and Education being the main agencies bringing attention to rural issues.
I am a member of the Northland Adverse Events team and respond to various adverse events in the region, north of the Harbour bridge.
I have worked closely with the regional Rural Support Trust and an active member of the collaboration team delivering community wellbeing dinners across the region North of the Harbour Bridge.
I am a passionate farmer and have a breeding herd of Blonde D Aquitaine beef animals.
Kia ora. Ko Rachel McAllum tōku ingoa, he Kaiarahi Whakaroto ki Pegasus Health.
For nearly six years, I have led the Provider Services team at Pegasus Health as Operations Manager. Having come from many years of managing two Ōtautahi general practices in Ōtautahi. I manage many service contracts and project initiatives that require a community focus and engagement. I manage our rural service contracts and have supported our rural practices during my years at Pegasus Health.
In addition to my role at Pegasus Health, I am also a contractor with the RNZCGP, supporting multiple working groups and assessing Foundation Standard and Cornerstone modules for many years and includes assessing the health centres in our 18 prisons across the motu.
With my years of general practice experience, I have seen many changes and enjoyed the improvements throughout the decades and the increased availability of services and healthcare for our communities and their whānau.
The current health sector challenges and access barriers remain, and I am mindful of the need for agile, creative, and collaborative approaches are crucial to effect meaningful change. Strong relationships with general practice, allied professionals and community providers across primary and secondary care are key to achieving these improvements and create a more effective healthcare system.
Ngā mihi, Rachel McAllum
Craig Young is the CEO of TUANZ, the Technology Users Association of New Zealand, an independent member-based organisation which educates and advocates for all users of technology and connectivity across New Zealand.
Craig has been involved in New Zealand’s technology and telecommunications industry since joining CLEAR Communications in 1999. In his previous role at Chorus, Craig led the multilateral engagement with industry stakeholders and customers. He was heavily involved in providing leadership in several industry sectors including Chorus’ rural broadband commitments and was responsible for the RBI Advisory Committee.
