Modernising Primary Health: Models of Care That Make a Difference
Collaborative Aotearoa hosts an annual conference that brings together changemakers from across primary and community health – clinicians, leaders, lived-experience advisors, researchers, and policymakers exploring new models of care that make a real difference for our communities.
The 2026 conference centred on the kaupapa of models of care that are making a meaningful difference for kaimahi, whānau, and communities. Speakers were selected through personal invitation and an open Expression of Interest process, with kōrero aligned to the Pou Ora | Pillars of Health framework.
Two days at Papa Hou, Ōtautahi Christchurch – kanohi ki te kanohi, kōrero, and connection.
Conference 2026 · Overview
Two days. One sector. A future-facing kōrero on models of care that make a difference.
“A rich environment for kōrero, learning, and connection – grounded in equity, whanaungatanga, and real-world impact.”
What attendees said
Four themes from the post-conference survey.
20 of the 161 attendees completed our feedback survey. Average rating was 4.1 / 5, with 15 of 20 rating it 5 stars.
Connection and whakawhanaungatanga
A consistent highlight was the chance to connect kanohi ki te kanohi – strengthening existing relationships and building new ones. The size and intimacy of the conference created space for meaningful conversations and a strong sense of shared purpose across the sector.
High-quality, diverse, inspiring speakers
Attendees valued the breadth and calibre of presenters – standout sessions on AI, lived experience, and keynotes. The mix from frontline mahi to leadership to lived experience was described as engaging, thought-provoking, and relevant.
Practical innovation, future-focused content
Strong interest in AI, digital tools, and innovative models of care. Sessions showcasing real-world applications – like AI in ear disease detection – and practical frameworks helped attendees think about how to apply learnings in their own mahi.
Welcoming, energising, well-organised
The overall experience – from organisation and flow to kai and atmosphere – was praised. Attendees described it as inspiring, inclusive, and energising, with a strong sense of manaakitanga and positivity throughout.
"Tātou tātou e – come together as one, to seek knowledge and love, unite together in strength." Tūtira Mai opened the conference.
Lived experience
Tui Taurua and Debra Lomas
Our lived experience advisor presenters shaped the depth, relevance, and integrity of the programme. Their kōrero challenged assumptions and strengthened our collective understanding of what whānau-centred care could and should look like in practice.
Their kōrero stayed with us long after the kaupapa wrapped.
Conference 2026 · Report
The full story of two days at Papa Hou.
A written summary by Marama Buck – keynote highlights, breakout themes, lived experience, sponsorship, survey data, and where Collaborative Aotearoa is heading next.
Conference 2026 · Presentations
Slides generously shared by our speakers.
Eight presenters made their decks available for ongoing learning. Click any to read the deck, meet the speaker, or download the PDF.
The 2026 programme
Two days, three concurrent breakout streams.
The full agenda as it ran at Papa Hou, with all speakers and sessions preserved for reference.
Friday 27 March 2026
Tap speaker photos to view their bio
Conference Partners & Supporters
Thank you to the partners, sponsors, and supporters who help make our conference possible.
Through the lens
Twelve moments from two days at Papa Hou.
Looking ahead to the next chapter of the Collaborative Aotearoa Conference?
Back to The Collaborative Aotearoa Conference