Defender of local economies

International expert Dr Ernesto Sirolli will speak about sustainable economic development for rural communities at this weekend's National Rural Health Conference in Rotorua. Photo / File

The National Rural Health Conference kicks off in Rotorua tomorrow with one keynote speaker organisers are saying is a must see, not just for rural people, but anyone interested in health issues.

About 350 to 400 delegates from the rural primary health care, farming, business and community sectors are expected to attend the conference scheduled to run from today until Sunday at the Energy Events Centre.

The conference theme "Close to Home" focuses on equitable access to affordable, top quality primary health care services for rural communities.

Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Michelle Thompson said one of the keynote speakers, Dr Ernesto Sirolli -- an "international superstar of sustainable economic development for rural communities", would be well worth the entry fee.

Dr Sirolli will be joined by Health Minister Jonathan Coleman, former Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O'Sullivan and Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association vice president Dr Lucie Walters as some of the keynote speakers at the conference.

"We have a stellar line up of speakers confirmed for our conference and we think that Dr Sirolli will be of particular interest to people interested in economic wellbeing and those seeking to improve their business and entrepreneurial skills.

"We are keen to open up this opportunity to the people of Rotorua which is why they are available for separate purchase," Mrs Thompson said.

He will deliver a keynote address and hold a workshop during the conference titled Facilitated Health Services -- Responding to Rural Communities, which explores ways in which communities benefit from a caring, listening, facilitative approach to the delivery of education, health and social programmes.

On Saturday, Dr Sirolli will conduct a workshop titled "Don't let a single ounce of intelligence go to waste", a workshop of best practices for growing local economies.

"With all the talk of rural New Zealand in danger of becoming zombie towns, council amalgamations, pressure to double agricultural exports within the next 10 years and the consequent need to improve the capability and capacity of rural communities, there is no better time to engage with Dr Sirolli," she said.

For programme details and registration visit www.conference.co.nz/nrhc15.