Conference

The 2010 NZHHA Conference (1-3 September 2010, Holiday Inn, Auckland, is shaping up well, with a good number of registrations and some wonderful speakers. Jonathan Coleman will address some of the key issues that members are facing when he opens the conference.  Our speakers include economists, sector leaders, forward thinkers and technology artists.   

Some presenters (Dr Michal Boyd on dementia) will offer their professional medical knowledge.  Others (Rodger Spiller and Chellie Spiller) will talk about leadership, particularly in the Māori business context. Another key theme is innovation, particularly relating to partnership models with clients and families. Joanne Hope-Murray will address the problems of the elderly including loneliness and boredom and propose a fresh approach using the concept of a continuum of care.  Pati Umaga and Liz Cairns will talk about how we can work in partnership to improve independence and participation.  Rob Gill from Manawanui in Charge, Julie Martin from IRIS and Anton Ventor from Healthcare NZ will speak on Individualised Funding and on Integrated Family Health Networks. We also have several speakers delivering on technology innovations that are available to the sector. 

Innovation is important but quality is essential. Scott Arrol and Jane MacGeorge from Healthcare NZ, Dale Evans from International Certifications Ltd and Mike Keyworth from Infogeni will talk about risk management, auditing and business mentoring.  

In terms of the wider picture, Brian Easton will give his insight into how the current state of the economy affects public spending and taxation plans. Rod Oram will comment on ‘rethinking how we deliver a wide range of social services’, he will also host a forum seeking comment from invited MPs. Roger Sowry will deliver a presentation on how we can make our voices heard through strategic communications and influence