Here comes the future: PHA Conference 2011 begins today

Public Health Association media release

31 August 2011

Here comes the future: PHA Conference 2011 begins today

Delegates and speakers from overseas and around the country have gathered at Lincoln University in Canterbury for “Creating our Future – Now”, the Public Health Association’s annual Conference.

The Conference will examine how current public health initiatives are laying the foundation for what is hoped to be a healthier New Zealand in the future.

Appropriate to its location, one focus of the hui will be on community resilience, sustainability and disaster recovery. It will also look at health issues in the Asian community, a fast-growing but often overlooked group in New Zealand.

Presenters have taken the theme and come up with diverse interpretations. For example:

• income inequality in NZ and what it means for health and wellbeing

• junk food sugars resist even regular teeth brushing

• public health principles incorporated in the new Christchurch

• are present solutions to child home injuries too “tame”?

• beer advertising “dangerous” for relationships

• casinos give warm welcome to lonely Asian refugees

• the unrecognised value of the “Oldie Army” in post-quake recovery.

Keynote speakers include Professor Peter Crampton of the University of Otago, Dr Bob Frame of Landcare Research, Dr Susan Morton of the project Growing Up in New Zealand,Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman of the Housing and Health Research Programme and Dr David Johnston of GNS Science.

The conference is the biggest event on the 2011 public health calendar and will provide a stimulating examination of current public health practice and where it may be heading in the future.

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