Conference on ‘Kotahitanga: bridging research, industry and practice’

The 58th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand, held in Christchurch in 2024, brought together 187 delegates under the theme 'Kotahitanga: Bridging Research, Industry and Practice'. This theme reflected the society's commitment to uniting diverse sectors to address key nutrition challenges across the life course. Kotahitanga refers to unity and collective action. Topics included nutrition in ageing and chronic disease, infant and toddler nutrition, gut health, sustainable food systems and food safety. Presentations on sarcopenia and Parkinson's disease emphasised the need for greater awareness and tailored nutrition strategies for older adults. The Muriel Bell Lecture celebrated the legacy of New Zealand's first State Nutritionist and called for continued leadership in evidence-based nutrition and encouraged nutritionists to communicate research to the public. A panel on science communication offered practical strategies for engaging the public and countering misinformation. The conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, advocacy and practical application in advancing nutrition.