The 2021 PodiatryNZ conference was a roaring success! The format, this year, focused on the social side and on compulsory CPD sessions.
Day 1 was spent at Te Puia, the leading Māori cultural and arts centre in Rotorua. The 240 delegates were treated to cultural shows, lessons in Te Reo and a history lesson on pre-and post- colonialism.
The evening saw the inaugural PodiatryNZ Formthotics Awards Dinner, held at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua. The MC for the evening was Shane Heenan, the CEO of Foot Science International. The hall was filled with the buzz of chatter and laughter, between sessions. Being the first podiatry conference in 3 years, the delegates were keen to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Day 2 was a bit more serious, with lecture sessions on wound management and infection control. Any patient would agree that these areas are essential, even if the sessions can be a little dry. ACC also made an appearance to update on what is happening with them and to introduce the new Allied Health contract which will include podiatrists, physiotherapists and hand therapists.
The weekend was short and sweet and, undoubtedly, the delegates have returned home feeling rejuvenated if a little tired!