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Accepted manuscript

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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2025

Claire Smith*
Affiliation:
Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Pamela von Hurst
Affiliation:
School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Michelle Gibbs
Affiliation:
New Zealand Food Safety, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
Joanne Todd
Affiliation:
FoodBiz Consultancy Ltd, Auckland 1025, New Zealand.
Sherly Parackal
Affiliation:
Centre for International Health, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Maria Choukri
Affiliation:
Ara Institute of Canterbury, Department of Applied Sciences and Social Practice, Madras Street, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
*
*Corresponding author: Claire Smith; Email: claire.smith@otago.ac.nz
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Abstract

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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.

Information

Type
Editorial
Copyright
© The Authors 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society