Veg and Vines 2018 - NZ’s first plant-based nutrition conference

On January 19th and 20th 2018, ‘Veg and Vines’, the first ever plant-based nutrition conference in New Zealand was held at Bushmere arms, Waerenga-a-Hika, Gisborne.

Veg and Vines gathered more than 50 people from all over NZ and Australia. Speakers presented a wide range of topics including:

Friday:

Morgen Smith opened proceedings by providing an overview on the evidence for the WFPBD thus far, and was event MC.

Nick Tupara spoke on the whakapapa of food, presenting a relevant and powerful perspective between traditional Maori diets and what we consider to be healthful today.

Shukul Kachwalla presented an evidence-based second opinion of treatment of inflammatory bowel disease through use of diet, including a personal story about his brother’s recovery from this illness.

Dr Martyn Williamson came from all the way from Central Otago to share his experiences with shaping lifestyle change.

Jasper Robards, an organic farmer from the Wairarapa shared a small part of his knowledge of permaculture, including practical take home messages with implications for small to medium sized sustainable farming in NZ.

Dr Nick Wright spoke on the BROAD study research, which evidenced lifestyle changes and discussed some ‘how-to’ experiences with promoting lifestyle change in general practice.

Saturday:

USA based Dr T. Colin Campbell, a world leader in nutritional research and author of ‘The China Study’ (over 3 million copies sold) joined the conference via Skype on Saturday morning. Dr Campbell discussed some of the science behind a WFPBD, relationships between diet and disease and the bureaucratic backlash/resistance received as a result of presenting this evidence-based research

Local GP and Emergency doctor, Dr Patrick McHugh, spoke on the effect of mindfulness and heartfulness, which are evidence based lifestyle practices and reflects the importance of looking after our emotional and mental health as well as physical health.

Local Public Heath Physician Dr Bruce Duncan spoke about the role of the health system and how lifestyle focused treatments and prevention provide more value for money than most of our other approaches, with real examples.

Prof Ross Lawrenson discussed improving public health and the role of prevention.

A very dynamic panel was held which enabled participants of the conference to share their enthusiasm for promoting healthy changes within the medical system.

Kath Parkinson, Nick Barbara, Glenis Philip-Barbara, Maree Scammell and Tama Koia shared their patient experiences going through either the BROAD study or another Gisborne-based programme.

Anna Charrington and Sue Matthews (from EIT) provided some delicious, quick and easy WFPB cooking demonstrations and explained their role in the BROAD study and Gisborne-based programmes.

Dr Peter Johnston presented preliminary results of his excellent three-week workplace WFPBD intervention, with improvements in health when people change to a strict WFPBD.

Veg and Vines attendees unanimously said they enjoyed attending the conference, particularly the delicious and healthful WFPB food that was provided by Robin at Bushmere Arms. (photos to be attached?).

Attendees gained research-based knowledge that they will be sharing with others and many said they would attend a future conference. Feedback also included that practitioners felt more educated about a plant-based diet approach and many of the health professionals were encouraged with the patient stories of improved health as a result of being on a plant-based diet.

Given the enthusiasm expressed, the next conference is already being planned for next summer in Gisborne.

The conference organisers would like to thank their supporters; Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, Eastern Institute of Technology, Eastland Community Trust, and Turanga health with funding of this conference and support of the charity.

For further information see www.vegandvines.com or search Veg and Vines for the facebook page.