Upcoming Aotearoa New Zealand activities and events
On this page
Annual Surgeons' Meeting
Registrations are now open. Join us in September 2025
It’s the highlight of RACS’ Aotearoa New Zealand calendar and you’re invited!
Surgery 2025: Enhancing quality and compassion in surgery
Thursday 4 & Friday 5 September
Parliament, Wellington
This two-day event presents an opportunity for connection, reflection and the sharing of knowledge bringing together surgeons from across RACS nine specialties and around the motu (country).
Planning is well and truly underway. Here is a sneak peek of what to look forward to:
On Thursday, we’ll explore big-picture topics that are shaping the future of surgery including consent, registries (prostate cancer, breast implants, joint implants), and workforce planning, with key insights from health leaders across Aotearoa.
Confirmed keynote speakers for Thursday include:
- Michael Webster (Privacy Commissioner)
- Professor Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard (Chief Medical Officer at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora)
- Dr Andrew Connolly
- Tom de Koning (Group Manager, Future of Health Workforce HNZ | TWO).
On Friday, our focus turns to delivering thoughtful sessions on compassionate leadership, cultural safety, and dealing with mistakes. Speakers will include Heather McKenzie – Coroner, Adam Holloway – Lawyer, and Theo Baker from the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
And a highlight of the whole event, a special presentation by Dr Jo Prendergast, a comedian and psychiatrist, on the Friday.
Register here
If you have any queries or questions about this event, contact our friendly team at [email protected].
We can’t wait to share more developments and details with you.
Louis Barnett Prize 2025
Applications are now open for the Louis Barnett Prize 2025.
About the Louis Barnett Prize
This prestigious award valued at $2500, was established in 1962 and recognises advanced surgical academic research by surgeons from Aotearoa New Zealand. It commemorates Sir Louis Barnett, a pioneer of research into hydatid disease and the first New Zealand president of RACS.
Eligibility
Applications for the prize are open to Trainees and Fellows within the first five years of their Fellowship as of 2 October 2025; and:
• A citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand, OR
• Have permanent resident status for Aotearoa New Zealand.
How to apply
Please submit an abstract with a brief cover email outlining your involvement in the research to [email protected]
The research may have been done either within or outside Aotearoa New Zealand; within or outside a department of surgery, and before or after commencement of surgical training.
Only one abstract will be accepted per submitter.
Please include a declaration of your eligibility for this prize in the abstract submission.
See here for guidelines for abstracts.
Timeline
Entries close Monday 14 July 2025 and applicants will be notified of the results of the first round of judging in August. Finalists selected will present their research at a virtual event at 7pm NZDT on Thursday 2 October 2025. The registration link for the finalists presentation will be provided closer to the date.
For any questions regarding the Louis Barnett Prize, please contact Project & Events Officer Aotearoa New Zealand Danielle Cochran.