Upcoming Aotearoa New Zealand activities and events
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Annual Scientific Meeting
Photography by Janet Rhodes. Patient consent was obtained for photography of non-clinical purpose in theatre.
Register now. Join us in September 2025
See the Provisional Programme here. (PDF 261.33KB)
It’s the highlight of RACS’ Aotearoa New Zealand calendar and you’re invited!
Surgery 2025: Enhancing quality and compassion in surgery
Thursday 4 and 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).
- Join us to explore other key issues shaping the future of surgery, including:
- Explore national workforce data and specialty-specific issues and have the opportunity to discuss what can and needs to be done
- Professional skills: learn best practices in consent, privacy, and psychological safety.
- Mistakes and legal processes: understand what happens when things go wrong, with insights from coroners, legal experts, and regulatory bodies.
- Burnout and resilience: take away strategies for managing demands and reducing burnout.
- Patient-centred data: discover how to build registries and make PROMS more meaningful.
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 (Deputy Chair – TWO Board)
- Derek Sherwood (Clinical Lead, Planned Care, TWO)
- 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.
Confirmed keynote speakers for Friday include:
- Carlton Irving (Director of Māori Health and Consumer, HQSC)
- Sally Walker (MNZM and Kiwibank NZ Local Hero of the Year)
- Sarah Jackson (National Chief, Quality & Patient Safety, TWO)
- Robin Youngson (Practitioner, Neuroscience of Healing)
- Audrey Sonerson (Director-General of Health, MOH)
And a highlight of the whole event, a special presentation by Dr Jo Prendergast, a comedian and psychiatrist, on the Friday.
If you have any queries or questions about this event, contact our friendly team at [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you there.
Louis Barnett Prize 2025
Join us for the presentation of the Louis Barnett Prize 2025 and hear from our outstanding finalists as they present on their advanced surgical academic research.
Finalists selected will present their findings at a virtual event on Thursday 2 October 2025 at 7 pm NZDT. 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.
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.