Introduction
The New Zealand Association of General Surgeons (NZAGS) represents the collective strength and expertise of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Specialist
General Surgeons. Our mission is to champion high-quality, equitable, future-ready surgical care for all New Zealanders.
This Strategic Plan positions NZAGS as a modern, agile organisation with a clear national voice—one that leads surgical advocacy, strengthens professional identity, and ensures long-term organisational and workforce sustainability.
We commit to advancing excellence in General Surgery in line with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring our work reflects partnership, equity, and meaningful Māori engagement.
Our Purpose
To advocate, lead, and elevate General Surgery in Aotearoa New Zealand—strengthening our workforce, supporting our members, and improving surgical care for every community.
Values
Excellence
We set and support the highest standards.
Accountability
We act with integrity and purpose.
Equity
We strive for fair access and outcomes for all.
Transparency
We communicate openly with members and stakeholders.
Collegiality
We value respectful relationships and shared purpose.
Professionalism
We uphold the highest ethical and clinical expectations.
Sustainability
We build resilient systems, governance, and future workforce pathways.
Te Tiriti O Waitangi Position Statement
The New Zealand Association of General Surgeons (NZAGS) is the voice of General Surgery in Aotearoa New Zealand. We promote excellence, collegiality, and the wellbeing of surgeons and their patients, while strengthening and supporting the surgical workforce. NZAGS recognises Māori as tangata whenua and acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundational document of Aotearoa. We affirm the historical, cultural, and legal status this holds and are committed to creating surgical environments that are culturally safe, equitable, and responsive to the needs of Māori and Pasifika communities. NZAGS has also adopted the RACS Indigenous Health Position Statement, outlining our ongoing obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Our Commitment To Indigenous health
Guided by the contemporary principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as outlined in The Hauora Report (2019). We uphold tino rangatiratanga by supporting Māori self‑determination in the development and delivery of health services; commit to achieving equitable outcomes; and practise active protection by ensuring our actions and partnerships promote Māori health equity. We value options through support for kaupapa Māori services and culturally grounded models of care, and we uphold partnership by working alongside Māori in governance, design, service delivery, and monitoring. These principles, along with the unique rights of Māori under Te Tiriti and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, guide our ongoing responsibilities to improve surgical health outcomes and strengthen our profession.