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 and Priorities
To advocate, lead, and elevate General Surgery in Aotearoa New Zealand — strengthening our workforce, supporting our members, and improving surgical care for every community.
1. Education, Training & Workforce Excellence
What we're working toward
Our ambition: A sustainable, high‑quality General Surgery workforce supported from trainee through to late career, with equitable training pathways across all regions.
How we'll get there
- Future‑proof SET training with contemporary programme design and strengthened NZ‑based governance.
- Achieve 90%+ Fellowship exam success, supported by redesigned Training Days (by 2026).
- Structured mentorship for every trainee across all years (by 2026).
- Update and equity‑focused RACS partnering agreement (by Apr 2025).
- Expand rural/provincial training; every trainee completes a rural rotation by 2026.
- Develop return‑to‑practice, transition‑to‑retirement, and flexible pathways.
2. Member Value, Engagement & Professional Support
What we're working toward
Our ambition: Membership delivers clear, career‑long value and strong engagement across regions, cultures, and career stages.
How we'll get there
- Achieve 100% membership by 2027 via engagement, onboarding, and modern CRM/comms.
- Regional CPD workshops and annual leadership forums nationwide.
- Modernised, high‑value CPD including Practice Visits and new offerings.
- Increase membership diversity by 10% by 2028, guided by a Culture Advisory Group.
- Structured Early Career Surgeon Programme with annual workshop from 2025.
- Modernise membership tiers for equitable, inclusive pathways.
3. National Advocacy & System Influence
What we're working toward
Our ambition: Recognised as the leading authority on General Surgery issues nationwide.
How we'll get there
- Governance restructure into high‑functioning subcommittees (by 2026) with governance training.
- Strengthen formal relationship with RACS; affirm NZAGS sovereignty.
- Unified advocacy agenda: workforce shortages; rural/provincial resourcing; training capacity/distribution; private–public integration; service equity & access.
- Government Engagement Framework with HNZ, MoH, MCNZ, ACC, and insurers.
- Promote sustainable workforce policy with regional incentives and infrastructure.
- Annual State of General Surgery Report to influence policy and media.
4. Organisational Sustainability & Future Capability
What we're working toward
Our ambition: A resilient, well‑governed organisation with sustainable revenue, modern systems, and long‑term capability.
How we'll get there
- Modern operational structure, including Training Manager and improved systems.
- Financial sustainability via modern revenue streams, accurate data, strong oversight.
- Modernise digital platforms: website, CRM, logbook integrations, analytics.
- Organisation‑wide risk, quality, and improvement systems aligned with best practice.
- Strengthen partner relationships (GSA, RACS, Government, HNZ).
Excellence
Accountability
Equity
Transparency
Collegiality
Professionalism
Sustainability
About NZAGS & Our Strategic Approach
The New Zealand Association of General Surgeons (NZAGS) represents the expertise and collective voice of Aotearoa New Zealand's Specialist General Surgeons.
Our mission is to champion high-quality, fair, and future-ready surgical care for all New Zealanders. This Strategic Plan positions NZAGS as a modern, responsive organisation with a clear national voice. We lead surgical advocacy, strengthen professional identity, and build long-term workforce and organisational stability.
We're committed to advancing excellence in General Surgery in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, making sure our work reflects partnership, equity, and meaningful Māori connection.
The NZAGS Executive meets annually to update our five-year strategic plan. This plan focuses on seven key areas: branding and promotion, governance, education and training (including rural rotations for all trainees), workforce planning (especially around retiring and new consultants), CPD, relationships, and professional employment services. 
Looking Forward: A Stronger NZAGS, A Stronger Future for General Surgery
By investing in our workforce pipeline, amplifying our advocacy voice, strengthening member value, and ensuring organisational sustainability, NZAGS is setting a bold, confident direction for the next decade. Together, we will build a thriving, future‑ready General Surgery workforce and a stronger, healthier Aotearoa New Zealand.