Pattern Background

Reasons to join

General Surgery in New Zealand continues to evolve. Training models, workforce pressures and changes across the health system make the environment more complex than ever. NZAGS exists to ensure general surgeons have a strong and unified voice in these conversations, and to support you throughout every stage of your career. Membership is not only about staying informed. It is about being part of the group that helps shape the future of general surgery in New Zealand.

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Member Dashboard

Everything you need in one place. Your CPD records, membership details, event registrations, and resources are organized in a central hub built for busy surgeons.

Committees & Working Groups

We deliver the General Surgery vocational training programme through AoNZCiGS and AoNZTSC, ensuring the next generation is well prepared for practice in New Zealand.

Committees & Working Groups

Display Your Surgeon Profile

Show your expertise with a professional profile that colleagues and patients can see. List your qualifications, special interests, and practice locations. You control what gets shared and can update your details anytime.

Display Your Surgeon Profile

Find a Surgeon

Need a colleague with specific expertise? Search our directory by location, subspecialty, or special interest. Connect with the right person fast.

Find a Surgeon
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Mentoring Programme

Our mentoring programme supports Trainees and members with guidance that builds confidence and resilience throughout their careers.
Mentoring guide to be added to the member‑only area.

1

Advocacy

NZAGS advocates for general surgeons across key issues affecting the profession. We work directly with government agencies, funders, hospitals and national bodies to ensure members’ interests are represented.

2

Training and Standards

NZAGS delivers the General Surgery vocational training programme through the Aotearoa New Zealand Committee in General Surgery (AoNZCiGS) and the Aotearoa New Zealand Training SubCommittee (AoNZTSC). Our work ensures the next generation of surgeons is well prepared.

3

Annual Scientific Meeting

The ASM brings general surgeons together from across New Zealand and internationally for education, networking and collaboration. Members receive discounted registration.

4

Professional Development and CPD Support

NZAGS works closely with RACS to oversee the CPD programme and ensure members have the resources needed to meet their requirements.

5

Surgical Online Logbook (SOLA)

Our SOLA application is widely used by trainees and trainers and is now available to all members who want to record their procedures in one secure location throughout their general surgery career.

6

Mentoring Programme

Our mentoring programme supports Trainees and members with guidance that builds confidence and resilience throughout their careers.

7

Private Practice Guide

A practical resource covering everything required to establish private practice as a sole trader, partnership or company.

8

Research Grants

NZAGS offers research grants to support innovation and advancement in general surgery. Further information for 2026 will be available soon.

9

Magazine, Newsletter and Updates

Members receive regular updates on issues affecting general surgery, including policy changes, workforce planning and sector developments.

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Career Opportunities

Members can access our jobs board featuring vacancies throughout New Zealand. 
Vacancies section must be moved to memberonly access as it is a membership benefit.

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Board and Committees

Members can apply to contribute through the NZAGS Board or by serving on committees and working groups across membership, advocacy, training and education.

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Special Interest Groups

NZAGS hosts several special interest groups available to all members, with more planned for the future.

Private Practice Guide

A practical resource covering everything required to establish private practice as a sole trader, partnership or company.
Guide to be added to the member‑only area.

NZAGS offers research grants to support innovation and advancement in general surgery. Further information for 2026 will be available soon.

Members can apply to contribute through the NZAGS Board or by serving on committees and working groups across membership, advocacy, training and education.

NZAGS hosts several special interest groups available to all members, with more planned for the future.

What our members value

Championing the Voice of General Surgeons

NZAGS actively advocates on behalf of our members with key stakeholders across New Zealand's health system. We engage with government agencies, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), private healthcare providers and insurers, associated professional bodies such as MCNZ, RACS, and other surgical and medical associations and societies and medical workforce organisations to address the critical issues facing general surgeons today. 

Through evidence-based submissions, direct engagement with policymakers, and collaboration with sister colleges and surgical organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand, we amplify the collective voice of general surgeons.

Whether addressing concerns about operating theatre capacity, after-hours coverage models, medico-legal challenges, or the integration of surgical services across public and private sectors, NZAGS represents your professional interests at the highest levels.

 

Preparing Tomorrow’s General Surgeons

As a member of NZAGS, you play a vital role in developing the next generation of general surgeons. Through our governance of the Aotearoa New Zealand Committee in General Surgery (AoNZCiGS) and the Aotearoa New Zealand Training Sub-Committee (AoNZTSC), we deliver a robust vocational training programme that sets the standard for surgical education in New Zealand.

Your membership supports and contributes to:

 

Comprehensive curriculum

A comprehensive, locally relevant training curriculum that prepares trainees for the unique challenges of surgical practice in Aotearoa
Quality assurance and oversight of training posts across public healthcare settings.
Mentorship opportunities for experienced surgeons to guide and inspire trainees.
Continuous evolution of training standards that reflect best practice and emerging surgical techniques.

By being part of NZAGS, you help ensure that future general surgeons are equipped with the clinical expertise, cultural competency, and professional skills needed to serve New Zealand communities with excellence.

 

Lead and Influence the future of General Surgery in Aotearoa

NZAGS membership offers you direct opportunities to influence the direction of general surgery in Aotearoa New Zealand. We actively welcome nominations and applications throughout the year from members who want to make a meaningful contribution to the specialty's future.

Your Voice, Your Impact

As a member, you can nominate yourself or be nominated by colleagues to serve on: 

1

The NZAGS Board

provide strategic leadership and governance for the association.

2

Training and Education Committees

shape curriculum development, assessment standards, and the training experience for future surgeons.

3

Advocacy Working Groups

represent general surgeons in discussions with health sector stakeholders, government agencies, and policy-makers.

4

Special Interest Groups

advance specific areas of surgical practice, from acute care surgery to rural and remote surgical services.

5

Clinical Standards Committees

develop best practice guidelines and quality improvement initiatives.

Why Get Involved? 

Committee and working group participation allows you to: 

  • Directly influence policies and decisions that affect your daily practice 
  • Network with colleagues across New Zealand and build professional relationships 
  • Develop leadership skills and enhance your CV with governance experience 
  • Ensure your perspective—whether you practice in metropolitan, regional, or rural settings, or in public or private healthcare—is heard at the national level 
  • Give back to the specialty by mentoring the next generation and improving surgical care delivery 

Whether you're an early-career surgeon eager to contribute fresh perspectives, or an experienced practitioner with insights to share, NZAGS values your expertise and commitment. Your involvement strengthens our collective voice and ensures general surgery remains well-represented across all forums that matter.

Connect, Collaborate, and Advance Your Area of Interest

NZAGS hosts several special interest groups (SIGs) that bring together members with shared clinical interests and practice focus areas. These groups provide valuable forums for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and collective advocacy on subspecialty matters.

Our special interest groups enable you to:

  • Network with colleagues who share your surgical interests and clinical challenges 
  • Stay informed about the latest developments, research, and innovations in your field 
  • Contribute to subspecialty-specific guidelines, position statements, and best practice recommendations 
  • Participate in focused education events, workshops, and case discussions 
  • Advocate for resources and support relevant to your area of practice 

Current special interest groups cover diverse aspects of general surgical practice, reflecting the breadth of our specialty across acute care, elective surgery, rural practice, and emerging surgical techniques. 

Growing With Our Members

We're continually expanding our SIG offerings based on member needs and interests. If you're passionate about establishing a new forum or special interest area, we encourage you to get in touch. Your initiative could create valuable connections and resources for colleagues across New Zealand facing similar clinical or professional challenges. 

All NZAGS members are welcome to join any special interest group—participation is flexible and designed to fit around your clinical commitments.

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