Overview

The New Zealand Orthopaedic Association was established 17 February 1950, by a group of orthopaedic surgeons who met at Wellington Hospital. The purpose of the Association is to promote, develop and encourage research in orthopaedic surgery and related diseases and injuries to the musculoskeletal system.
The membership at the beginning of 2000 stood at 180, being made up from members in New Zealand and across the world. Association membership is by invitation only.

The New Zealand Orthopaedic Association (NZOA) provides leadership in all matters relating to orthopaedic surgery, education and research. It promotes excellence in standards of patient care and professionalism by providing, developing and encouraging training and research in orthopaedic surgery and related musculoskeletal disorders. It is the dominant source of advice to Government and other health-related organisations and agencies on orthopaedic matters. NZOA members are orthopaedic surgeons or medical graduates training to be vocationally registered as orthopaedic surgeons.

The NZOA represents the broad interests of its members in specific areas including:
  • Training and ongoing continuing medical education for orthopaedic surgeons
  • Liaison and direct participation with other health related groups such as Accident Compensation Commission (ACC), Ministry of Health, District Health Boards, other professional medical associations and patient support organisations
  • Organising and running an Annual Scientific Meeting, as well as arranging visits to New Zealand from overseas experts in orthopaedic surgery
  • Maintaining the National Joint Register
  • Running annual Continuing Education courses
  • Liaison with sub-speciality groups within orthopaedic surgery.
  • Promoting orthopaedic research within New Zealand
  • Monitoring the overall health environment from an orthopaedic perspective to ensure patients receive the highest possible level of professional service and care

Key Committees

  • Training and Education
    Responsible for the selection and training of orthopaedic trainees.
  • ACC and Third Party
    Responsible for the interface between the NZOA and key health organisations such as ACC, private health insurers and groups to whom the provision of orthopaedic surgery may be contracted.
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
    Monitors and develops the control of and participation in the CPD programme for orthopaedic surgeons.

Specialty Groups

To ensure development of skills in specialties of orthopaedics, the NZOA supports the following sub groups:
  • Foot and Ankle
  • Hip Society
  • Knee Society
  • Paediatric Orthopaedic Society
  • Pedicle Club (Spine)
  • Shoulder/ Elbow Group