Indigenous Hui 2023

Up to 50 surgeons and surgical Trainees of Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island descent converged on Auckland on 29-30 July to build ties and create a community for Indigenous surgeons.

The event, organised by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and funded by the Foundation for Surgery, was held at Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa Marae, Auckland Airport.

It was part of a broader RACS initiative to increase diversity and build the workforce of Indigenous surgeons.

The hui provided an important opportunity for whanaungatanga - building close connections.

This was the first Indigenous surgeons hui since 2017 and the first time surgical Trainees were present.

The hui boasted an impressive line-up of speakers including legendary Worimi surgeon Professor Kelvin Kong; public health academic and honorary RACS Fellow Professor Papaarangi Reid; Dr Maxine Ronald, past-Chair of RACS’ Indigenous Health Committee; and RACS’ Māori Trainee Liaison Lead Professor Jonathan Koea. There was a media training session and an opportunity for Trainees to talk about the issues closest to their hearts including what they most want from their surgical training. 

Contact Ruth Herd in Aotearoa New Zealand or Daniel Kisliakov in Australia for further information.