The New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons is holding the Annual Scientific Meeting at the Christchurch Convention Centre, Te Pae, in Ōtautahi Christchurch on 21-22 August 2026. In addition to a high impact scientific program, the conference will host the celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons.

The academic programme will be focused around the theme of “complex reconstruction” with Keynote speaker Dr Simon Wood, UK presenting on Head and Neck, breast and abdominal wall reconstruction and participating in multiple panel discussions including New Zealand plastic surgery experts as well as our colleagues in Gynaecology and Breast Oncology.

In addition, there will be historical, surgical education and reflective practice sessions which bring together concepts of where we are as a professional group and look to the future of where our future may lie.

To complement the academic program we are expecting vibrant trade participation and a celebratory Gala dinner which will be a landmark event at the Christchurch Art Gallery to spotlight the success of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons and celebrate the associations 50th “birthday".

The 2026 NZAPS ASM and NZAPS 50th Celebration will be a fabulous occasion and we hope that you can attend. Book your leave and we will look forward to seeing you and all our colleagues for this unmissable event.

Brandon Adams, Adam Bialostocki, Daniel Butler

Organising Committee NZAPS2026

Keynote Speaker

Mr Simon Wood, MBBS FRCS(Plast), The London Clinic, UK

Mr Wood qualified in medicine (MBBS) from the University of London (Royal London Hospital Medical College) in 1986. He undertook plastic surgery training in centres at Cambridge, Norwich, Oxford and London. After a Locum Consultant Post at the Royal Marsden Hospital, he was appointed Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Charing Cross Hospital in 1999. Mr Wood is recognised for his expertise in head & neck, breast, abdominal wall and perineal reconstruction and has published and presented across these areas.

Mr Wood has supported training throughout his career and after a period on the national Specialist Advisory Committee for Plastic surgery for the Joint Royal Colleges Surgical Training (JCST) he was appointed chair from 2015 to 2018. He has since been appointed as a member of the Plastic Surgery Exams board. Mr Wood is Hon Treasurer for the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and was elected to the position in 2020.

Schedule

View full schedule

Venue

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is located at 188 Oxford Street Christchurch, 8011

Convention Centre Floorplans (PDF)

Parking map for the Convention Centre (PDF)

Accommodation

Delegates must book their accommodation directly with the hotel of their choice. Christchurch has a wide range of accommodation within walking distance of Te Pae The Christchurch Convention Centre. The Crowne Plaza and Sudima Christchurch have offered discounts on accommodation for delegates (see Hotels Section below). For alternatives see the ChristchurchNZ Website. Delegates should note the Terms and Conditions for cancellation/changes to bookings on the hotels own websites.