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Tuesday, August 04, 2026
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Annual Scientific Meeting
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) returned to New Zealand in May 2026 for the first time in 10 years for its Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), with the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) finally providing a venue large enough to house the meeting of one of Australasia’s largest specialist medical colleges.
The ANZCA ASM is a major gathering for the anaesthesia, pain medicine and perioperative care community focused on innovation, collaboration, education, and the future of patient care.
Over six days, more than 1800 delegates engaged with an impressive scientific programme throughout the venue including over 100 practical workshops, 215 presentations, 56 sessions, 228 eposters, and a sold-out exhibition area showcasing the latest innovations in anaesthetic and pain management.
ANZCA Executive Director of Fellowship Affairs Jan Sharrock added: “We've waited a long time to come to NZICC, and we would have to say the venue is spectacular. It's beautiful. The systems, the people, the space; we couldn't be happier.”
Associate Professor Nicole Philips, FANZCA, Director of Professional Affairs ASM, said that it is a welcome return to reconnect with colleagues across the Tasman: “It's a great opportunity to showcase the talent that exists here in New Zealand. Some amazing anaesthetists and pain specialists have been able to share with us their research, their mentoring, and their wellbeing initiatives.”
A proud highlight of the event was the Welcome Reception and College Ceremony, a formal presentation welcoming 265 new ANZCA and Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) fellows, where the 2026 ASM artwork was projected onto the Sky Tower, lighting up Auckland’s skyline.
Dr Kerry Benson-Cooper, FANZCA, 2026 ANZCA ASN Convenor, collaborated with cultural advisor Tui Blair and Chloē Reweti, a New Zealand-based graphic designer, on the artwork and 2026 ASM theme, “Herenga waka, herenga tāngata: From home to home”. A herenga waka is where waka (canoes) are anchored at a safe harbour or resting point, reflecting the specialty as a place of safety, care, and connection.
Dr Benson-Cooper said: “It's been really important to me that we did this in partnership with Māori because this is (local tribe) Ngāti Whātua land. I have a firm belief that promoting that partnership does the best for our people, for our patients and for our whanau.”
The meeting opened with a spectacular traditional Pōwhiri welcome, and activities included a visit to Ngāti Whātua Orākēi Marae. Program content included sessions on equity, culturally safe leadership, and the importance of co-designing healthcare services with communities.
Phillips noted: “I've learnt an enormous amount about Māori culture, but not in an intimidating, inaccessible way, which has really been wonderful. We certainly have a lot to learn from the work that's being done in New Zealand around cultural safety and health inequities. I'd really like to be able to take some of that back to my own communities and hospitals. It's been an absolute highlight and privilege to be able to get to know some amazing Māori anesthetists and our cultural advisors through this process.”
The Auckland meeting also welcomed the largest cohort in the ASM’s pre-vocational initiative, which this year saw 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori pre-vocational doctors and medical students attend the ASM with financial support from ANZCA. The initiative, which aims to establish and nurture a pipeline into the specialty, drew on the Māori concept of tuakana–teina – a mentoring model based on older and younger sibling relationships – to create connections.
The 2026 Emerging Leaders Conference was held prior to the ASM at Rydges Formosa Auckland Golf Resort overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, bringing together early career anaesthetists and pain specialists for a transformative three-day experience including bringing together perspectives on practical solutions for improving health services from New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
Dr Benson-Cooper said: “There was a whole lot of networking for our fellows and for our trainees that will see them in great stead for the rest of their careers.”
Anaesthetists from Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste were also able to attend the ASM with support from ANZCA, highlighting the progress and the ongoing challenges facing the specialty in their countries.
Even the very young got involved in the ASM with 30 of the delegates’ children, aged 4 to 14, getting a rare behind-the-scenes look at the world of anaesthesia at the clinical skills centre at Te Toka Tumai Auckland City Hospital at a “bring your kids to work” session designed to educate and inspire.
As well as experiencing the city’s medical expertise and infrastructure through CPD sessions at Auckland City Hospital, delegates also got to make the most of Auckland’s attractions. The NZICC’s city centre location enabled a harbour sailing trip and tours of both Wētā Workshop Unleashed and the All Blacks Experience.
Caring for the physical and mental health of workers in the sector was a focal point of the ASM, and was facilitated through a fun run and walk, group bootcamp, and breathwork session. Delegates had the opportunity to go kayaking on the Waitemata Harbour, or mountain biking in Woodhill. On the final night, the ANZCA ASM held its first Hākari (feast or celebration) at waterfront venue the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, complete with live band and dancing into the night.
Dr Tanya Selak, ANZCA President added: “As a Kiwi, I cannot tell you how proud I am to be able to host the ANZCA ASM in my hometown. Auckland has turned into an absolutely dynamic, vibrant, incredible place. I've had terrific feedback from our delegates.”
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Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events team provided strategic funding and support to attract the ANZCA ASM to New Zealand in partnership with Auckland Convention Bureau and NZICC.
Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme is available to any association or organisation that wants to bid to host an international conference in New Zealand with a minimum of 200 international delegates. See more here.(opens in new window)