NZ Region Website

A University of Otago report, commissioned by The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust, warns that New Zealand’s heart healthcare system is “on the verge of collapse.” Heart disease is responsible for 5% of hospital admissions and 20% of deaths, costing the country $13.8 billion annually. Māori and Pacific peoples are disproportionately affected, dying on average 10 years earlier […]

A damning new Otago University report exposes deep flaws in New Zealand’s heart healthcare system, including a lack of staffing that means the country only has a third of the cardiologists it should. Waikato cardiologist and Chair of the Cardiac Society Australia New Zealand, Professor Martin Stiles spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Listen to the Radio New Zealand interview here: Morning […]

When: 1–2 November 2025Where: Waikato Hospital Convenors:👩‍⚕️ Kerry Johnson👩‍⚕️ Jackie ToyCo-Chairs, CSANZ Imaging Working Group Mark your calendars – more details coming soon!Stay tuned for programme highlights and registration information.

Media scrutiny and political pressure have been credited with helping clear the prolonged cardiac surgery waitlist at Waikato Hospital. Amid a backlog of up to eight-week delays—driven by insufficient ICU beds, staffing shortages, and equipment limitations—the spotlight from both media coverage and elected officials prompted Te Whatu Ora to act decisively. They responded by outsourcing procedures to private facilities, reallocating […]

Professor Martin Stiles, a leading Waikato cardiologist, has been honoured for his groundbreaking research and clinical work that has significantly impacted both elite athletes and everyday New Zealanders. His contributions to cardiac electrophysiology have not only advanced the treatment of heart rhythm disorders but also played a pivotal role in the health and performance of Olympic medalists. Read the article […]

Summary Paragraph: Professor Martin Stiles, Chair of the CSANZ NZ Region and newly appointed professor at the University of Auckland, is being celebrated for his remarkable contributions to cardiology in Aotearoa. Based at Waikato Hospital, he has pioneered complex cardiac ablations, transforming the lives of patients—including Olympic gold medallists—by treating life-threatening arrhythmias. His research into atrial fibrillation, sudden cardiac arrest, […]

Delays in cardiac care across New Zealand are leading to avoidable harm and even deaths, warns Dr. Sarah Fairley, Medical Director of The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand Kia Manawanui Trust. Speaking on behalf of cardiologists and health professionals, she highlighted critical issues such as prolonged wait times for diagnostics like echocardiograms and angiograms, resulting in patients becoming too unwell […]

Dr. Corina Grey has been appointed as New Zealand’s new Director of Public Health, bringing extensive experience in epidemiology and public health leadership. Her appointment is expected to strengthen public health initiatives and address pressing health challenges across the country. Dr Corina Grey appointed director of public health | Stuff

In this RNZ Morning Report interview, Professor Martin Stiles, Chair of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (NZ Region), discusses the growing concern over lengthy wait times for cardiac scans in New Zealand. He highlights the impact delays are having on timely diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions, and calls for urgent action to address capacity and resourcing […]

Follow this link to hear the full interview on RNZ about Cardiac specialist Dr Dean Boddington finishing his permanent role at Tauranga Hospital after 16 years. He is leaving, citing burnout. Cardiologist quits over intolerable pressure | RNZ