CSANZ NZ REGION NEWSLETTER – Winter 2025

Chair’s Message

Kia ora e te whānau, from the CSANZ New Zealand Regional Chair

Yet another half year has whizzed by! The Heart Health workforce remains challenged by many obstacles, but the work continues, and we can all be proud of our efforts.

ASM Rotorua 2025 Wrap-Up

The Rotorua ASM was a huge success – thanks to the organising committee for delivering a superb meeting. Please read the wrap-up report below. Next year, I look forward to welcoming you to the ASM in Wellington. Convenor Dr Matt Webber is assembling a varied team to organise an excellent meeting, I am sure.

New Zealand CSANZ ASM 2026, Takina Events Centre, Wellington 11-13 June 2026

CSANZ NZ Committee Updates

Thank you to our outgoing CSANZ NZ committee members and welcome to our new representatives!

Outgoing CSANZ NZ region committee members:

• Stacey Neilson – Allied Health Representative
• Peter Barr – Northern Representative and Board Member, Cardiac Society Charitable Trust
• Sarah Rossiter – Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Representative
• Zari Diedrichs-Farnan – Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Representative
• Rebecca Eddington – Nursing Representative
• Sarah Fairley – Central Representative

New CSANZ NZ region committee Members:

• Matt Webber – Central Representative (and 2026 ASM convenor!)
• Ellen Woodcock – Allied Health Representative
• Gareth Mackin – Allied Health Representative
• Natalie Presnell – Nursing Co-Representative

The Chair-elect is Dr Seif El-Jack. Seif will become Chair after the 2026 AGM (at the ASM in Wellington)

We are still looking for a Northern representative and Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention representative. If interested, email us info@cardiacsociety.org.nz 

Awards & Recognition

Congratulations to all ASM 2025 award winners, including Jennifer Roberts (Nursing Investigator Award) and Ellen Woodcock (Allied Health Investigator Award). See the full list in this issue.

Spotlight Feature – Gareth Mackin

Gareth Mackin, Advanced Practice Cardiac Physiologist, is our Allied Health Representative and International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) Ambassador. He brings innovation and leadership to the field – read more about his contributions below.

Remembering Dr Parma Nand

We pay tribute to Dr Parma Nand, a respected Auckland cardiothoracic surgeon and humanitarian, who passed away in May 2025. His legacy continues to inspire our community.

Thank you for your dedication to the cardiac community. Stay connected, stay inspired, and see you at our upcoming events!

Ngā mihi nui,
Prof. Martin Stiles
Chair, CSANZ NZ Region

Wrap up from Dean Boddington – Co convenor of CSANZ NZ region Annual Scientific Meeting May 2025 – Rotorua

Heartfelt Connections at the Rotorua Cardiology Hui

Set against the stunning geothermal landscape of Rotorua, this year’s cardiology hui welcomed delegates with the warmth and manaakitanga the region is renowned for. The local iwi played a meaningful role in grounding the event in te ao Māori, setting the tone for a gathering that was both professional and culturally enriching.

Strong Turnout and Diverse Participation

A total of 333 paying delegates attended the conference, representing a broad spectrum of the cardiology community. From cardiologists and nurses to technicians, trainees, and industry partners, the hui provided a unique opportunity for cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.

Programme Highlights

The programme delivered thought-provoking sessions, with keynote speakers who captivated the audience with insights into the future of cardiology and patient care. Breakout streams such as Indigenous Health, Allied Health, and Trainee-focused sessions offered targeted content and sparked rich kōrero. Several sessions drew particularly strong engagement, reflecting the depth and relevance of the topics presented. The spotlight session on Women’s Health was a definite highlight. This meeting had more Invited Speakers than any previous ASM – thanks to the Mayo Clinic for sending 3 excellent speakers.

Spotlight on Indigenous Health

The Indigenous Health Symposium was a key pillar of the conference. It highlighted the importance of embedding kaupapa Māori throughout the cardiology landscape and emphasized cross-sector collaboration to improve outcomes for Māori communities. This stream left many attendees inspired to take action in their own practice and institutions.

Innovation and Research in Focus

Emerging research and innovation featured prominently, with presentations from students and early-career researchers showcasing fresh ideas and impactful studies. Trends such as digital health tools and personalised medicine stood out as future-shaping themes within cardiology.

Connection Beyond the Sessions

Social and networking events provided relaxed spaces to build connections and celebrate achievements. Evening functions and informal gatherings, alongside recognition of award winners, added vibrancy to the hui experience.

Looking Ahead

Attendees were encouraged to remain engaged with the community—whether by submitting abstracts, supporting the next event’s planning, or continuing the conversations started at the hui.

Final Reflections

A huge thank you to the organising committee, speakers, and sponsors who made this event possible. The hui not only advanced professional knowledge but also left a lasting impression of shared purpose and partnership. The combination of clinical excellence, cultural integration, and genuine connection made Rotorua a fitting host for a truly memorable gathering

Congratulations to the following, awarded at the 2025 ASM

Nursing Investigator Award: ($3,500 to attend a NZ or overseas ASM)

Awarded to: Jennifer Roberts

Allied Health Investigator Award: ($3,500 to attend a NZ or overseas ASM)

Awarded to: Ellen Woodcock

Young Investigator Award: ($7,500 to attend an overseas ASM or conference)

Awarded to: Janny Lau

CSANZ NZ Region Equity and Diversity Award: ($3,500 to attend a NZ or overseas ASM)

Awarded to: Liam Gilheany-Black

Best Moderated Poster – Basic Research:

Awarded to: June-Chiew Han

Best Moderated Poster – Heart Failure / Structural and Valve Disease:

Awarded to: Luke Ramirez

Best Moderated Poster – Imaging:

Awarded to: Joshua Dillon

Indigenous Cardiovascular Health Conference (ICH25)

SYDNEY June 12 and 13 2025

Anna Rolleston, Co-convenor

In June 12 and 13 2025, the Indigenous Cardiovascular Health Conference (ICH25) brought together over 160 attendees in Sydney, creating an inspiring space for collaboration and learning. The week began with a dedicated Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori and Pacific Workforce Day, drawing 77 participants and highlighting the critical role of Indigenous leadership in reshaping heart health outcomes across our region.

Highlights included keynote speakers who shared bold ideas, grounded in Indigenous knowledge and scientific rigour, calling for transformative change in cardiovascular care. We were especially grateful to our International Invited Speakers – Donald Warne (USA), Satu Viali (Samoa), and Alika Maunakea (Hawai’i) for their fantastic contributions, experiences and global insights.

It was also a real highlight to have community researchers and members in the room, bringing lived experience, and grounded connection to the conversations. A consistent theme echoed across sessions was the importance of self-determination, cultural integrity, and community-led action.

Perhaps the most memorable takeaway? The feel of the conference – a safe and energising space filled with warmth, enthusiasm, and shared purpose. As one participant said, “It was so lovely to be in spaces with so many enthusiastic and passionate people.”

As for what’s next: well, that depends on all of us. These conferences only happen because of committed convenors and active organising teams. Whispers of Aotearoa or somewhere in the Pacific in June 2027 are already in the air… so watch this space, and if you’re keen to help shape the next gathering, let’s talk!

Upcoming Events

📅 Imaging Symposium – Waikato Hospital, 1–2 November 2025

📅 New Zealand CSANZ ASM 2026, Takina Events Centre, Wellington 11-13 June 2026

Waikato Cardiology Outreach: Our work at Fieldays 2025

By Gareth Mackin, Advanced Practice Cardiac Physiologist and Zach DeBoard, Cardiothoracic Surgeon

The Waikato Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit is happy to share their participation at the 2025 Fieldays Health Hub. From previous years, we’ve learned visitors want simple and applicable information as well as a relevant physical item to take away. For 2025, the cardiothoracic surgery unit partnered with EP cardiology & pacing physiology. This year patients were offered emergency information wallet/purse cards, symptom awareness goods, and cardiac rhythm checks on site. Nurses, surgeons, perfusionists, and pacing physiologists were present for up to 10 hours a day at the booth – some came to work the booth on days off or after their rostered shifts at the DHB.

ABOVE: Waikato CTS Nurse Specialist, Kelsey & Cardiothoracic Registrar, Cheong explaining cardiothoracic surgery to the future generations

From an outreach perspective, we provided over 1300 screening ECGs for visitors. 25-30 people had newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation, heart block, or other rhythm disorders.

Those with a new diagnosis were provided with a formal ECG on site, referral letter to a specialist, and email informing their GP of findings & requesting urgent follow up. Further to rhythm screening, thousands of visitors were counselled on cardiovascular health, symptom awareness, and provided recommendations for GP/specialist evaluation. Our conversations with visitors at Fieldays permits engagement with specialist providers in a comfortable setting – rather than at the other end of the spectrum as an inpatient with an acute event.

The Health Hub creates an approachable forum for attendees to discuss health concerns, many of whom have never been educated about such topics, nor do they regularly interact with the health care system.

Countless young (intermediate & high school) visitors inquired about careers in health – our hope is to encourage pursuit of health jobs in order to self-sustain our workforce. Many rural youth mentioned they have long been interested in pursuing career as a nurse, physician, or allied health care provider – they note fearing their rural upbringing excludes them from such an endeavour or they simply lack the guidance to start the journey.

Thanks to all our booth staffers (including many CSANZ members): Gareth Mackin, Karl Coley, Kelsey Abercrombie, Fiona Bunce, Alaa Hussein, Karen Nixey, Georgia Miller, Zach DeBoard, Catherine Brook, Caron Sulley, Amanda Danby, Cheong Ping Pau, Frank Cheung, and Martin White.

Left to right: Cardiothoracic surgeon Zach De Board, CTS Nurse Kelsey Abercrombie, Cardiac Physiologists Fiona Bunce & Alaa Hussein

Left to right: Cardiac Physiologists Karl Coley & Gareth Mackin

Spotlight on Gareth Mackin

CSANZ NZ region committee, new Allied Health Committee Representative

Gareth Mackin is an award-winning Advanced Practice Cardiac Physiologist and IBHRE Ambassador, working as 2IC in Cardiac Rhythm Management and Electrophysiology at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand.

With almost 10 years of international experience across the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, Gareth brings a strong focus on clinical excellence, service innovation, and allied health leadership. He is deeply engaged in advancing innovative & complex practices including left bundle area pacing and pulsed field ablation, and leads key initiatives in mentoring and accreditation through IBHRE.

As the CSANZ Allied Health Representative, Gareth is committed to strengthening the voice of allied health professionals, driving professional development, and enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration across the cardiac sciences.

Remembering Dr Parma Nand (c.1961–2025)

Dr Parma Nand, a highly respected Auckland cardiothoracic surgeon, passed away on 4 May 2025 at the age of 64. He was known for his exceptional skill, dedication to patient care, and his tireless humanitarian work. Over more than 30 years of service at Auckland City and Mercy Ascot hospitals, Dr Nand built a reputation as a compassionate and expert clinician. Originally from Fiji, he rose from a childhood of extreme poverty to become one of Aotearoa’s most admired specialists.

In 2006, Dr Nand founded the Friends of Fiji Heart Foundation NZ, through which he led 15 surgical missions to Fiji. These missions resulted in over 770 life-saving cardiac operations and more than 4,200 heart screenings. His vision was not only to provide immediate care but to build sustainable healthcare by mentoring and training local staff.

Dr Nand’s colleagues remember him as a generous mentor, role model, and “brother,” whose commitment to giving back to his homeland never waned. He was equally revered by his patients. One patient said, “So far, due to one of his surgeries, I’ve been alive 10+ years longer than I was meant to – people like him are the real heroes in the community.” Another recalled how Dr Nand, after finishing a double shift, immediately took over their care following a near-fatal speedway crash.

He is survived by his three children and two grandchildren. To honour his legacy, his family and colleagues are planning to establish a named scholarship in his memory, aimed at training Fijian surgeons in New Zealand and supporting sustainable,

Pacific-led cardiac care initiatives.

Dr Parma Nand leaves behind a legacy of surgical excellence, compassion, and regional partnership that will continue to inspire and influence the cardiac community for years to come.

Expression of Interest: Chair Role – CSANZ NZCPR Working Group

The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) New Zealand Committee has a vacancy for Chair for the Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Working Group (NZCPR)

Role and responsibilities:

• Work with the CSANZ NZ Nursing Co-Chairs to be voice for cardiac nursing in New Zealand, in particular for Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Organise and lead the Cardiac Rehabilitation symposium at the NZ Annual Scientific Meeting
• Lead the CSANZ NZ nursing members with a special interest in Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Support educational opportunities for NZ cardiac nurses in respect to Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention

For more information on the role, contact:  Chris.Aldridge@middlemore.co.nz

To nominate yourself or another member, please contact:  Andrew (info@cardiacsociety.org.nz)

Need information of referring patients for Heart Transplant?

Here is a link to the New Zealand Heart Transplant Service, Heart Transplantation in New Zealand Information for Referring Physicians 2025 – supplied by Dr Tom Pasley, Cardiologist Recent Research, Useful Links, and NZ Guidelines – NZ Region Website

Opportunity for NZ Clinician-Researcher in Sydney              

An exciting opportunity of mentorship for a budding clinician-researcher from New Zealand has been offered at Westmead Applied Research Centre, Westmead, Sydney.

If interested, you would need to be prepared to spend at least 12 weeks (or a term) to make it worthwhile for your learning and for the research centre.  Planning support would be provided pre-arrival for shorter time periods, and you would then need to be prepared to do some preparation work prior to the research term, and some work after the term to finish up writing. The goal is a publishable piece of work.

Longer periods may allow work towards a Masters, and potentially assessment for your suitability for PhD candidacy.

Applicants should send an EOI to info@cardiacsociety.org,.nz by 30 September 2025.

The applications will be assessed by the CSANZ NZ region committee.

💙 Support Jackie Toy – Give Jackie a Fighting Chance

Senior Echosonographer and Co-Chair of Imaging, Jackie Toy, is undergoing cancer treatment that is unfortunately unfunded. Support Jackie through her Givealittle campaign – every contribution makes a difference.
Give Jackie a Fighting Chance – Donate Here Give Jackie a Fighting Chance – Givealittle

Interested in Cardiac Imaging? Then save this date!

Imaging Symposium

Waikato Hospital

November 1^st-2^nd 2025

Kerry Johnson and Jackie Toy

Co-chairs

CSANZ Imaging Working Group

For any further info contact info@cardiacsociety.org.nz

Applications open for the Heart Foundation Malcolm Legget Overseas Training and Research Fellowship

The Heart Foundation has opened a special grant round for the Malcolm Legget Overseas Training and Research Fellowship. The fellowship will support a medical graduate to engage in advanced clinical training and research in cardiovascular disease, with a preference for those pursuing imaging or other non-interventional fellowships.

This prestigious fellowship commemorates the significant contributions of the late Associate Professor Malcolm Legget to cardiology, research, and the Heart Foundation.

Applications will close on 30 September 2025. To find out more and apply, visit the Heart Foundation research grants portal: Client Portal

Please share this opportunity with any colleagues who may be interested.