Welcome from the president and dean
Dear colleagues,
As a trans-Tasman organisation, we are excited to announce that the 2026 ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and the FPM Symposium will take place in Auckland, New Zealand. We are thrilled to have secured the state-of-the-art venue of New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) for the ASM. The ASM is more than a calendar date; it’s an opportunity to re-connect with colleagues, exchange innovative ideas and create lasting impact as a community.
Dr Kerry Benson-Cooper, 2026 ASM Convenor, collaborated with Tui Blair, the cultural advisor and Chloē Reweti, an NZ based graphic designer for the 2026 ASM theme, “Herenga waka, herenga tāngata: From home to home”. A herenga waka is a physical place where waka are anchored at a safe harbour or resting point and reflects a space of connection and safety for voyaging waka. It symbolises a complete journey of patients seeking care and healing, families offer love and support, and healthcare professional dedicate themselves to looking after others through this journey.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the national organising committee, whose dedication and creativity have shaped an inspiring and dynamic scientific program that promises to spark ideas, cultivate collaboration and encourage innovation. We would also like to acknowledge all contributors, for their efforts and planning that go into every presentation, discussion, and workshop. This meeting is simply not possible without valuable contributions from all presenters, facilitators and contributors. We look forward to connecting with you!
The FPM Symposium will be held on Friday 1 May at JW Marriott. Echoing the ASM, the Symposium theme, ” Kotahi tatou I Te Waka: United in the journey of pain care” honours the heritage of ancestral wayfarers and aligns with the courage and advernturing spirit that the forebear pays homage to the heritage of ancestrial wayfarers is as an opportunity to delve into various critical aspects of pain management. The program will emphasise the importance of providing equitable access to high-quality, evidence-based pain management solutions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the world, exchanging ideas and research. Building valuable professional networks that will extend beyond the meeting itself. We open for registration on Monday 1 December!

Professor Dave Story
ANZCA President

Dr Dilip Kapur
FPM Dean
ANZCA recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a foundational document that shapes the historical and cultural landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand and that informs our approach to medical education, research, and community engagement Tangata Whenua.
ANZCA acknowledges and respects Māori as the Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa and is committed to upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, fostering the college’s relationship with Māori, supporting Māori fellows and trainees, and striving to improve the health of Māori.
The college recognises the special relationship between the Pacific peoples of New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, and is committed to supporting those fellows and trainees of ANZCA, and improving the health of Pacific peoples.