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RACS ASC feature
From the Aotearoa New Zealand hub The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa was a superb and most fitting venue for the inaugural ASC Aotearoa New Zealand hub. The 33-year-old national museum is known to Kiwis as ‘Our Place’ and it certainly became our place for more than 150 RACS Fellows, Trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) who took part in the RACS ASC. While many delegates watched the proceedings on big screens in one of four venues at Te Papa, others relaxed, with earphones donned and devices in hand at café tables or sofas overlooking Wellington’s waterfront, to watch other sessions of their choosing. Sharon Jay, RACS Trainee Association Aotearoa New Zealand’s Representative, said, “There was so much to learn from all the various presentations and it was so easy to go between section talks online, but also from the Aotearoa exhibits and
the history at Te Papa to enjoy. It was a fantastic hybrid conference experience.” Choosing the program for the hub was challenging, says Philippa Mercer, Chair of RACS’ Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee. “We tried to cater to all tastes. Plenary and cross discipline sessions were well attended and people seemed very comfortable watching some specialty sessions on their own devices and Te Papa had many wonderful spaces where people could do that. As is always the case with the RACS ASC, many of the lectures and sessions were extremely inspiring and thought provoking. Equally importantly, the hub enabled people to catch up and enjoy each other’s company face-to-face, which they clearly greatly appreciated.” A real highlight of the week for those fortunate enough to be able to attend was the local convocation ceremony at Te Marae, a contemporary, authentic
and inclusive marae (meeting place), at Te Papa. Philippa Mercer said having a local ceremony made it easier for the families of the 11 new Fellows to attend. “We chose to hold our convocation and awards ceremony before linking up to Melbourne, which made the event more family friendly. Also, the audience seemed to really appreciate seeing all the New Zealanders being presented with their awards.” One of those convocating, Mr Victor Kong, a general surgeon based in Waikato, said he thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony. “Te Marae had a distinct and uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand ambience. This, along with a great atmosphere and a very well organised event, made the special occasion even more memorable.” Image above:
The convocation ceremony
